Pharmacological Biomolecular Sciences, Experimental and Clinical
Doctoral programme (PhD)
A.Y. 2023/2024
Study area
Science and Technology
PhD Coordinator
The doctoral programme, a third cycle programme, makes the most of the multidisciplinary knowledge of the teaching staff to train biomedical experts in the most modern aspects of pharmacological research. In particular, the areas of interest are:
? Basic research: the study of key mechanisms and molecules in physiopathological processes to identify new pharmacological targets and/or new markers predictive of disease and therapeutic effectiveness. Research involves: 1) the analysis of molecular and cellular aspects of complex physiological processes, 2) the study of pathogenic mechanisms in diseases, 3) the study of biological markers of use in translation of preclinical research to humans.
? Research applied to the pharmacological-toxicological study of active ingredients: 1) analisi analysis of the activity of active principles, including biological drugs under development or in clinical use, 2) analysis of foods, food supplements and therapeutic plant derivatives, 3) analysis of xenobiotic activity.
? Research applied to the creation of innovative systems for studying pathologies and developing drugs and evaluation of their effects on the population. Basic research on: 1) the development of cellular and animal models also through genetic engineering methodologies, 2) optimising preclinical protocols for simple and complex diseases, including co-morbidities 3) in silico approaches to the study of new drug-toxicology targets, 4) the use of databases and population studies also to assess drug use and outcomes in terms of clinical events.
? Technical-scientific collaboration for revising documentation on active compounds and plant protection products and for drug safety and with other clinical centres.
In conclusion, students will develop competencies applicable to various areas of academic and industrial research, allowing effective ?bench to bed? translation and a multidisciplinary approach essential for public health, with significant socio-economic impact on health.
? Basic research: the study of key mechanisms and molecules in physiopathological processes to identify new pharmacological targets and/or new markers predictive of disease and therapeutic effectiveness. Research involves: 1) the analysis of molecular and cellular aspects of complex physiological processes, 2) the study of pathogenic mechanisms in diseases, 3) the study of biological markers of use in translation of preclinical research to humans.
? Research applied to the pharmacological-toxicological study of active ingredients: 1) analisi analysis of the activity of active principles, including biological drugs under development or in clinical use, 2) analysis of foods, food supplements and therapeutic plant derivatives, 3) analysis of xenobiotic activity.
? Research applied to the creation of innovative systems for studying pathologies and developing drugs and evaluation of their effects on the population. Basic research on: 1) the development of cellular and animal models also through genetic engineering methodologies, 2) optimising preclinical protocols for simple and complex diseases, including co-morbidities 3) in silico approaches to the study of new drug-toxicology targets, 4) the use of databases and population studies also to assess drug use and outcomes in terms of clinical events.
? Technical-scientific collaboration for revising documentation on active compounds and plant protection products and for drug safety and with other clinical centres.
In conclusion, students will develop competencies applicable to various areas of academic and industrial research, allowing effective ?bench to bed? translation and a multidisciplinary approach essential for public health, with significant socio-economic impact on health.
Classi di laurea magistrale - Classes of master's degree:
LM-6 Biologia,
LM-7 Biotecnologie agrarie,
LM-8 Biotecnologie industriali,
LM-9 Biotecnologie mediche, veterinarie e farmaceutiche,
LM-13 Farmacia e farmacia industriale,
LM-17 Fisica,
LM-18 Informatica,
LM-21 Ingegneria biomedica,
LM-41 Medicina e chirurgia,
LM-42 Medicina veterinaria,
LM-55 Scienze cognitive,
LM-60 Scienze della natura,
LM-61 Scienze della nutrizione umana,
LM-69 Scienze e tecnologie agrarie,
LM-70 Scienze e tecnologie alimentari,
LM-75 Scienze e tecnologie per l'ambiente e il territorio,
LM-82 Scienze statistiche,
LM/SNT1 Scienze infermieristiche e ostetriche,
LM/SNT2 Scienze riabilitative delle professioni sanitarie,
LM/SNT3 Scienze delle professioni sanitarie tecniche,
LM/SNT4 Scienze delle professioni sanitarie della prevenzione.
LM-6 Biologia,
LM-7 Biotecnologie agrarie,
LM-8 Biotecnologie industriali,
LM-9 Biotecnologie mediche, veterinarie e farmaceutiche,
LM-13 Farmacia e farmacia industriale,
LM-17 Fisica,
LM-18 Informatica,
LM-21 Ingegneria biomedica,
LM-41 Medicina e chirurgia,
LM-42 Medicina veterinaria,
LM-55 Scienze cognitive,
LM-60 Scienze della natura,
LM-61 Scienze della nutrizione umana,
LM-69 Scienze e tecnologie agrarie,
LM-70 Scienze e tecnologie alimentari,
LM-75 Scienze e tecnologie per l'ambiente e il territorio,
LM-82 Scienze statistiche,
LM/SNT1 Scienze infermieristiche e ostetriche,
LM/SNT2 Scienze riabilitative delle professioni sanitarie,
LM/SNT3 Scienze delle professioni sanitarie tecniche,
LM/SNT4 Scienze delle professioni sanitarie della prevenzione.
Dipartimento di Scienze farmacologiche e biomolecolari - Via G. Balzaretti, 9 - 20133 Milano
- Degree course coordinator: Giuseppe Danilo Norata
[email protected] - Main offices
Dipartimento di Scienze farmacologiche e biomolecolari - Via G. Balzaretti, 9 - 20133 Milano - Degree course website
https://sites.unimi.it/scuolascifarm
| Title | Professor(s) |
|---|---|
| Early markers in neuroinflammation: focus on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and brain microenvironment.
