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Gruppo di ricerca

Lab. nameMatriCell Laboratory 
Principal Investigator Daniela Quaglino 
ComponentsDaniela Quaglino  (Principal Investigator )
Federica Boraldi  (Collaboratore )
Francesco Demetrio Lofaro  (Collaboratore )
Sonia Costa  (Collaboratore )
Susanna Bonacorsi  (Collaboratore )
DescriptionConnective tissues are composed of mesenchymal cells and of several macromolecules (Matrisome) that contribute to the mechanical properties (strength, resilience and elasticity) of tissues representing also a reservoir of growth factors and of bioactive molecules. The extracellular matrix interacts with cells as a highly dynamic entity that is of vital importance, determining and controlling fundamental processes such as cellular proliferation, adhesion, migration, differentiation, and cell death. ECM secretion and remodeling as well as altered cellular transduction of mechanical forces and signaling pathways are markedly modified during aging and in several pathologic conditions. Since decades the MatriCell laboratory has developed in vitro and ex-vivo models to focus the research activities on: 1) structural and metabolic alterations occurring in skin and in blood vessels during aging, in acquired and in genetic diseases, 2) gene expression and DNA sequencing to investigate molecular pathways leading to aberrant calcification, 3) proteome analysis of mesenchymal cells in different experimental conditions, 4) role of the extracellular environment in modulating cell behavior, 5) pathogenic role of oxidative stress and of altered mitochondria energy potential. 6) structural and biological characterization of elastin and elastin-derived peptides.  
Addressvia Giuseppe Campi, 287 - 41125 Modena 
KeywordsExtracellular matrix, mesenchymal cells, aging, ectopic calcification, connective tissue, genetic diseases, elastin  
ERC Sectors LS1_1 Macromolecular complexes including interactions involving nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates LS1_3 DNA and RNA biology LS1_4 Protein biology LS2_8 Proteomics LS2_14 Genetic diseases LS3_2 Cell senescence, cell death, autophagy, cell ageing LS3_4 Cell junctions, cell adhesion, the extracellular matrix, cell communication LS4_1 Organ and tissue physiology and pathophysiology LS4_3 Physiology of ageing LS7_2 Medical technologies and tools (including genetic tools and biomarkers) for prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases  
InstrumentationPCR Thermal cyclers, -80C Freezers , IpgPhor IEF and Ettan Dalt 6 for 2D-IPG, Image Scanner II, Zeiss Axiophot microscope, ultramicrotomes, centrifuges, chemical hoods Other major instruments (i.e. DNA sequencing, electron and confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry) are available at Inter-department facilities. 
Research Lines Translational Medicine

Methodologies Morphological analyses: light microscopy, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS), confocal microscopy Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry Proteomic analyses: mass spectrometry, Western blot, zymography PCR and DNA sequencing Cell cultures Biocompatibility tests