Analysis of Subcellular Architecture with Nanotomography and Image Processing

Our research interest is mainly focused on the study of the subcellular architecture and exploration of the structural alterations under pathological conditions in neurodegenerative diseases, with particular focus on Huntington's Disease. Our working hypothesis is that the maintance of the subcellular architecture is of paramount importance for the cellular homeostasis and that the analysis of such alterations may contribute to gain insights into the pathophysiological basis of diseases, to serve as a biomarker of disease progression and effects of therapeutic treatments and also to enable the identification of new therapeutic targets.

In our work we develop and apply advanced preparation protocols based on cryo-fixation that ensure optimal structural preservation of samples from post-mortem brain tissue and peripheral tissues (muscle, blood), taken from animal models and patients. And we then use state-of-the-art 3D imaging and nanotomography technologies, namely electron tomography, cryoET and FIB/SEM (focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy), and develop and apply advanced image processing methods to conduct the structural analysis.