Requirements: Experience in the neuroscience field; experience in vitro on primary cultures from rat or mouse brain; skills in molecular biology (extraction of nucleic acids, qRT-PCR), immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and microscopy; experience in manipulation of rats or mice will be preferred. |
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| New mechanisms responsible for remyelination failure in neurodegenerative diseases.
Requirements: Experience in the neuroscience field; experience in vitro on primary cultures from rat or mouse brain; skills in molecular biology (extraction of nucleic acids, qRT-PCR), immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and microscopy; experience in manipulation of rats or mice will be preferred. |
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| Familial aggregation of subclinical atherosclerosis: relationships among markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in first-degree relatives including grandparents, parents, children, and siblings (including monozygotic and dizygotic twins).
Requirements: Good knowledge of the main computer applications. basis of statistics and epidemiology. |
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| Characterization of subclinical atherosclerosis in the diabetic patient: specific differences in various biomarkers of organ damage and endothelial dysfunction between type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients.
Requirements: Good knowledge of the main computer applications. Basis of statistics and epidemiology. |
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| Studying the immune mechanisms elicited by the postprandial phase (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: Knowledge of the anatomophysiological aspects, of the lipid metabolism and of the principal concepts of immunity. Experience con basic lab activities and protein quantification. |
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| Relationship between the “aging” of the circulating granulocytes and the fats deriving from diet, unveiling the circuit gut-liver-nerves-bone marrow.
Requirements: Knowledge of anatomophysiological aspects and of molecular biology. Previous lab expertise (PCR, ELISA, histochemistry and flow-cytometry). |
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| Hepatic metabolism of lipoproteins, medullary and extra-medullary developments of the myeloid lineage: study of the molecular and cellular aspects.
Requirements: Proper knowledge of molecular biology, of the lipid metabolism. Previous lab expertise (PCR, ELISA, cell culture and flow-cytometry). |
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| Engineering stem cells for immunomodulatory cell therapy of cardiovascular diseases.
Requirements: The candidate should have a good knowledge of the pathological mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, practical experience in cell culture, molecular biology and phenotyping of immune response. |
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| Unveil immunometabolic checkpoints associated to cardio-metabolic diseases.
Requirements: The candidate should have a good knowledge of the pathological mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, practical experience in cell culture, molecular biology and phenotyping of immune response. |
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| Restyling/remodeling of the peptide specific c-jun N-terminal kinase 3 inhibitor (SIMBA2) and its characterization with circular dichronism/NMR, studying of new transporter/cargo to decrease the peptide charges and neuroprotection studies of the new peptides compare with old SIMBA2 (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: Knowledge of basic biochemical and histological techniques. Previous experience in in-vivo work. |
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| The c-Jun N-terminal Kinase 3 inhibition towards the prevention of neurodegeneration.
Requirements: Knowledge of basic biochemical and histological techniques. Previous experience in in-vivo work. |
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| SIMBA2, the specific JNK3 inhibitor, against cerebral ischemia .
Requirements: Knowledge of basic biochemical and histological techniques. Previous experience in in-vivo work. |
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| Setup of an in-vitro model of quadripartite synapse to study synaptic dysfunction.
Requirements: Knowledge of basic biochemical and histological techniques. Previous experience in in-vivo work. |
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| Restyling/remodeling of the peptide specific c-jun N-terminal kinase 3 inhibitor (SIMBA2)
Requirements: Knowledge of basic biochemical and histological techniques. Previous experience in in-vivo work. |
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| Exploring sex-dependent vulnerability to anorexia nervosa following social impoverishment during early adolescence
Requirements: Expertise in gene (mRNA extraction, real-time PCR) and protein expression (subcellular fraction extraction, western blot, ELISA) studies. Basic expertise in animal manipulation. |
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| Unveiling the neurobiological mechanisms of ketamine: from antidepressant to addictive effects
Requirements: Expertise in gene (real-time PCR) and protein (western blot, ELISA) expression studies and in animal manipulation. Expertise in basic morphological dendritic spine analyses using confocal microscopy. |
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| Identification of new biomarkers for psychiatric diseases: from preclinical to clinical studies.
Requirements: Expertise in mRNA extraction and analysis (RT- real time PCR), protein extraction and analysis (western blot, ELISA). |
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| Evaluation of mechanisms underlying resilience to develop psychiatric disorders for the identification of new preventive strategies and/or novel pharmacological treatments.
Requirements: Expertise in mRNA extraction and analysis (RT- real time PCR), protein extraction and analysis (western blot, ELISA). |
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| Familial lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency: from the natural history to new pharmacological approaches.
Requirements: Laboratory experience: biochemical analyses, electrophoretic techniques, cellular and animal studies. |
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| Brain lipoprotein metabolism in neurodegenerative disorders.
Requirements: Laboratory experience: biochemical analyses, electrophoretic techniques, cellular studies. |
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| Dissecting the mechanisms responsible for platelet procoagulant phenotype and pharmacological modulation by antiplatelet, anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Requirements: Expertise in cell and molecular biology, flow cytometry and (confocal) microscopy is an advantage for the position. Familiarity with hemostatic mechanisms. Attitude to work both independently and as part of a team. Specific expertise in the field of cardiovascular diseases. |
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| Identification of molecular mechanisms linking the onset of migraine with the presence of patent foramen ovale.
