Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics & Network Analysis
FUNCTIONAL PROTEOMICS, METABOLOMICS, AND NETWORK ANALYSIS
The research activity of the Unit focuses on Proteomics and Metabolomics, two molecular biology disciplines dedicated to the study of the proteome and metabolome. The aim is to identify the spectrum of proteins and metabolites expressed under physiological conditions and to monitor their variations in different pathological states or following specific treatments.
The ultimate goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying the onset of cardiovascular diseases, to define their proteomic and metabolomic alterations, and to identify molecular targets for potential pharmacological interventions.
The applications of proteomics and metabolomics are broad, ranging from the development of new biomarkers to the investigation of gene function. To address these challenges, the Unit adopts an interdisciplinary approach that integrates advanced expertise in mass spectrometry, cell and molecular biology, and pharmacology.
The UNit is actively engaged in the national and international scientific community. In particular:
• Globally, it participates in The Mitochondrial Italian Human Proteome Project Initiative (mt-HPP);
• At the European level, it represents the only Italian Clinical Proteomics Center involved in the MASSTRPLAN project (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2015) and is a partner in the CA19105 – Pan-European Network in Lipidomics and EpiLipidomics (EpiLipidNET) consortium;
• At the national level, it contributes to the Italian Cardiovascular Network project, aimed at applying mass spectrometry for the validation of new biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases.
Selected Projects
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Proteomics of human lipoproteins: identification of novel mediators of the atherothrombotic process
This project investigates the protein composition of human lipoproteins to uncover new mediators involved in atherothrombosis — the main cause of cardiovascular events. Modified LDLs can impair endothelial function and promote inflammation, yet the molecular mechanisms linking lipoproteins to cardiovascular risk remain unclear. Using advanced proteomics, our group identified a previously undescribed lipoprotein-associated protein. The study aims to elucidate its biological function and assess whether it represents a novel pathogenic factor or a potential pharmacological target for cardiovascular prevention.
Identification of oxidized biomolecules as diagnostic markers of cardiovascular diseases
This study focuses on characterizing oxidized lipids and proteins in the plasma of patients with cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure, through mass spectrometry. Oxidative stress contributes to myocardial dysfunction and disease progression. By profiling oxidized biomolecules, we aim to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that reflect oxidative damage and pathological remodeling in heart failure.Validation of biomarkers of alveolo-capillary membrane damage in heart failure: a mass spectrometry–based quantitative approach
Mass spectrometry offers high sensitivity for detecting low-abundance proteins and their post-translational modifications. Building on our finding that immature isoforms of Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) increase in heart failure and correlate with pulmonary microvascular damage, this project seeks to develop a targeted SRM/MRM mass spectrometry method to quantify SP-B isoforms in plasma. The goal is to establish SP-B as a reliable biomarker of alveolo-capillary membrane injury associated with pulmonary dysfunction in heart failure.
