Research Areas

» Neuroanatomy

» Neurophysiology

» Neurochemistry

» Motor Behaviour and Cognition

» Cognitive Neuropsychology

» Brain Imaging

» Developmental Neuropsychology

Neurochemistry

The main interest of our research group is focused on the study of signal transduction mechanisms that are triggered by the activation of G-protein coupled receptors.

In particular we are currently investigating the molecular processes that underlie the pheromonal communication in mammals.

Our research includes the study of a family of pheromone receptors (V2Rs) that are specifically expressed in the vomeronal organ (an accessory olfactory organ that detects pheromones) of rodents.

Studies also concern specific G-proteins that are involved in the transmission of pheromonal signals from the vomeronasal and olfactory receptor neurons to bulbar structures.

Our technical approach is mainly molecular and includes: cloning, heterologous expression, functional studies and transgenesis.

-::- Roberto Tirindelli (Principal Investigator)

-::- Lucia Silvotti

-::- Giorgia Montani

-::- Elisabetta Biasi

• Dr. Nicholas Ryba, NIDCR, NIH, Bethesda, USA.

• Dr. Albertino Bigiani, University of Modena, Modena, Italy.