Requirements: Expertise in cell and molecular biology, flow cytometry and (confocal) microscopy is an advantage for the position. Familiarity with hemostatic mechanisms. Attitude to work both independently and as part of a team. Specific expertise in the field of cardiovascular diseases. |
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| Identification of the role of PCSK9 in platelet hyperreactivity and impact of anti-PCSK9 drug therapies.
Requirements: Expertise in cell and molecular biology, flow cytometry and (confocal) microscopy is an advantage for the position. Familiarity with hemostatic mechanisms. Attitude to work both independently and as part of a team. Specific expertise in the field of cardiovascular diseases. |
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| Functional characterization of the SEMA6A gene in the control of brain permeability and in the plasticity of hypothalamic circuits controlling reproduction.
Requirements: The candidate should have good knowledge of neurobiology and related techniques of cell and molecular biology. Laboratory experience in histology is preferable. |
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| Exploring the role of a novel gene implicated in neural crest cell development and splicing processes.
Requirements: The candidate should have good knowledge of neurobiology and related techniques. Laboratory experience in embriology. |
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| Exploring the role of a novel gene during neurodevelopment and actin remodelling by applying in vitro and in vivo models.
Requirements: The candidate should have good knowledge of developmental neurobiology principles and techniques. Laboratory experience in histology. |
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| Exploring the power of single cell RNA-sequencing to decipher the cellular and molecular developmental dynamics of the hypothalamus.
Requirements: The candidate should have good knowledge of developmental neurobiology principles and techniques. Laboratory experience in molecular biology and bioinformatics. |
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| Role of hypertension as a trigger in heart failure.
Requirements: The candidate should possess knowledge in the field of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and team working capacities. |
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| Evaluating new biomarkers for precision medicine in genetic cardiomyopathies.
Requirements: The candidate should possess knowledge in the field of cardiovascular diseases, biomarkers and team working capacities. |
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| Familial hypercholesterolemia and other genetic diseases of lipid metabolism: evaluating the genetic basis, the correlation between genotype and phenotype, and the predictors of response to therapy, with the aim of improving diagnosis and treatment.
Requirements: Knowledge in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, basic of genetics and DNA molecular biology. |
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| Tools to implement the effectiveness of chronic treatments addressing inappropriate prescribing and adherence to therapy
Requirements: Knowledge of pharmacology, and of how to interrogate databases, skills in building and running a database. Knowledge of SPSS and SAS software. |
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| Early Life stress exposure, gut microbiome and immune system: implication for the onset of mental disorders (ex DM 117/2023)
Requirements: Animal manipulations, human samples management and processing, knowledge of behavioral analyses for studying animal models to psychiatric disorders; basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology methodologies, RNAseq analyses, 16s analyses. |
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| Identification of peripheral signatures associated with depressive symptoms in pregnancy and with neurodevelopmental trajectories in the offspring.
Requirements: Blood and saliva samples management and processing, animal samples processing, basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology methodologies, transcriptomic analyses. |
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| Stress exposure and vulnerability or resilience: Role of Immune System and Gut microbiome Interplay.
Requirements: Animal manipulations, knowledge of behavioral analyses for studying animal models to psychiatric disorders; basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology methodologies. |
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| Peripheral blood signatures associated with early life stress exposure and with alterations in brain circuitries and connectivity.
Requirements: Blood samples management and processing, basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology methodologies, transcriptomic analyses. |
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| Depressive symptoms during pregnancy, interventions, and their impact on the offspring: identification of underlying brain circuitry and molecular mechanisms.
Requirements: Animal manipulations, knowledge of behavioral analyses for studying animal models to psychiatric disorders; basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology methodologies. |
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| The gut-brain axis in the development of multiple sclerosis and related trigeminal pain and its modulation with purple corn-derived nutraceuticals.
Requirements: Previous laboratory experience in pharmacology, biochemistry and molecular biology and, preferably, in in vivo preclinical and behavioral studies. Specific expertise in the field of basic mechanisms of pain. |
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| Targeting the prokineticin system as novel approach to counteract neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis.
Requirements: Previous laboratory experience in pharmacology, biochemistry and molecular biology and, preferably, in in vivo preclinical and behavioral studies. Specific expertise in the field of basic mechanisms of pain.. |
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| Peripheral adenosine receptors as novel biomarkers to predict the phenoconversion from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) to Parkinson’s Disease.
Requirements: Previous laboratory experience in pharmacology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Specific expertise in the field of purinergic transmission. |
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| Impact of alterations of the lipid/lipoprotein metabolism in the onset of age-related disorders.
Requirements: Knowledge of the use of animal models, expertise in histology, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR analyses, protein extraction and analysis (Western blot, ELISA). |
G. M. Chiesa
|
| Study of the pathophysiology of the arterial vessels in genetically-modified animal models.
Requirements: Knowledge of the use of animal models, expertise in histology, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR analyses, protein extraction and analysis (Western blot, ELISA) |
G. M. Chiesa
|
| Investigation of RNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease.
Requirements: Knowledge of the use of animal models, expertise in histology, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR analyses, protein extraction and analysis (Western blot, ELISA). |
G. M. Chiesa
|
| Patient-derived EVs for the cancer-specific delivery of drugs.
Requirements: Technical skills: basic molecular and cellular biology, fluorescent and bioluminescent reporter systems, laboratory animal handling; Office package and statistic programs. |
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| Innovative tools based on non-invasive optical imaging for combined pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies of RNA drugs.
Requirements: Technical skills: basic molecular and cellular biology, fluorescent and bioluminescent reporter systems, laboratory animal handling; Office package and statistic programs. |
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| RNA drugs as anti-infective agents for the treatment of the SARS.
