Virus-host interaction
This project is centred on the study of the biological interactions occurrring between adenovirus (human and canine, and vectors thereof derived) and the host cell. In particular we are studying by single gene, single pathway and high throughput analysis the modulation events induced by adenovirus. These studies help knowing the biology of adenovirus, the toxicity of vectors and contribute clarifying cellular pathways. (Figure: Venn diagram of modulated genes in adenovirus- and adenovector-infected human cells).

Gene transfer in mammalian cells for basic and applied biology
We are using lentiviral vectors for transfering genes and interfering sequences (siRNAs) in different targets. In particular, in collaboration with P. Bianco and M. Riminucci, we are using lentiviral vectors for the study of mesenchymal stem cells and of mesenchymal stem cell related diseases.In collaboration with M. Gatti we're using lentivectors for the study of genes implicated in genome integrity (Figure: GFP-transduced mesenchymal stem cells and prostatic cells).

New vectors for mammalian cell genetic engineerirng
We have engineered bacteriophage (filamentous and lambda) phage capsid and genome to humanise these virus. We have obtained receptor-selective gene transfer vectors for mammalian cells. (Figure: EM view of human cells treated with humanised filamentous phage; arrow indicates the phage).