The Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry and Systems Biology area deals with the analysis and interpretation of data and models inherent to biological and chemical systems through the development and use of advanced computational techniques and artificial intelligence.

Research activities cover a broad spectrum of topics and approaches operating on different scales: from the analysis and integration of -omics data for the identification of biomarkers, to bioinformatics for the study of genomic and protein sequences; from the design, analysis and identification of mathematical models to explore the dynamics of complex biological systems, to computational chemistry and molecular modelling to investigate reaction mechanisms, catalytic processes and structure/function relationships of biomolecules.

•    Bioinformatics and Computational Systems Biology - Group Leader: Chiara Damiani
•    Computational Molecular Biology - Group Leader: Renata Tisi
•    Gene Expression Regulation - Group Leader: Mattia Pelizzola
•    Mathematical Models for Biology and Medicine - Group Leader: Pasquale Palumbo
•    Molecular Modeling Laboratory - Group Leader: Luca De Gioia

The Biomolecular Sciences research area focuses on the study of biomolecules and their interactions, their (bio)synthesis, and their applications, with the goal of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying fundamental biological processes. Research in this area includes the study of the structure and function of biomolecules, ranging from macromolecules—such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and their macromolecular complexes—to small molecules, including metabolites, natural compounds, and synthetic molecules.

The area explores the genetic and molecular bases of key biological processes such as the cell cycle, genome integrity maintenance, metabolism, aging, and cellular proliferation and differentiation, both in physiological and pathological conditions (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases).The identification and characterization of key molecular players involved in the functioning of living systems, as well as the search for biomarkers of pathological states, benefit from the application of multi-omic, biophysical, and quantitative approaches.

Finally, the research area is also involved in the design, organic synthesis, and screening of bioactive compounds, the identification of bioactive natural compounds, the chemical functionalization of biopolymers, and the development—through advanced molecular approaches—of proteins and other biomolecules with applications in industrial, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields.

•    Biochemistry Laboratory - Group Leader: Paola Fusi
•    Bioorganic Chemistry - Group Leader: Laura Cipolla
•    BioOrgNMR Lab - Group Leader: Cristina Airoldi
•    Cell Biochemistry and Biosignaling - Group Leader: Paola Coccetti
•    Cellular and Molecular Biology of Yeast - Group Leader: Sonia Colombo 
•    Mass Spectrometry Laboratory - Group Leader: Carlo Santambrogio 
•    Molecular and Cellular Biophysics - Group Leader: Antonino Natalello
•    Molecular Biology of Aging and Longevity - Group Leader: Marina Vai
•    Neurobiochemistry - Group Leader: Maria Elena Regonesi
•    Organic Chemistry and Drug Discovery - Group Leader: Francesco Peri
•    Protein Biochemistry - Group Leader: Stefania Brocca

The Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Production research area focuses on developing innovative biotechnological processes with a strong emphasis on sustainability, efficient resource use, and closing biogeochemical cycles. Research is particularly active in metabolic and protein engineering, synthetic biology, and biocatalysis, optimizing enzymes and microorganisms (such as yeasts, bacteria, and fungi) for the production of chemical compounds, biofuels, biomaterials, recombinant proteins, and nutraceuticals (biomanufacturing). These studies aim to create bio-based solutions applicable on an industrial scale.

Another key area of interest is bioprospecting, which explores microbial biodiversity to identify new microbial strains and enzymes with unique characteristics suitable for innovative biotechnological processes. Microbial communities are also studied through metagenomic approaches to understand their impact on the degradation of recalcitrant compounds and their role in promoting soil health.

The research area also focuses on developing integrated biorefineries to convert residual biomass into chemical platforms (e.g., monomers for biopolymers) and high-value-added products, such as heterologous proteins of pharmaceutical interest, bioactive secondary metabolites, and nutraceuticals. This approach reduces environmental impact and promotes a circular economy. Among the most cutting-edge aspects, research includes the use of C1 compounds, which can be derived from CO₂ fixation and converted into valuable organic compounds.

Research in Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Production includes the study of enzyme structure-function relationships, genotype-phenotype correlations, microbial robustness, and adaptation. This allows researchers to understand how microorganisms resist and adapt to extreme conditions, such as those generated by specific environmental or industrial settings. Understanding these mechanisms improves production process efficiency and enables the quantitative characterization of physiological traits.