Requirements: Technical skills: technical skills: basic molecular and cellular biology, fluorescent and bioluminescent reporter systems, laboratory animal handling; Office package and statistic programs. |
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| Role of hypoglycaemic drugs in treating neuropsychiatric disorders: evidence-based and pharmacoepidemiologic approaches for supporting the clinical practice
Requirements: Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance basic skills, Bibliographic searching basic skills, good knowledge of statistical analysis software e.g., R, SPSS, SAS. |
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| New pharmacological approaches to understand the molecular basis and treatment of iatrogenic obesity.
Requirements: Knowledge of molecular and cell biology (RT-PCR; primary and cell line cultures), biochemistry (western blotting) and histology (histochemistry, immunofluorescence). |
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| Study of circulating lipid markers to engineer precision diagnostics and targeted pharmacological approaches in cancer (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: Knowledge of biochemical cellular and molecular biology techniques. |
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| Evaluation of the impact of specific nutritional approaches and fasting-mimetic drugs on tumor metabolism, immune surveillance and chemotherapy efficacy.
Requirements: Knowledge of biochemical cellular and molecular biology techniques. |
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| Study of the role of membrane lipids and lipid metabolism in chemo resistance by biochemical and biophysical approaches.
Requirements: Knowledge of biochemical cellular and molecular biology techniques. |
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| Environmental pollutants and diseases: the smoke of the new tobacco products as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Requirements: Knowledge and competences in cell biology and in the study of the effects of the new tobacco smoking devices on the atherogenic process. The candidate should carry on independently her/his research project and have a good attitude to working in team with other lab members. Expertise in cellular and molecular biology are appreciated but not mandatory. |
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| Effect of naive or pharmacologically-modified extracellular vesicles in in vitro models to find novel treatments for oncological and cardiovascular pathologies.
Requirements: Theoretical knowledge in the field of extracellular vesicles, lipids, tumors and cardiovascular diseases, good lab practice (in vitro models, lipid analysis, ultracentrifugation, cromatography), team working capacities. |
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| Epigenetic regulation of metabolism in physiology and disease states.
Requirements: Knowledge of energy metabolism, analysis of the histone code by genomic and proteomic methodologies, and transcriptional regulation. Knowledge of the role of different organs (adipose tissue, skeletal and cardiac muscles, liver, and brain) and their composition into cellular subsets in integrating metabolism. . Understanding of bioinformatics methodologies for analysis of data from omics approaches. |
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| Study of selective histone deacetylase inhibitors and role in the regulation of metabolism in physiology and pathological states
Requirements: Knowledge of the principles of energy metabolism, analysis of metabolism and its regulation using genomic and metabolomic methodologies. Knowledge of cell types found in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver. Understanding of bioinformatics methodologies for analysis of data from omics approaches.. |
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| Extracellular Vesicles in the pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia
Requirements: Good Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Good background in neuroscience. Interest for working with cellular models. |
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| The spreading of Tar-DNA-bindig protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation.
Requirements: Good Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Good background in neuroscience. Interest for working with cellular models. |
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| The role of chaperone mediated autophagy (CMA) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy.
Requirements: Good Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Interest and aptitude for molecular and cellular studies in the neuroscience field. |
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| Molecular mechanisms of repeat expansion diseases: the role of CHIP protein.
Requirements: Good Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Interest and aptitude for molecular and cellular studies in the neuroscience field. |
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| Deciphering the role of the mitochondrial regulator Zc3h10 in monocyte-macrophages.
Requirements: Knowledge in biochemistry, energy metabolism, and quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of metabolites involved in different metabolic pathways. Metabolic flux analysis. Gene expression analysis. |
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| Study of the structure, function and regulation of neuronatin in metabolism and pathophysiology.
Requirements: Principles of energy metabolism, analysis of metabolism and its regulation by next-generation biochemical methodologies and omics approaches. Understanding of the role of intracellular calcium fluxes in signal transduction in different organs and tissues and knowledge of gain-of-function and loss-of-function techniques of specific genes. |
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| Novel approaches to combat hepatitis B and D virus infections: targeting virus entry into the hepatocyte
Requirements: Experience in standard cell and molecular biology; techniques; basic microscopy; experience in BSL2 and/or BSL3 environment. |
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| Discovery and development of novel pan-coronavirus antivirals against current and future pandemics.
Requirements: Experience in standard cell and molecular biology; techniques; basic microscopy; experience in BSL2 and/or BSL3 environment. |
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| From hepatocyte culture to liver organoids: development of novel in vitro model(s) of persistent HBV infection and its pharmacological cure.
Requirements: Experience in standard cell and molecular biology; techniques; basic microscopy; experience in BSL2 and/or BSL3 environment. |
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| Investigating of Hepatitis B protein “x” (HBx) as a novel therapeutic target for Chronic Hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma (ex DM 117/2023)
Requirements: Experience in standard cell and molecular biology; techniques; basic microscopy; experience in BSL2 and/or BSL3 environment. |
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| An ethnopharmacological approach to valorize botanicals traditionally used in the Mediterranean area: efficacy assessment in the gastrointestinal tract (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: Extract preparation from plant material, bio-guided fractionation, cell culture, H. pylori growth, transient transfections, ELISA, extraction of RNA and real time PCR, western blotting, biochemical assays. |
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| Botanicals and gastric inflammation: anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects in human gastric epithelial cells infected with Helicobacter pylori
Requirements: Extract preparation from plant material, bio-guided fractionation, cell culture, H. pylori growth, transient transfections, ELISA, extraction of RNA and real time PCR, western blotting, biochemical assays. |
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| Botanicals with anti-inflammatory activity in skin diseases.
