Francesco Pisani

 Francesco Pisani 

Tunneling Nanotubes in Physiology and Pathology

Ongoing Research Lines:

1. Functional Role of Tunneling Nanotubes (TNTs) in the Central Nervous System (CNS):
   Investigation of how TNTs contribute to cellular communication, homeostasis, and neural network dynamics in both physiological and pathological conditions within the CNS.

2. Human Neural Stem Cells:
   Exploration of cell fate regulation and intercellular communication mediated by TNTs in human neural stem cells, with particular focus on their role in differentiation and neural development.

3. Mitochondrial Dynamics in Hypoxic Microenvironments:
   Analysis of mitochondrial behavior and transfer via TNTs under physiological hypoxia, as well as in the hypoxic tumor microenvironments of glioblastoma and multiple myeloma.

4. Role of TNTs in Genetic Disorders of the CNS Affecting Neurological Development (e.g., Alexander Disease):
   Study of how TNT-mediated communication may influence or be altered in genetic neurodevelopmental diseases, with emphasis on pathophysiological mechanisms.

5. TNT-Mediated Intercellular Trafficking of Nucleic Acids:
   Investigation into the role of TNTs in the transfer of nucleic acids (e.g., mRNA, miRNA, DNA fragments) between cells, and the implications for gene regulation, signaling, and disease propagation.

Ricevimento studenti: Mercoledì ore 10:00
Studio:  Nuovo Palazzo Dipartimenti Biologici, IV Piano, stanza n°48