In Palermo, laboratory experiments and computer models are combined to understand how biological molecules, membranes and cells work, and how these mechanisms are altered in disease.
Protein structure and dynamics
Production and characterisation of recombinant proteins, wild-type and mutant, to understand the molecular basis of their function and of rare genetic diseases (e.g. AGel amyloidosis), using spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scattering, cryo-electron microscopy and computer simulations; applications in drug discovery, including antivirals.
Biological membranes and extracellular vesicles
Structure and dynamics of membranes and extracellular vesicles: natural nanosystems for targeted drug delivery, biomarkers for “liquid biopsy” and new applications in biomedicine, nutraceutics and cosmetics.
Natural products and nutraceuticals
Natural molecules with antioxidant and anti-amyloidogenic properties studied in cellular models, recovery of agro-food waste in a circular-economy perspective, hydrogels and polysaccharides for biomedical devices and food applications.
Computational neuroscience
Biologically realistic models of neurons and neural networks, synaptic integration and plasticity in physiological and pathological conditions, simulated on supercomputers; involvement in major international projects (Human Brain Project, EBRAINS).
Molecular models and molecular dynamics
Development of simulation and visualisation methods, in-silico screening of small molecules as potential drugs and rationalisation of experimental results, using large computing facilities.
Pathophysiology of genetic diseases
Contribution to the study of the molecular basis of genetic and neurodegenerative diseases, within the institute’s cell biophysics research lines.
Training and third mission
The branch takes part in the institute’s activities for schools (school-to-work and orientation programmes, laboratory visits), in outreach events such as the Biophysics Week and in technology transfer initiatives in biotechnology.
The research lines of the whole institute are described at www.ibf.cnr.it. The branch’s publications are on the Publications page.