1) Study of swine physiology by means of
biotecnologic, genomic and proteomic approaches
The swine is among the domestic species bred intensively for livestock production. The detailed knowledge of reproductive physiology, metabolic functions and behavioral characteristics are essential in order to make more efficient farming and at the same time reduce the impact of strategies livestock welfare of the subjects raised. Advancing knowledge of specific physiological pig has a huge positive impact on refinement.
Experimental approaches:
Female reproduction study; male reproduction study; molecular
and endocrinological analyses for reproductive and metabolic state
assessment; ethological and welfare assessment in pigs; evaluation
of swine embryos gene expression; genomics and proteomics
approaches specific for swine species.
Principal fields of research:
In the ovary, angiogenesis and angioregression
alternatively appears. In this physiological model we study
the phenomenon at gene expression and regulation levels. The
maintenance of a correct ovarian function is undoubtedly related to
the presence of a wide vascular bed that is able to sustain
follicular and corpora lutea development. VEGF is the most relevant
among angiogenetic signals. Its expression is regulated by many
different signals. Hypoxia acts by HIF-1(Hypoxia-inducible factor
1) transcription factor induction and represents one of the most
efficient stimuli together with vasoactive gaseous stimulus as CO e
NO. The evaluation of the expression of HIF-1 as well as of HO (-1
and -2) and NOS enzymes, responsible of CO e NO production
respectively, in relation to functional stage of ovarian structures
are investigated.
2) Traslational medicine applied to swine
pre-clinical models
The swine is universally recognized as a relevant pre-clinical model based on its anatomical and physiological similarities with the human species as organ size and physiology of the digestive, excretory, respiratory and cardiovascular, immune function and sense.
Also the swine in the context of the animal models provides a wide variety of conditions not infectious useful for the study of the pathophysiology human.
Research is carried out in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams that use the pig model for the advancement of knowledge.
3)Development of in vitro and ex vivo swine model
In order to reduce gradually and significantly the number of animals used in animal experimentation, we take care to develop complementary methods using organs, tissues and cells.