Requirements: Expertise related to extracts preparation from natural source, bio-guided fractionation, cell culture, transient transfections, ELISA, real time RT-PCR, use of LC-MS/MS instruments. |
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| Neuroinflammatory Tumor Microenvironment of Meningiomas: Implications in Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Approaches
Requirements: The candidate should demonstrate competence in molecular and cell biology applied to the neuroinflammatory tumor microenvironment of meningiomas with the aim at determining diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. The proposed project will further aim at grading tumor aggressiveness, tumor-brain crosstalk, and therapy response on the basis of the tumor microenvironment analysis. |
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| Soma to synapse: the inverse communication ruling plasticity at specific synapses
Requirements: Knowledge in neuroscience; experience in performing laboratory work independently; good collaborative and social skills and an open-minded mind-set. |
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| Dissecting the physiopathological role of Rabphilin-3A at excitatory glutamatergic synapses.
Requirements: Knowledge in neuroscience; experience in performing laboratory work independently; good collaborative and social skills and an open-minded mind-set. |
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| Learning to make decisions from others: dissecting the neural circuits underlying social learning.
Requirements: Knowledge in neuroscience; experience in performing laboratory work independently; good collaborative and social skills and an open-minded mind-set. |
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| Identification of new pharmacological targets to prevent synaptic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: Knowledge in neuroscience; experience in performing laboratory work independently; good collaborative and social skills and an open-minded mind-set. |
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| Innovative gene-editing and live-imaging approaches to clarify the contribution of autoimmunity in the onset of frontotemporal dementia: identification of novel strategies for personalised medicine for anti-GluA3 positive patients.
Requirements: Knowledge in neuroscience; experience in performing laboratory work independently; good collaborative and social skills and an open-minded mind-set. |
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| In silico study to evaluate the impact of post-translational modifications on molecular recognition mechanisms and the biological activity of immunoglobulins (ex DM 117/2023)
Requirements: Knowledge of structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling methods applied to the study of proteins. |
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| Application of molecular modeling methods based both on classical and innovative tools to investigate the transport mechanism of transmembrane transporters.
Requirements: Knowledge of structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling methods applied to the study of proteins. |
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| Identification of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the field of psychiatric disorders through the computational combination of behavioral and "omics" analyses: from the experimental model to the patient.
Requirements: Expertise in mRNA extraction and analysis (RT- real time PCR), protein extraction and analysis (western blot, ELISA). Experience in sample preparation for ‘omic’ techniques. |
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| Repeated exposure to the psychostimulant cocaine during adolescence: behavioral and molecular correlates
Requirements: Expertise in gene and protein expression studies. Expertise in basic morphological dendritic spine analyses using confocal microscopy. |
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| Early social adversity and risk for psychopathology: shedding light on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics
Requirements: Expertise in mRNA extraction and analysis (RT- real time PCR), protein extraction and analysis (western blot, ELISA). |
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| Evaluation of oligodendrocyte-immune cells interactions, and impact on myelin regeneration in neurological disorders.
Requirements: Good knowledge of techniques of molecular and cellular biology and, possibly, previous experience on manipulation of rodents. Specific expertise in the field of neurological diseases may represent a significant add-on to the candidate’s CV |
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| Oligodendrocyte dysfunction in experimental models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives.
Requirements: Good knowledge of techniques of molecular and cellular biology. Specific expertise in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. |
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| Innovative methods to develop muscle cell models for motor neuron disease modelling and therapy (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: Knowledge of the main techniques of cell and molecular biology and rodent manipulation |
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| Protein quality control and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: focus on the role of the heat shock protein HSPB8 with in vivo studies.
Requirements: Knowledge of the main techniques of cell and molecular biology and rodent manipulation |
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| Role of altered skeletal muscle function in motor neuron diseases.
Requirements: Knowledge of the main techniques of cell and molecular biology and rodent manipulation |
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| Identification of pharmacological approaches blocking alpha-synuclein synaptic toxicity in experimental models of Parkinson’s disease
Requirements: Knowledge in neuroscience; good collaborative and social skills and an open-minded mind-set. |
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| Dissecting the role of GluA3-containing AMPA receptors in Frontotemporal Dementia
Requirements: Knowledge in neuroscience; good collaborative and social skills and an open-minded mind-set. |
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| From synaptic plasticity to brain circuits for the understanding of decision-making functions.
Requirements: Knowledge in neuroscience; good collaborative and social skills and an open-minded mind-set. |
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| Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction: role of the neurotransmitters and of the steroidogenesis in peripheral glands, colon and nervous system.
Requirements: Knowledge of mass spectrometry and molecular biology techniques to be applied in the field of steroids and neurotransmitters. |
S. Giatti
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| Cognitive impairment associated with diabetes mellitus: role of sex steroids and neurosteroids.
Requirements: Knowledge of mass spectrometry and molecular biology techniques to be applied in the field of steroids and neurotransmitters. |
S. Giatti
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| Genetic and acquired lysosomal acid lipase deficiencies: impact on the liver and on extra-hepatic tissues.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of biochemical, cellular and molecular biology techniques. |
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| Modulation of cancer cell viability by high density lipoproteins: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic applications.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of biochemical, cellular and molecular biology techniques. |
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| Biomarkers for the development of innovative diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Requirements: The candidate should demonstrate interest and competence in cell biology applied to the area of neurodegenerative diseases within a project aimed at solving the heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and determine pathogenetic profiles associated with specific clinical phenotypes. |
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| Plant-derived vesicles as components of innovative drugs
Requirements: Experience in pharmacognosy and processing of plant tissues; experience in cell cultures; skills in molecular biology (extraction of nucleic acids, qRT-PCR), immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and microscopy; experience in manipulation of rats or mice will be preferred. |
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| RNA-based drugs in the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
Requirements: Experience in the neuroscience field; experience in vitro on primary cultures from rat or mouse brain; skills in molecular biology (extraction of nucleic acids, qRT-PCR), bioinformatics and sequence analysis; experience in manipulation of rats or mice will be preferred. |
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| GABA in peripheral nervous system: role in demyelinating diseases and neuropathic pain.
