Biophysical Chemistry and Systems Biology of Vision

Research in my lab is mostly dedicated to the biochemical and biophysical characterization of the early steps in vertebrate vision, especially the molecular aspects underlying the phototrasduction cascade in rod and cone photoreceptors. We employ in vitro and in silico techniques to achieve both the experimental and theoretical characterization of protein-protein and protein-ion interactions involved in the physiological processes. Our approach includes systems biology analyses to unravel the biochemical mechanisms behind complex cell behaviors in photoreceptors during normal and disease-associated conditions.

Among the specific topics, we are especially interested in:

• understanding the dynamics of calcium homeostasis deregulation in retinal dystrophies, in collaboration with other European laboratories;
  
• understanding the physiological implications of the supramolecular organization of signalling proteins in rod outer segments;
  
• develop and share comprehensive kinetic models of rods and cones in normal and altered conditions;
  
• explore the possibility to use nanodevices as protein carriers for effective protein therapy