A5022996741- Retinal Development and Disorders
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research
- Neural dynamics and brain function
- Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Saffron Plant Research Studies
- Tannin, Tannase and Anticancer Activities
- Retinal Diseases and Treatments
- Conducting polymers and applications
- Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
- Advanced Memory and Neural Computing
- Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Retinal and Optic Conditions
- RNA modifications and cancer
- Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry
- Cancer Cells and Metastasis
- Cardiovascular Function and Risk Factors
- Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics
- Neurological Disease Mechanisms and Treatments
- CCD and CMOS Imaging Sensors
- Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics
- Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics
- Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis
Italian Institute of Technology
2016-2025
Ospedale Policlinico San Martino
2020-2025
University of Catania
2024-2025
Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico
2023
University of L'Aquila
2008-2022
Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi
2019-2021
Institute of Oncology Research
2013-2017
University of Zurich
2017
Regione Toscana
2016
Regione Puglia
2016
How a population of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) encodes the visual scene remains an open question. Going beyond individual RGC coding strategies, results in salamander suggest that relative latencies pair encode spatial information. Thus, code based on this concerted spiking could be powerful mechanism to transmit information rapidly and efficiently. Here, we tested hypothesis mouse by recording simultaneous light-evoked responses from hundreds RGCs, at pan-retinal level, using new...
Significance Retinal degenerative diseases affect specific regions of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), suggesting presence functionally different RPE subpopulations. To identify these subpopulations in human eyes, we generated first complete morphometric map at single-cell resolution using artificial intelligence–based software. We identified five concentric subpopulations, including a ring cells with cell area similar to macula periphery eye. Moreover, found that are differentially...
Abstract Retinal dystrophies such as Retinitis pigmentosa are among the most prevalent causes of inherited legal blindness, for which treatments in demand. prostheses have been developed to stimulate inner retinal network that, initially spared by degeneration, deteriorates late stages disease. We recently reported that conjugated polymer nanoparticles persistently rescue visual activities after a single subretinal injection Royal College Surgeons rat model . Here we demonstrate can...
purpose. To test whether the saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) given as a dietary supplement counteracts effects of continuous light exposure in albino rat retina. methods. Three experimental groups Sprague–Dawley rats were used. Experimental animals prefed either or β-carotene (1 mg extract/kg/d) before they exposed to bright (BCL) for 24 hours. Flash electroretinograms (fERGs) recorded control and treated day 1 week after exposure. At end second recording session, killed retinas quickly...
Several studies link disease progression, recurrence, and treatment failures to the cancer stem-like cell (CSC) subpopulation within heterogeneous tumor population. Myc is a transcription factor having central function in stem biology human cancers. Hence, represents an attractive target develop CSC-specific therapies. Recent findings suggest that can be silenced using RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategy targets noncoding promoter-associated (paRNA) overlapping start site. In this study,...
Replacement strategies arise as promising approaches in case of inherited retinal dystrophies leading to blindness. A fully organic prosthesis made conjugated polymers layered onto a silk fibroin substrate is engineered. First, the biophysical and surface properties are characterized; then, long-term biocompatibility assessed after implantation device subretinal space 3-months-old rats for period five months. The results indicate good stability implants over time, with preservation physical...
The first target of any therapy for retinal neurodegeneration is to slow down the progression disease and maintain visual function. Cerium oxide or ceria nanoparticles reduce oxidative stress, which known play a pivotal role in neurodegeneration. Our aim was investigate whether cerium were able mitigate including microglial activation related inflammatory processes induced by exposure high intensity light. injected intravitreally intraveinously albino Sprague-Dawley rats three weeks before...
Degeneration of photoreceptors in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with oxidative stress due to the intense aerobic metabolism rods and cones that if not properly counterbalanced by endogenous antioxidant mechanisms can precipitate photoreceptor degeneration. In spite being a priority eye disease for its high incidence elderly, no effective treatments AMD exist. While systemic administration antioxidants has been unsuccessful slowing down degeneration, locally...
The mammalian retina is considered an autonomous circuit, yet work dating back to Ramon y Cajal indicates that it receives inputs from the brain. How such affect retinal processing has remained unknown. We confirmed brain-to-retina projections of histaminergic neurons mouse hypothalamus. Histamine application ex vivo altered activity various ganglion cells (RGCs), including direction-selective RGCs gained responses high motion velocities. These results were reproduced in with optic tract...
Developing neuronal systems intrinsically generate coordinated spontaneous activity that propagates by involving a large number of synchronously firing neurons. In vivo, waves spikes transiently characterize the developing brain circuits and are fundamental for activity-dependent circuit formation. vitro, spiking activity, or network bursts (NBs), interleaved within periods asynchronous emerge during development 2D 3D cultures. Several studies have investigated this type its dynamics, but...
Experimental studies demonstrated that saffron (Crocus sativus) given as a dietary supplement counteracts the effects of bright continuous light (BCL) exposure in albino rat retina, preserving both morphology and function probably acting regulator programmed cell death [1]. The purpose this study was to ascertain whether neuroprotective effect on retina exposed BCL is associated with modulation endocannabinoid system (ECS). To aim, we used eight experimental groups Sprague-Dawley rats, which...
Both age related macular degeneration (AMD) and light induced retinal damage share the common major role played by oxidative stress in induction/progression of degenerative events. Light damaged (LD) rats have been widely used as a convenient model to gain insight into mechanisms disease, enucleate relevant steps test neuroprotectants. Among them, saffron has shown ameliorate processes regulate many genes protective pathways. Saffron also tested AMD patients. We extended our analysis...
Long noncoding RNAs are emerging players in the epigenetic machinery with key roles development and diseases. Here we uncover a complex network comprising promoter-associated RNA (paRNA), microRNA regulators that controls transcription of tumour suppressor E-cadherin epithelial cancers. silencing relies on formation between paRNA microRNA-guided Argonaute 1 that, together, recruit SUV39H1 induce repressive chromatin modifications gene promoter. A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs16260)...
Retinal oxidative damage, associated with an ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A, member 4, also known as ABCA4 gene mutation, has been implicated a major underlying mechanism for Stargardt disease/fundus flavimaculatus (STG/FF). Recent findings indicate that saffron carotenoid constituents crocins and crocetin may counteract retinal inflammation protect cells from apoptosis. This pilot study aimed to evaluate central function following supplementation in STG/FF patients carrying mutations....
Abstract Background Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a new noninvasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution skin close to histopathology. Objectives The aim of this study was evaluate the usefulness LC-OCT in diagnosis herpes virus infections. Methods Patients with clinical or anamnestic suspicion infection underwent evaluation followed by Tzanck test. examinations were performed blinded manner different dermatologists. Results A total 72 patients (M:...
One of the main challenges in medical applications is achieving precise spatial and temporal control over release active molecules, such as neurotransmitters.
Early sensory experience shapes the functional and anatomical connectivity of neuronal networks. Light deprivation alters synaptic transmission modifies light response properties in visual system, from retinal circuits to higher centers. These effects are more pronounced during a critical period juvenile life mostly reversed by restoring normal conditions. Here we show that complete deprivation, birth periods beyond period, permanently receptive field ganglion cells. Visual reduced both...
Key points The receptive field of most retinal ganglion cells consists an excitatory centre and inhibitory surround. In non‐primates the surround is provided by lateral inhibition in both outer inner synaptic layers. We use whole cell recording methods to establish spatial organisation inputs onto primate retina. confirm centre–surround cells, show further that can also organisation. retina shapes profile cells. Dynamic clamp experiments provide evidence reduction reduces tuning output....