Requirements: Set up primary glial and neuronal cell culture (dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons, Schwann cells, satellite cells, etc.). Expertise in “in vitro” myelination model, cytofluorimetry, qRT-PCR, imaging (CLSM, morphometric analysis, EM, etc.), bioinformatics and basic electrophysiologic techniques. |
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| PKC-epsilon role and possible therapeutic approach for neuropathic pain.
Requirements: Set up of primary glial and neuronal cell culture (dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons, Schwann cells, satellite cells, etc.). Expertise in “in vitro” myelination model, cytofluorimetry, qRT-PCR, imaging (CLSM, morphometric analysis, EM, etc.), bioinformatics. |
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| Characterisation of nanoplastic-induced molecular damage in cell-based models of dysfunctional hepatocytes and adipocytes
Requirements: Knowledge of molecular pathophysiology in the cardiometabolic area, experience in translational research laboratory and team building skills. |
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| Proteomic approaches to risk assessment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: application of mass spectrometry technologies and artificial intelligence/machine learning strategies.
Requirements: Knowledge of molecular pathophysiology in the cardiometabolic area, experience in translational research laboratory and team building skills. |
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| Metabolomic analysis for prevention and early diagnosis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases with innovative technologies and artificial intelligence / machine learning approaches
Requirements: Knowledge of molecular pathophysiology in the cardiometabolic area, experience in translational research laboratory and team building skills. |
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| Assessing the biological activity of plant extracts from biomasses from agri-food waste with innovative and sustainable methods: relevance to cardiometabolic health.
Requirements: Knowledge of molecular pathophysiology in the cardiometabolic area, experience in research laboratory (cell / molecular biology) and team building skills. |
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| Characterization of the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the incomplete immune reconstitution in HIV(+) patients on antiretroviral therapy.
Requirements: Interest in the area of virology and immunology. Experience in standard techniques of cell culture and molecular biology. Basic knowledge of Flow cytometry techniques. Previous experience in BSL2 and/or BSL3. |
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| Impact of different SARS-CoV2 Variants on innate immune response, epigenetic landscape and metabolism of infected cells.
Requirements: Interest in the area of virology. Experience in standard techniques of cell culture, molecular biology and viral infectivity assays. Basic knowledge of Flow cytometry and sorting techniques. Previous experience in BSL2 and/or BSL3. |
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| Analysis of the pathways governing the function of CD4 T memory stem cells in antiviral and vaccine responses for the identification of new players to boost immune memory.
Requirements: Interest in the area of immunology. Experience in techniques of primary cell culture and isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Basic knowledge of Flow cytometry and sorting techniques. Previous experience in BSL2 and/or BSL3. |
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| Analysis of the crosstalk between ADAM10 and the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2A in synaptic plasticity phenomena.
Requirements: Knowledge in neurobiology and generally in neuroscience. Expertise in cellular and molecular biology is appreciated. |
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| Study of the cross-talk between brain metabolism and synaptic plasticity in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Requirements: Knowledge in studying Alzheimer's Disease. Expertise in cellular and molecular biology is appreciated. |
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| Exploiting directly converted induced neurons (iNs) from Alzheimer Disease-patient-derived fibroblasts to study cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.
Requirements: Knowledge in neurobiology and in cell reprogramming methodologies. Expertise in cellular and molecular biology is appreciated. |
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| Safety evaluation RNA-based drugs using NAMs (New approach methodologies).
Requirements: Building skills and competencies in the safety evaluation of RNA-based drugs, promoting training on theoretical approaches and empirical methodologies. The candidate should be familiar with various in vitro models, including 2D and 3D models and with assays to evaluate various adverse effects from cytotoxicity to gene expression. Bioinformatic analysis will be applied to integrate the data and identify the pathway of toxicity. |
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| Development of an integrated strategy for the identification and characterisation of environmental contaminants using New Methodological Approaches (NAM).
Requirements: Proven experience in the development and execution of experiments in the field of in vitro toxicology, NAM and in the development and application of the Adverse Outcome Pathway framework. |
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| Identification of specific miRNAs in patients affected by occupational allergic asthma and study of their role in etiopathogenesis of the disease trough the setup of an in vitro method.
Requirements: Cell culture techniques; Cytometer acquisition and analysis technique; Gene and protein expression technique; Lympho-monocytes isolation; Basic immunotoxicology background. |
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| Study of key proteins involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria, as potential targets of new antibiotic therapies.
Requirements: Knowledge and familiarity with basic microbiology techniques, bacterial genetic and physiology, molecular biology (DNA manipulation, cloning, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting techniques), basic biochemistry techniques. |
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| Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying desiccation resistance contributing to the persistence of the nosocomial pathogenic bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii
Requirements: Knowledge and familiarity with basic microbiology techniques, bacterial genetic and physiology, molecular biology (DNA manipulation, cloning, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting techniques), basic biochemistry techniques. |
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| Etiopathogenesis of Post-finasteride syndrome: role of the neurotransmitters and sex steroids.
