Divisions
Neuroscience
For administrative support, please contact Francesca Floriani: floriani.francesca@hsr.it
Mission
Our mission is to contribute to the unraveling of the inner workings of the human nervous system and mind and to find causes and treatments for neurological and psychiatric diseases. To accomplish this, we investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal and glial dysfunction and we engage in translational and clinical research projects. The impressive advances in our knowledge of the nervous system have made neuroscience one of the most active branches in modern biology and medicine and the integration between basic and clinical research is key to the success of our long-term goal: building on the knowledge generated by basic and clinical research to translate our discoveries into novel therapies for neurological and psychiatric disorders, some of humanity's most disabling disorders.
Organization
The Division of Neuroscience harbors more than 300 scientists organized in several research units. Among these, those involved in translational medicine have assembled into the the Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE).
To provide scientific, technical and social support for junior faculties recently recruited into the Division of Neuroscience or recently promoted group leaders, there is a dedicated Mentoring Program.
Members of the Division are also part of the faculty of Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, being affiliated to the Schools of Medicine, of Psychology or of Philosophy. Excellence in higher education is a priority for the Division of Neuroscience. For this reason, the Division is actively involved in the PhD programs of Molecular Medicine and of Cognitive Neuroscience, which offer positions for 3 years on a highly competitive basis.
Research
Scientists affiliated to the Division work together to investigate key and hot issues in neuroscience, with emphasis on the following areas: neurobiology, neuroepidemiology, neuropathology, neurophysiology, neuroimmunology, psychopathology and neuroimaging.
Our strategy is to improve our knowledge of the inner mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological functioning of the nervous system, and to exploit this knowledge to improve diagnostics of diseases and to develop more rational and personalized therapies.
Clinical collaborations
The Division of Neuroscience daily collaborates with the following research groups, affiliated with the clinical departments of the hospital:
Carla Taveggia
Group Leader
Axo-glia interactions
Rossella Galli
Group Leader
Neural stem cell biology
Francesco Benedetti
Group Leader
Psychiatry and clinical psychobiology
Dario Bonanomi
Group Leader
Molecular neurobiology
Vania Broccoli
Group Leader
Stem cells and neurogenesis
Jean-Michel Cioni
Group Leader
RNA biology of the neuron
Gian Giacomo Consalez
Group Leader
Neuropathophysiology
Ivan de Curtis
Group Leader
Cell adhesion
Giulio Ferrari
Group Leader
Eye repair lab
Nicoletta Landsberger
Adjunct Researcher
Rett syndrome and neurodevelopmental disorders
Sonia Levi
Group Leader
Proteomic of iron metabolism
Francesca Maltecca
Group Leader
Mitochondrial dysfunctions in neurodegeneration
Alessandro Sessa
Group Leader
Neuroepigenetics
Flavia Valtorta
Group Leader
Neuropharmacology
Michele Simonato
Adjunct Researcher
Gene Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alessandro Arrigo
Project Leader
Eye repair lab
Gaia Colasante
Project Leader
Stem cells and neurogenesis
Luca Colnaghi
Project Leader
Protein signaling in brain physiology and pathology
Danilo De Gregorio
Project Leader
Neuropharmacology
Michela Palmieri
Project Leader
Rett syndrome and neurodevelopmental disorders
Sara Poletti
Project Leader
Psychiatry and clinical psychobiology
Jenny Sassone
Project Leader
Neuropharmacology
Benedetta Vai
Project Leader
Psychiatry and clinical psychobiology
Parkinson's disease: where are we in the search for new therapies?
On occasion of the World Parkinson's disease day we spoke to Dr. Vania Broccoli, Director of Research at the Institute of Neuroscience of the CNR and Head of the Stem Cells and Neurogenesis Unit at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele.
ARSACS: NEW RESULTS FROM SAN RAFFAELE RESEARCH TO STUDY THE PROGRESSION OF THIS EXTREMELY RARE DISEASE
A new study by IRCSS San Raffaele Hospital and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University researchers has used non-invasive techniques to detect early and late signs in a preclinical model of the ARSACS disease that could inform future clinical studies
Blood vessels heal nerve injury
A group of researchers at San Raffaele Hospital found that blood vessels sculp the wound to help nerve repair
Alternative gene regulation in Schinzel-Giedion Syndrome
In a recently published paper in Nature Communications, a team of San Raffaele researchers shed light on molecular alterations of a rare disorder that affects children bearing mutations inside the SETBP1 gene
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: NATURE MEDICINE PUBLISHES THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST CLINICAL TRIAL IN THE WORLD WITH NEURAL STEM CELLS
A clinical trial developed and carried out by the IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute opens the way for the development of innovative cellular therapy for patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis
New mechanism of interaction between nerves and blood vessels during embryonic development
In a study published on Neuron, researchers identified one of the fundamental mechanisms that allows motor neurons to successfully develop to the extremities of the body
A new approach to treat glioblastoma multiforme and its recurrences
A team of researchers from San Raffaele and CNR Institute of Neuroscience generated a new class of antitumor molecular factors capable of inactivating cancer genes and preventing the onset of recurrences
Discovered a new demyelination mechanism in Multiple Sclerosis
New study reveals how dysregulated copper metabolism may cause demyelination in multiple sclerosis
The ARVO prize for Translational Research in Ophthalmology awarded to Giulio Ferrari
The ARVO Foundation - in collaboration with Pfizer – awarded Giulio Ferrari one of its most prestigious prizes for translational research in ophthalmology.
Discovered SETD5 role in preserving brain development and neuronal wiring
The study explained the role of the gene SETD5, whose mutation is linked to some forms of intellectual disabilities. This discovery paves the way for the identifications of new therapeutic targets.
ERC starting grant awarded to Jean Michel Cioni
The European Research Council awarded more than € 600 million to early-career researchers from over 50 countries: among the winners Jean Michel Cioni, group leader of the RNA biology of the neuron Unit.
Hacking communication among cells to turn off inflammation
A study carried out by researchers of Ospedale San Raffaele shows that extracellular vesicles may be used to modulate brain inflammation.
Research Fellow position is available at Innovative Gene Therapy for Dravet Syndrome, led by Dr. Gaia Colasante
Bioinformatician/computational scientist at the Center for Omics Sciences/Division of Neuroscience
Postdoctoral position open in Molecular genetics of Intellectual disability Lab, headed by Patrizia D'Adamo