Environmental Epigenetics Research Lab

The unraveling of the Epigenome structure, from chromatin chemical modifications to 3D spatial organization marked the turning point for a better understanding of the complexity and control levels of gene regulation, providing the support for the maintenance of the diverse cell identity programs and the resulting  phenotypes.

In this context two types of epigenetic, cell memory functions can be distinguished: developmental and adaptive, in which the first one maintains early determined, cell lineage specific transcription programs and the second represents the recording of the individual biological experience. Correct setting and maintenance of these functions correlate with the healthy state, whereas their impairment accompanies disease.

Indeed, far from being a rigid platform, the Epigenome controls the capacity of cells to be plastic to allow adaptation and performance in response to the favorable or unfavorable, naturally changing environmental conditions. As we age, epigenetic functions decline, impacting physiological resilience capacity and protection from disease onset and progression.

The focus of our laboratory is the investigation of the mechanisms supporting the adaptive, resilient functions of Epigenome structure dynamics in cell identity homeostasis, with particular emphasis on the interplay between metabolism, signal dependent chromatin remodelers, noncoding and retrotransposons RNAs in Aging and related pathological contexts.