Requirements: Knowledge of mass spectrometry and molecular biology techniques to be applied in the field of steroids and neurotransmitters. |
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| Gut-brain axis: role of steroid molecules
Requirements: Knowledge of mass spectrometry and molecular biology techniques to be applied in the field of steroids and neurotransmitters. |
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| Role of sexual dimorphism of adipocytes in interaction with breast cancer cells.
Requirements: Knowledge in biochemistry, energy metabolism, and quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of metabolites involved in different metabolic pathways. Metabolic flux analysis. Gene expression analysis. |
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| Unravelling the role of the novel mitochondrial regulator Zc3h10 in diabetes.
Requirements: Gene expression analysis and regulation. Energy metabolism. Quantitative analyses by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of metabolites involved in different metabolic pathways. Metabolic flux analysis. |
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| Metabolomic and lipidomic approaches to study pathologies characterized by metabolic dysfunction.
Requirements: Knowledge of lipid, glucose and amino acid metabolism. Quantitative analyses by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of metabolites involved in different metabolic pathways. Metabolic flux analysis. |
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| Role of novel mitochondrial regulators in the development, progression, and resistance to therapeutic treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma
Requirements: knowledge in biochemistry, energy metabolism, and quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of metabolites involved in different metabolic pathways. Metabolic flux analysis. Gene expression analysis. |
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| Innovating approaches to managing the metabolic syndrome based on effects of amino acid-substituted diets.
Requirements: The applicant should have a working knowledge of DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, western blotting, transfection, cell cultivation techniques, and animal experience. |
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| Study of amino acid mixtures to preserve intestinal barrier function in inflammatory disorders
Requirements: The applicant should have a working knowledge of DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, western blotting, transfection, cell cultivation techniques, and animal experience. |
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| Unveil the role of mitochondrial dynamism in cardiometabolic disorders.
Requirements: The candidate should have a good knowledge of the pathological mechanisms of cardiometabolic diseases, practical experience in molecular and cellular biology and immuno-histological analysis. |
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| Gene editing of human stem cells to control the immunoinflammatory response during atherosclerosis in humanized experimental models.
Requirements: The candidate should have a good knowledge of the pathological mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, practical experience in cell culture, molecular biology and phenotyping of immune response. |
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| Alagille syndrome: the role of lipoproteins in cardiovascular and renal complications
Requirements: Laboratory experience: biochemical analyses, electrophoretic techniques, cellular studies. |
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| ANGPTL3 as pharmacological target: impact on HDL structure and function
Requirements: Laboratory experience: biochemical analyses, electrophoretic techniques, cellular and animal studies. |
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| Development of microphysiological systems for the characterization of the crosstalk between endocrine cells of the pancreas and Insulin Target Tissues
Requirements: Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy techniques, animal models of diseases, 3D cultures and microfluidic. |
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| Identification of new signaling pathways controlling the neuroinflammatory response in Parkinson’s Disease.
Requirements: Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology and ion imaging techniques, experience on animal models of diseases and/or induced pluripotent stem cells. |
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| Protective mechanisms against neurotoxic proteins in motoneuron diseases.
Requirements: Good knowledge of basic neuroscience and motor neuron diseases. Interest and aptitude for molecular and cellular studies in cells and animal models. |
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| RNA based approaches to counteract neurotoxic events in expanded nucleotide repeats associated neurodegenerative diseases (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: Good knowledge of basic neuroscience and motor neuron diseases. Interest and aptitude for molecular and cellular studies in cells and animal models. |
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| New approaches to counteract the androgen receptor neurotoxicity in SBMA.
Requirements: Good knowledge of basic neuroscience and motor neuron diseases. Interest and aptitude for molecular and cellular studies in cells and animal models. |
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| Identification of platelet activation biomarkers for improving thrombotic risk stratification in coronary artery disease patients
Requirements: Expertise in cell and molecular biology, flow cytometry and (confocal) microscopy is an advantage for the position. Familiarity with hemostatic mechanisms. Attitude to work both independently and as part of a team. Specific expertise in the field of cardiovascular diseases. |
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| Predictive value of circulating extracellular vesicle signature in coronary bypass graft patency.
Requirements: Expertise in cell and molecular biology, flow cytometry and (confocal) microscopy is an advantage for the position. Familiarity with hemostatic mechanisms. Attitude to work both independently and as part of a team. Specific expertise in the field of cardiovascular diseases |
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| Identification of brain circuits and mechanisms responsible for stress vulnerability across different life stages: toward the development of novel therapeutic strategies for mood disorders (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: Animal manipulations, knowledge of behavioral analyses for studying animal models to psychiatric disorders; Knowledge of basic molecular biology methodologies, such as real time PCR and transcriptomics as well as of brain imaging. |
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| Boosting resilience during adolescence to prevent psychopathologies following exposure to adverse events during pregnancy.
Requirements: Animal manipulations, knowledge of behavioral analyses for studying animal models to psychiatric disorders; basic knowledge of molecular biology methodologies, such as real time PCR, protein analysis as well as of immunocytochemistry. |
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| Pharmacological modulation of psychopathologic domains: from synaptic mechanisms to neuroplasticity.
Requirements: Animal manipulations, knowledge of behavioral analyses for studying animal models to psychiatric disorders; basic knowledge of molecular biology methodologies as well as of protein analysis and immunocytochemistry |
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| Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the development and adjuvant therapy of chronic-degenerative diseases
Requirements: Knowledge of biochemical cellular and molecular biology techniques |
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| The role of nutraceutics in radioprotection
Requirements: Knowledge of biochemical cellular and molecular biology techniques |
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| Role of extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases pathogenesis and in the identification of new molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between the different cardiovascular components for the development of innovative pharmacological treatments.
