Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular Ultrastructural Pathology

Responsible: Russo Matteo
Staff: Tafani Marco, Limana Federica, Sansone Luigi, Belli Manuel, Cristina Mario, Russo Matteo

Research activities are carried out within the rehabilitation mission of IRCCS San Raffaele Rome. In particular, the Laboratory of Cellular, Molecular and Ultrastructural Pathology, directed by Prof. Matteo A. Russo, includes lines of research that explore Molecular and Cellular Rehabilitation, i.e., the mechanisms of recovery of lost functions, in relation to both traditional or innovative rehabilitation treatments and pharmacological interventions that enhance their beneficial effects. Recovery of function in postmitotic tissues after sublethal damage in cardiomyopathies (myocardiocytes), neurodegenerative diseases (neurons), and skeletal myopathies are studied in research projects. The study of the mechanisms that regulate the response of postmitotic cells to damage can be used to identify possible strategies to be pursued to block or limit pathologies typical of such tissues. The excellent results achieved over the years have been possible thanks to the considerable experience accumulated by the researchers and thanks to the presence of state-of-the-art instruments such as: Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopes and Laser Capture Microdissection.

Research Interests

Study of the role of sirtuins in the regulation of patwhays involved in cell death and repair and survival processes in neuronal and muscle cells; Study of the role of CRPs and sirtuins in the regulation of autophagy process with emphasis on the role autophagy plays during cell differentiation; Study of the role of mitochondrial sirtuins in regulating mitochondrial function and integrity measured by production of reactive oxygen species, increased membrane permeability with mitochondrial membrane pore formation in cell lines.

Publications

  • Prednisone administration in inflammatory cardiomyopathy: caveat for potentially adverse myocardial actions. Frustaci A, Russo MA, Chimenti C.Eur Heart J. 2023 Apr 17;44(15):1376. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad069. PMID: 36806403
   
  • Circulating Anti-GB3 Antibody as a Biomarker of Myocardial Inflammation in Patients with Fabry Disease Cardiomyopathy. Frustaci A, Verardo R, Magnocavallo M, Scialla R, Sansone L, Russo MA. J Clin Med. 2023 Jun 15;12(12):4068. doi: 10.3390/jcm12124068. PMID: 37373761

The facilities