The laboratory focuses on the validation, characterization, and quantification of biomarkers of clinical interest (e.g., for personalized and regenerative medicine) and is organized into four interconnected units.
1. Molecular Diagnostics Support Unit
Measurements: Absolute and relative quantification (Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR) of nucleic acids, enabling accurate and precise measurement of low concentrations of viral DNA/RNA, genomic variations (mutations, deletions/insertions, copy number variations), and the expression of specific genes in pathological contexts.
Applications: Development of reference procedures and characterization of reference materials to support the early diagnosis of infections (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), tumour onset, and monitoring response to targeted therapies.
2. Protein Analysis Unit
Measurements: Immunoenzymatic assays (ELISA, Western Blot) for the identification and quantification of intracellular, membrane-bound, and secreted protein biomarkers.
Applications: Quantification of alterations in the regulation of protein biomarker expression that indicate a pathological state (e.g., inflammation, presence of a tumour, or cardiovascular risk).
3. Imaging and Spectrophotometry Unit
Measurements: Measurement of cellular functional parameters (cellular biomarkers like viability, proliferation rate, morphology, and cellular responses to external stimuli) through optical and fluorescence microscopy, and spectrophotometry.
Applications: Development of reference procedures and characterization of reference materials to support regenerative medicine (quality control of bioengineered tissues before transplantation), pharmacology (cytotoxicity tests), and basic cell biology.
4. Cell Culture Unit
Measurements: Controlled environment for the culture of cell lines, stem cells, and 3D models, based on the use of biomaterials synthesized and characterized using metrologically validated protocols.
Applications: Development of in vitro models aimed at mimicking specific pathological or physiological conditions, while also reducing the use of animal models through the application of metrologically validated procedures and materials.
Objectives
The integration of these platforms allows the laboratory to serve as a bridge between metrological research and clinical practice. By metrologically characterizing measurement procedures and validating reference materials, the laboratory supports basic research and precision medicine, ensuring that test results are solid foundations upon which reliable diagnoses and effective, targeted therapeutic strategies can be built.