UPO Book

Brief Research Description

Our research group (Cell Stress & Death Lab) studies the molecular mechanisms activated by cells under stress conditions, both in physiological and pathological conditions, that govern the onset, progression, and response-to-therapies of diseases. We study the events that dysregulate the homeostasis of the Endoplasmic Reticulum compartment, thus triggering the so-called "ER Stress", and the molecular mechanisms that regulate the ER Stress-dependent survival/death decision. In parallel, we study the recently described form of non-apoptotic and iron-dependent cell death, called ferroptosis, at the molecular level. Indeed, we investigate the involvement of this form of cell death in the onset/progression of human diseases, its potential links with the ER Stress response, and its pharmacological modulation as a potential therapeutic intervention.

In our studies we use a combination of in vitro (2D/3D cell lines, static and dynamic - microfluidics), ex vivo (Gut-Ex-Vivo system) and in vivo (animal models) models/systems.

Keywords

Cell Stress; Cell Death; ER Stress; Ferroptosis; Autoimmune Diseases

PubMed