Research group:
Prof. Rosa Maria Gaion This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 049-8275102
Dr. Maria Cecilia Giron This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 049-8275091
Dr. Andrea Cignarella This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 049-8275091
Dr. Chiara Bolego This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 049-8275777
The general research objective is the identification of novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of cardiovascular and gastroenterological disease. In particular, ongoing projects are investigating: 1) the activity of selective ligands of nuclear receptors in the cardiovascular system and the contribution of prostanoids to endothelial protection; 2) the involvement of purine nucleosides/nucleotides and other autacoids in pathological alterations of vascular/intestinal tone/motility. Experimental models include primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, aortic rings, ileum strips as well as animal models of estrogen deprivation or disease such as diabetes and intestinal infection/inflammation. Techniques of cell biology, molecular biology, electrophysiology, pharmacological assays, optical/confocal microscopy, HPLC, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry are employed.
Part of the above projects are carried out in collaboration with national and international research groups.