Biochemistry of Signal Transduction

Summary

The group carries out biochemical research at CAAD focusing on signal transduction with a specific interest in the biological role of lipid kinases such as diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) in immune cell function and cell transformation. 

Main research topics include the involvement of DGKα in XLP-1 and WAS primary immunodeficiencies, the study of DGKs’ role in osteoarthritis but also in oncogenesis. 

Group targets include the development of novel DGK’s isoforms specific inhibitors in view of therapeutic use, the study of diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid regulated proteins and the elucidation of signaling pathways regulating DGKs’ activity and finally DGKs’ role in cell transformation (present focus leukemias) and cell migration. In these studies, we are supported by the molecular biology unit for gene expression studies (Prof. D. Corà). 

Our research interest includes also the study of CAR-T cell biology and signal transduction (In collaboration with Prof. A. Graziani, Turin University).

Active collaboration with the proteomic and metabolism group (Prof. M. Manfredi) and the S. Andrea hospital Pneumology unit (Prof. M. Malerba) focuses on molecular mechanisms of respiratory diseases.