Research activities

The philosophy that guides our research can be summarized as "from cell to pathology". For us, in fact, the study of the genetic information, from DNA to proteins, and its pathological alterations represents the key to achieve our objectives: to provide better care and promote the health and well-being of society. Research at IGM-CNR is focused on some central themes:

GENOME STABILITY AND TUMORS
The control of genetic information quality and integrity and its correct duplication and expression are essential for the correct functioning of the cell. At IGM-CNR we study the control mechanisms of gene expression (transcription, splicing, non-coding RNA) and proliferation (DNA replication and repair, cell cycle, differentiation) in both human normal and cancer cells, in order to develop approaches that can selectively target malignant cells.

GENETIC DISEASES
Genetic diseases are based on hereditary DNA mutations capable of altering the expression or function of a protein. IGM-CNR researchers are engaged in genetic and functional analyses of pathological mutations and identification of disease genes. Particular emphasis is focused on syndromes from defects in DNA repair and nucleus structure in order to find new strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

VIROCELLS
A virocell is a cell infected with a virus, which reprograms its metabolism to direct the synthesis of the genome and viral proteins. IGM-CNR researchers are engaged in the study of the complex molecular-level interactions of different human viruses with host cells, in order to develop new approaches to fight infections.

DRUG DISCOVERY AND DIAGNOSTICS
The IGM-CNR mission is to combine basic research with technological innovation. This is why our researchers are actively involved in the identification of targets and molecules for the therapy of cancer and viral infections. In addition, diagnostic technologies are developed both based on optical and fluorescence investigation and on molecular methods.

BIOINFORMATIC ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX DATA
The complexity of biological systems is reflected in an equally great complexity of data that is collected experimentally and must then be interpreted. At IGM-CNR there is a group of bioinformatics that develops algorithms for the storage, management and analysis of large quantities of biological data, such as those resulting from genomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses.

CNR IGM researchers carry out their research in the context of projects in collaboration with many Italian and foreign research institutions around the world. Organic collaborations are currently active with foreign institutions in many European and non-European countries (France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Kuwait, Brazil).

The expertise and advanced instrumentation of the IGM-CNR are made available to external subjects through existing technological platforms for:
- Bioinformatics analysis
- Image analysis
- Localization and analysis of subcellular structures
- Characterization of the biological activity of small molecules (Drug discovery)
- Preparation of cell cultures from tissue samples.
In addition, IGM-CNR coordinates the Italian Network for Laminopathies.