Our main interest lies in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying orofacial development and regeneration. To this aim we employ a unique combination of animal models and human-directed studies that allow us to merge basic research to translational approaches.
Genetic disorders and orofacial development
Orofacial and dental disorders are among the most common genetic and non-genetic conditions. In our lab we exploit mouse models of human defects, such as cleft lip/palate and a plethora of tooth defects, combined to state-of-the-art imaging and high throughput analysis to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these pathologies. At the same time, we exploit the teeth as a model to study basic features of signalling pathways, such as Notch and Wnt. The tooth is a unique model that allows the simultaneous study of key mechanisms involved in most biological processes, such as (but not limited to) morphogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk, cellular polarization, fine protein secretion and degradation, and matrix mineralization.
Stem cells in homeostasis and regeneration
Stem cells are fundamental actors in the maintenance and the regeneration of all organs. The orofacial complex hosts an astounding diversity of cell and stem cell populations, which together ensure the functionality of this fundamental region. We investigate via lineage tracing, state-of-the-art 3D imaging, transcriptomics and proteomics approaches the stem cell populations involved in the homeostasis and regeneration of orofacial tissues, and their use and targeting for therapeutic approaches.
Innervation and vascularization of the craniofacial complex
Nerves and blood vessels are pivotal for the functioning and the proper regeneration of any tissue. Innervation of craniofacial organs conveys sensation and pain, as well as modulating movement and basic functions. Blood vessels provide trophic support, and endothelial cells fundamental tissue-specific signals to the surrounding cell populations. A third line of research in our laboratory is constituted by the study of the factors that modulate facial innervation and vascularization. In parallel, we study how these two key actors affect tissue homeostasis and the regeneration. For these purposes, in vivo studies are combined with state-of-the-art microfluidic and 3D emulation systems.
Nanotechnology and therapy
Our group pioneers the use of nanotechnology-based approaches for the treatment of diseases, such as oral cancers, and modulation of processes fundamental for tissue homeostasis and regeneration, such as innervation and angiogenesis. Drugs and their delivery are routinely tested in vivo and using in vitro models of human tissues.
Genetic disorders and orofacial development
Orofacial and dental disorders are among the most common genetic and non-genetic conditions. In our lab we exploit mouse models of human defects, such as cleft lip/palate and a plethora of tooth defects, combined to state-of-the-art imaging and high throughput analysis to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these pathologies. At the same time, we exploit the teeth as a model to study basic features of signalling pathways, such as Notch and Wnt. The tooth is a unique model that allows the simultaneous study of key mechanisms involved in most biological processes, such as (but not limited to) morphogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk, cellular polarization, fine protein secretion and degradation, and matrix mineralization.
Stem cells in homeostasis and regeneration
Stem cells are fundamental actors in the maintenance and the regeneration of all organs. The orofacial complex hosts an astounding diversity of cell and stem cell populations, which together ensure the functionality of this fundamental region. We investigate via lineage tracing, state-of-the-art 3D imaging, transcriptomics and proteomics approaches the stem cell populations involved in the homeostasis and regeneration of orofacial tissues, and their use and targeting for therapeutic approaches.
Innervation and vascularization of the craniofacial complex
Nerves and blood vessels are pivotal for the functioning and the proper regeneration of any tissue. Innervation of craniofacial organs conveys sensation and pain, as well as modulating movement and basic functions. Blood vessels provide trophic support, and endothelial cells fundamental tissue-specific signals to the surrounding cell populations. A third line of research in our laboratory is constituted by the study of the factors that modulate facial innervation and vascularization. In parallel, we study how these two key actors affect tissue homeostasis and the regeneration. For these purposes, in vivo studies are combined with state-of-the-art microfluidic and 3D emulation systems.
Nanotechnology and therapy
Our group pioneers the use of nanotechnology-based approaches for the treatment of diseases, such as oral cancers, and modulation of processes fundamental for tissue homeostasis and regeneration, such as innervation and angiogenesis. Drugs and their delivery are routinely tested in vivo and using in vitro models of human tissues.
National and International Collaborations
Within Switzerland
Prof. Konrad Basler, UZH, Zurich, Switzerland
Prof. Cesar Nombela-Arrieta, USZ, Zurich, Switzerland
Prof. Martin Schwab, ETH-UZH, Zurich, Switzerland
Prof. Yann Barrandon, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
Prof. Freddy Radtke, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
Prof. Ivan Martin, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
Prof. Christos Katsaros, University Bern, Switzerland
Prof. Michael Detmar, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Prof. Stephen Ferguson, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
International
Prof. Ophir Klein, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), USA
Prof. Yang Chai, University of Southern California (USC), USA
Prof. Shahin Rafii, Weill Cornell College of Medicine, USA
Prof. Raphael Kopan, Cincinnati's Children Hospital, USA
Prof. Spyros Artavanis-Tsakonas, Harvard Medical School, USA
Prof. Iannis Aifantis, New York University, USA
Prof. Petros Papagerakis, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
Prof. Giovanna Orsini, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy
Prof. Nicola Baldini, University of Bologna, Italy
Prof. Vittoria Raffa, University of Pisa, Italy
Dr. Claudio Cantù, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
Dr. Meriem Lamghari, University of Porto, Portugal
Prof. Agnes Bloch-Zupan, University of Strasbourg, France
Dr. Rui Benedito, Spanish Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Spain
Prof. Marian Ros, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria (IBBTEC), Spain
Prof. Ophir Klein, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), USA
Prof. Yang Chai, University of Southern California (USC), USA
Prof. Shahin Rafii, Weill Cornell College of Medicine, USA
Prof. Raphael Kopan, Cincinnati's Children Hospital, USA
Prof. Spyros Artavanis-Tsakonas, Harvard Medical School, USA
Prof. Iannis Aifantis, New York University, USA
Prof. Petros Papagerakis, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
Prof. Giovanna Orsini, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy
Prof. Nicola Baldini, University of Bologna, Italy
Prof. Vittoria Raffa, University of Pisa, Italy
Dr. Claudio Cantù, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
Dr. Meriem Lamghari, University of Porto, Portugal
Prof. Agnes Bloch-Zupan, University of Strasbourg, France
Dr. Rui Benedito, Spanish Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), Spain
Prof. Marian Ros, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria (IBBTEC), Spain