We study neural plasticity, namely the ability of the nervous system to adapt and reorganize in response to experiences, external stimuli, damage, or internal changes.
Plasticity plays an essential role in the life of the individual: ensuring the refinement or sculpture of the brain of the very young and young people based on experience (building the so-called “vision of the world”) that allows the adult to interact with the environment, and, in the case of lesions or pathologies, to reorganize the circuits in an attempt to repair them.
Since its inception in the 2000s, the research activity of the group has been mainly focused on adult neurogenesis, studied in different animal models and physiological and pathological conditions. In recent years, our research interests have branched out in various directions following emerging aspects of neuroplasticity: the role of a prolonged development of the postnatal brain and its critical periods and the consequences on plasticity in the adult, the heterogeneity of neurogenic processes and their role in brain dysfunctions, neuroglial reprogramming processes, the comparative approach between different species that has revealed important differences between mammals. To achieve its goals, the group integrates complementary approaches, from neuroanatomy to the most advanced functional imaging techniques, from biomolecular to behavioral analyses, applied to different animal models.
The group is organized into 4 thematic research “teams”, each coordinated by one or more “Principal Investigators” (PI), in which several young researchers collaborate, including Postdocs, Research Fellows, PhD Students, and master’s degree Students.
Research lines:
Multisensory integration and reproduction (Serena Bovetti; Paolo Peretto)
Multimodal sensory perception plays a crucial role in mating behavior by enabling the processing of different types of internal and external sensory cues. In mice, this process involves the integration of olfactory cues, such as pheromones, with auditory signals like ultrasonic vocalizations, and tactile feedback from physical contact. By processing these various stimuli in their brains, mice can accurately assess the suitability of potential mates, synchronize their behaviors, and optimize reproductive success. Combining advanced anatomical and functional approaches, we are interested in understanding how and where these stimuli are integrated into brain circuits and how they guide the reproductive strategies of mice.
Comparative neuroplasticity (Luca Bonfanti)
Across the years we have shown the existence of substantial differences in the rate and types of plasticity in different mammals, from mice to primates, contributing to define a new form of “neurogenesis without division” involving the so-called immature neurons. At present, we are studying the phylogenetic variation of immature neurons in mammals endowed with very different brain size and gyrencephaly. Our studies on the cerebral cortex and subcortical regions led to the hypothesis that an evolutionary trade-off occurred between stem cell-driven neurogenesis (more evident in laboratory rodents) and immature neurons (especially abundant in primates).
Adult neurogenesis (Silvia De Marchis; Sara Bonzano)
Neurogenesis, i.e. the birth of neurons, is a process that occurs during early developmental stages. However, in restricted areas of the brain, such as the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb, this process is maintained even in adults. This phenomenon represents an extraordinary form of plasticity, involved in key functions such as learning, memory, flexibility or cognitive adaptation. In our laboratory, we explore the complex molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate adult neurogenesis under normal conditions and its alterations in pathological contexts related to genetic conditions.
Latent neurogenesis (Federico Luzzati)
In adult neurogenic regions, neural stem cells are glial elements known as astrocytes. Our studies have shown that a latent stem cell potential is widely spread also among parenchymal astrocytes, particularly in the region known as striatum. Such a potential is activated both under physiological conditions and, on-demand, following lesions. Though striatal newborn neurons are transient elements not replacing the lost neurons, our studies are aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying the latent stemness potential of parenchymal astrocytes in the perspective of promoting brain repair.
