Biochemical aspects of signal transduction, autophagy, growth,
differentiation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and
senescence of human and mammalian cells, also in relation to
pathological conditions, such as arthritic and cardiovascular
diseases. Epigenetic changes in degenerative pathologies, role of microRNAs. Polyamine metabolism in different cellular models and their
involvement in proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis. Nutritional elements
and bioactive components in foods: their role in the prevention of
cardiovascular and osteoarthritic disease.
Main experimental models:
1) induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to be directed towards cardiomyocytic differentiation
2) primary cultures of chondrocytes
and chondrocyte-derived cell lines, treated with various stimuli,
such as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress;
3)
primary cultures of cardiomyocytes and cardiac cell lines (H9c2),
submitted to stress conditions and neuro-hormonal factors;
4)
mesenchymal stem cells from various sources stimulated to
differentiation towards different phenotypes for regenerative
medicine.