Research Research unitsChrOnic PAin Laboratory _ CoPaL

ChrOnic PAin Laboratory _ CoPaL

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Romina Nassini
Team Members:

Dr. Francesco De Logu
Dr. Elisa Bellantoni
Dr. Lorenzo Bonacchi
Dr. Gaetano De Siena
Dr. Martina Chieca
Dr. Lorenzo Landini
Dr. Matilde Marini

The research laboratory, through the use of innovative techniques, focuses on identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the onset and persistence of pain in various chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, cancer-related pain, migraine pain and pain associated with chemotherapy treatments. Research activities are carried out using both in vitro (cell cultures) and in vivo (animal models) experimental set-up, including transgenic models.

The aim is to conduct cutting-edge research on the mechanisms that drive and sustain chronic pain, in collaboration with universities and research institutions at the national and international level, as well as with other laboratories within the Department of Health Sciences. This collaborative network seeks to:

• Effectively integrate medical, biological, and computational expertise along with diverse know-how;
• Ensure coordination and consistency in analytical procedures;
• Minimize variability in experimental protocols;
• Rapidly and cohesively implement in vitro and in vivo studies within a shared framework.

The scientific expertise of the CoPaL members will provide continuous support in the planning and monitoring of laboratory activities. This integrated and dynamic approach will foster constant exchange of methodological and clinical insights, enhancing the lab's ability to promptly implement changes and, when needed, redirect research efforts to adopt the most appropriate strategies.

Research Areas:

1. Cancer Pain (in collaboration with New York University, University of Rio de Janeiro)
2. Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain (in collaboration with UNICampania, UNIFE, New York University, University of Santa Maria – Brazil)
3. Migraine Pain (in collaboration with New York University)

The laboratory receives funding from national and international organizations, including the Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Fondazione Telethon, 2023 Global Migraine ASPIRE- Pfizer Competitive Grant Program, Fondo per il Programma Nazionale di Ricerca e Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (PRIN), e Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS) del Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca (MUR).

Location:

Complesso Polivalente Polo Biomedico “Cubo 2” Department of Health Sciences (DSS), Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Viale Pieraccini 6, Ground Floor – North Wing

Available Methodologies:

• Single-cell calcium imaging
• RT-qPCR
• Genotyping of transgenic mice
• Immunohistochemistry
• Immunofluorescence
• RNA Scope
• Image analysis
• Gene sequencing
• In vivo models for pain induction and assessment

Available Equipment:

• Zeiss Axio Imager 2 microscope with structured illumination (up to 9 fluorophores)
• Imaris 3D reconstruction software
• Dedicated area for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence sample preparation (embedding system, microtome, cryostat for paraffin and frozen tissue sections)
• Qiagen Rotorgene
• Qiagen QIAxpert
• Qiagen TissuLyser
• Nanopore P2 Solo
• Qiagen CLC Genomics Workbench
• GPU-equipped workstation for bioinformatics analysis
• Zeiss Axio Observer 7 microscope
• Leica Stellaris 5 confocal microscope

The research group collaborates closely with universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies, both nationally and internationally, to promote the translation of basic research findings into clinical applications. Through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, the laboratory maintains a leading position in its fields of expertise, fosters knowledge dissemination, and contributes to the development of advanced therapeutic solutions benefiting both society and industrial innovation.