Urological research institute
Extracellular Microenvironment
The focus of Massimo Alfano’s research is to apply knowledge from basic science to techniques and tools that may really address clinical unmet needs. From a prospective standpoint, the identification of changes occurring in the extracellular matrix and in the tissue-associated microbiome will ideally support the identification of new extracellular targets for the delivery of more tailored interventions. The original research carried out in the Extracellular Microenvironment Unit mainly concerns male infertility and bladder cancer.
Research activity
From a perspective point of view, the identification of changes that occur in the biochemical, physical and 3D ultrastructural characteristics of the extracellular matrix associated with diseased tissues will support the identification of new extracellular targets for the delivery of more targeted interventions, as well as the identification of upstream paths to design innovative therapeutic strategies.
In the same way, the characterization of the microbiome associated with the tissues represents the second microenvironment studied, which will allow to identify therapeutic strategies for the engagement of prebiotic and / or probiotic therapies in pathological conditions.
The group has a strong translational focus and collaborates with several national and international researchers with different scientific skills to achieve an integrated vision of the disease. The scientific research of the group is supported by peer-reviewed competitive grants and industrial sponsors:
