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