Requirements: The candidate should possess knowledge in the field of extracellular vesicles, lipids and cardiovascular diseases, good lab practice, team working capacities. |
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| Evaluating the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular risk. Identifying new molecular mechanisms (e.g., extracellular vesicles) related to the development of the atherosclerotic process - in vitro and in vivo evaluations.
Requirements: The candidate should possess knowledge in the field of extracellular vesicles, lipids and cardiovascular diseases, good lab practice, team working capacities. |
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| Role of extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases: from bench to bedside (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: The candidate should possess knowledge in the field of extracellular vesicles, lipids and cardiovascular diseases, good lab practice, team working capacities. |
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| Lysosomal quality control : Molecular mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.
Requirements: Good Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Good preparation in the neuroscience field. |
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| Autophagy in polyglutamine diseases: from mechanism to therapeutic approaches
Requirements: Good Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Good preparation in the neuroscience field. |
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| Identification of neuroinflammation as common substrate to neurological side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in mouse models.
Requirements: The student should be ready to perform behavioral experiments with mice in vivo. He/She should have basic knowledge of primary cultures and of biochemical and molecular biology methods. |
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| Novel therapeutic approaches to treat pain in Fabry-Anderson disease. Focus on microglia and the prokineticin system
Requirements: Highly motivated person, the candidate should work with preclinical models of disease and possess knowledge of methods for gene and protein expression evaluation. |
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| Biological activity and characterization of natural extracts prepared with innovative and eco-green technologies: from the university laboratory to the pharmaceutical industry (ex DM 117/2023)
Requirements: Competences in the preparation of plant extracts, bio-guided fractionation, use of eukaryotic cell cultures, transient transfections, ELISA, real time PCR, western blotting, use of analytical instruments. |
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| Ethnopharmacological study on the biological properties of plants and their preparations traditionally used in specific geographical or cultural contexts.
Requirements: Competences in the preparation of plant extracts, bio-guided fractionation, use of eukaryotic cell cultures, transient transfections, ELISA, real time PCR, western blotting, use of analytical instruments. |
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| Evaluation of botanicals in the intestine: permeability and anti-inflammatory activity.
Requirements: Competences in the preparation of plant extracts, bio-guided fractionation, use of eukaryotic cell cultures, transient transfections, ELISA, real time PCR, western blotting, use of analytical instruments. |
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| Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a novel target for therapy of brain and heart ischemia
Requirements: The candidate should have an interest in cardio- and cerebrovascular science and experience in molecular and cellular biology as well as immunohistochemistry. Experience with in-vivo. |
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| Heart-brain interaction: effects of cardiac damage on neuro-inflammation and cognitive impairment
Requirements: The candidate should have an interest in cardio- and cerebrovascular science and experience in molecular and cellular biology as well as immunohistochemistry. Experience with in-vivo. |
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| Valorization of Vegetable Extracellular Vesicles as Therapeutic Resources for neurodegenerative disease (ex DM 118/2023)
Requirements: The candidate should have an interest in cardio- and cerebrovascular science and experience in molecular and cellular biology as well as immunohistochemistry. Experience with in-vivo. |
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| Development of an innovative screening approach based on a cell envelope stress reporter assay in E. coli to identify envelope-specific antibacterials from natural sources.
Requirements: Knowledge and familiarity with basic microbiology techniques, bacterial genetics, and molecular biology (molecular cloning, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting techniques). |
|
| Molecular characterization of the multiprotein lipopolysaccharide transport complex (Lpt) in Escherichia coli as a target for new antibacterial strategies.
Requirements: Knowledge and familiarity with basic microbiology techniques, bacterial genetics, and molecular biology (molecular cloning, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting techniques). |
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| Study of plant extracts and active compound with a metabolic impact, on cholesterolemia, glycemia, hepatic steatosis, through literature research, analytical characterization, and the identification of markers with both in vitro and in vivo models (ex DM 117/2023)
Requirements: Knowledge of physiopathological mechanisms associated to metabolic diseases , Research Skills, Analytical and Laboratory Skills. Experimental Design and Execution |
Courses list
January 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Translational Relevance of Steroid Molecules in Physiology and Diseases | 2 | 16 | English | |
March 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Genetics and Epigenetics for Biomarker Identification and Therapy | 2 | 16 | English | |
April 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Basics of Statistics and Applications in Biomedical Research | 2 | 16 | English | |
May 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Multiomic Approaches to Study Cardiometabolic Disorders. | 2 | 16 | English | |
February 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Gut Brain- and Liver Brain- Axis: Theoretical and Practical Aspects Related to Metagenomics | 2 | 16 | English | |
March 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Humanized Experimental Models Investigating in Vivo Human | 2 | 16 | English | |
July 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Stem Cells in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology | 2 | 16 | English | |
January 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Experimental Models and Rnaseq Technique to Investigate Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Psychiatric Disorders | 2 | 16 | English | |
May 2024
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| The Central Role of Metabolism in Health and Disease: Concepts, Omics Approaches, Their Interpretation and Applications | 2 | 16 | English | |
Enrolment
Places available: 23
Call for applications
Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.
Application for admission: from 27/06/2023 to 26/07/2023
Application for matriculation: from 25/09/2023 to 07/10/2023
Attachments and documents
Following the programme of study
Contacts
Office and services for PhD students and companies