These research lines strengthen the role of biotechnology in industrial innovation and the transition toward low-environmental-impact production models that do not rely on the depletion of natural resources. Additionally, this research serves as the foundation for the educational programs offered and for internship and research opportunities at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

•    Enzymology and Biocatalysis - Group Leader: Marina Lotti
•    Fermentation Chemistry - Group Leader: Luca Brambilla
•    IndBiotech Lab - Group Leader: Paola Branduardi
•    Industrial Microbiology - Group Leader: Gianni Frascotti

The research area in Biodiversity and Ecology is dedicated to studying biological diversity and ecological interactions, adopting an approach that encompasses both natural ecosystems and those altered by human activities. Research activities focus on analyzing animal, plant, and microbial biodiversity, investigating genetic variability and ecosystem functions of animals, plants, and microorganisms—particularly native species—to understand their relationships with the environment.

Urban ecology is another key research field, aiming to assess human impact on biodiversity and ecosystem well-being in cities and suburban areas, as well as to develop sustainable management strategies for the conservation of green spaces. On the evolutionary front, the research explores the processes that have shaped species diversity, employing molecular approaches to gain deeper insights into speciation and adaptation dynamics.

Particular attention is also given to biodiversity conservation through the development, validation, and application of methodologies for monitoring and protecting endangered species. This includes integrating conservation genetics techniques with detailed ecological assessments. Lastly, environmental biotechnology plays a role in developing solutions for restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.

This comprehensive research effort aims to actively contribute to the conservation, restoration, monitoring, and enhancement of biodiversity in an increasingly interconnected world facing growing anthropogenic pressures.

•    FoodNutraLab - Group Leader: Luca Campone
•    Integrative Taxonomy and Ecosystem Interactions - Group Leader: Andrea Galimberti
•    Microbiology Lab - Group Leader: Patrizia Di Gennaro
•    Plant diversity, Ecology and Evolution - Group Leader: Fabrizio Grassi
•    ZooPlantLab - Group Leaders: Maurizio Casiraghi / Massimo Labra

The research area in Biomedicine focuses on studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying various human diseases, with an approach aimed at understanding the biological dynamics of pathological conditions. Research lines include oncology, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, genetic, and inflammatory diseases, as well as dysbiosis, to investigate how molecular circuits and cellular signaling pathways are altered in pathological and preclinical conditions. The goal is to identify new diagnostic markers and pharmacological targets, as well as to develop preventive pharmacological or nutraceutical strategies to counteract disease development.

The area also includes advanced studies in nanomedicine, focusing on the development of nanoparticles and biomaterials for targeted applications in oncology and regenerative medicine. The systems biology approach enables an integrated analysis of cellular and molecular networks, providing a comprehensive view of molecular interactions in pathological conditions and potential therapeutic strategies.

With a strong emphasis on biotechnological innovation and interdisciplinarity, the Biomedicine research area of the Department aims to generate knowledge applicable to personalized and precision medicine and nutrition.

•    Advanced Cell Models for Biomedicine - Group Leader: Luisa Fiandra
•    Cardiac Cell Physiology - Group Leader: Antonio Zaza
•    Cardiovascular Cell Physiology - Group Leader: Marcella Rocchetti 
•    Cell Pathobiology and Molecular Therapy - Group Leader: Metello Innocenti
•    Cell Physiology and Neurophysiology - Group Leader: Andrea Becchetti
•    Cellular and Molecular Biology - Group Leader: Michela Ceriani
•    Cellular and Molecular Immunology - Group Leader: Francesca Granucci
•    Cellular and Molecular Physiology - Group Leader: Francesco Lodola
•    Developmental Neuroimmunobiology - Group Leader: Veronica Krenn
•    Food Microbiology and Probiotic Science (μbEat lab) - Group Leader: Simone Guglielmetti
•    Genetics of Neurodevelopment and its Pathology - Group Leader: Silvia K. Nicolis
•    Genome Damage - Group Leader: Michela Clerici
•    Genome Integrity and Stability - Group Leaders: Maria Pia Longhese and Diego Bonetti
•    Laboratory of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini" - Group Leader: Anna Maria Colangelo
•    Molecular Genetics of Hematopoiesis - Group Leader: Antonella Ronchi
•    Mucosal Immunology - Group Leader: Federica Facciotti
•    NanoBioLab + NanoCosPha - Group Leaders: Davide Prosperi and Miriam Colombo
•    Neural Development - Group Leader: Sara Mercurio
•    Pharmacology & Drug discovery - Group Leader: Barbara Costa
•    Physiology of Neuronal Differentiation - Group Leader: Marzia Lecchi
•    RNA Biology - Group Leader: Silvia Barabino
•    Stem Cells and Clinical Translation in Neuroscience - Group Leader: Daniela Ferrari
•    Systems Biochemistry of Cancer Cell Metabolism and Proliferation - Group Leaders: Marco Vanoni and Elena Sacco
•    Tumor Biochemistry - Group Leader: Ferdinando Chiaradonna