OMICs TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM (GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS AND METABOLOMICS). Coordinators: Prof. Marcello Maggiolini, Prof. Maria Beatrice Bitonti 0
The OMICA Technology Platform (Genomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics) of University of Calabria was established in 2011 in the framework of PON-SILA (Laboratories Integrated System for Environment) Project. It represents the fisrt centre of omic sciences active in the Calabria region. The Scientific coordinator of OMICA platform is the Prof. Marcello Maggiolini, Full professor of General Pathology. The multidisciplinary research group includes more than 25 professors and researchers and more than 50 post-doc and PhD students which have high expertise in the field of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics of both plants, animals and humans. In more details, the framework of activities performed at the OMICA Platform deals with: - research on genetic diversity of plants and animals; - development of molecular biomarkers for environment monitoring; - genotyping of plant genetic resources relevant to agriculture, food industry and human health; - study of genetic basis underlying complex traits of interest to cope with environmental threats (global change, ecotoxicity, microbiological contamination) and to promote agro-food security and human health Current researches are focused on Human, different animals (mainly fishes) and plant species relevant at the agricultural (i.e. olive, citrus, garlic, etc) or ecological (Posidonia oceanica, psammophyte plants, algae) level. The research group has been successful in attracting additional funding from EU, National and Regional Public Bodies, Research Centre, Private Companies, by participating in different call for proposal. The strengthening and advancement of the scientific activities carried out through the OMICA platform are addressed to establish a research and service centre of excellence in the field of omic sciences. Relevant innovation and shortand long-term benefits in the fields of environment management, food security/valorisation and human health are expected. 1
EQUIPMENT: - Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform, including Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx + Illumina MySeq for massively parallel DNA sequencing (de novo and re-sequencing), epigenome characterization, transcriptome analysis including small RNA discovery, and study of DNA/protein interaction. - Real Time PCR- system for quantitative evaluation of gene expression levels 2
EQUIPMENT: - Flow cytometer with cell sorter for the analysis and the isolation of cell populations. - S Ion trap U-HPLC/MS system at highly sensitivity for the identification of proteins and other metabolites. - Dynamic, Static and Electrophoretic Light Scattering system for measuring the size of the proteins, biomolecules and nanoparticles, dispersed or solubilised in a liquid solution. 3
EQUIPMENT: - Ultracentrifuge equipped with titanium rotor for the preparation of cellular fractions. - FT-IR spectrophotometer for non-destructive identification of molecular groups within organic and inorganic compounds. - Beta Counter for detecting radionuclides and evaluating their activity. - Growth chambers for controlled in vitro growth of plant/animal organisms or cell cultures. 4
SERVICES - Development of molecular biomarkers (genomic, epigenomic and/or proteomic): i) for evaluating biodiversity reduction and ecosystem alteration; ii) for monitoring environment toxic conditions. - Genotyping of wild and cultivated plants. - Detection of OGM presence in the food. - Evaluation of microbial biodiversity and interaction in different matrices (water, soil, biological material) within ecosystems, farms, forests and bioreactors. - Determination of heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and pesticides in food. - Evaluation of drugs, chemical and microbiological contaminants in the environment and in waters. - Evaluation of organic compounds in the hot springs. - Evaluation of the tumorigenic activity of environmental pollutants. - Evaluation of the antitumor activity of endogenous and natural and synthetic exogenous compounds obtained through techniques of drug-design and determination of the biological structure-activity relationships. 5
f REASERCHERS IN CHARGE Prof. Marcello Maggiolini Prof.ssa Maria Beatrice Bitonti Dott. Leonardo Bruno Prof.ssa Anna Rita Cappello Prof.ssa Adriana Chiappetta Dott.ssa Rosita Curcio Prof.ssa Radiana Cozza Prof. Gaetano Ragno Prof. Marcello Canonaco Dott.ssa Giuseppina Ioele Dott.ssa Rosa Maria Facciollo Prof. Antonio Garofalo Dott.ssa Raffaella Alò Prof.ssa Stefania Sinicropi Dr. Antonio Carelli Dott.ssa Fedora Grande Dott.ssa Adele Vivacqua Dott.ssa Francesca Aiello Prof. Vincenzo Pezzi Prof. Giancarlo Statti Dott. Ivan Casaburi Prof.ssa Rosa Tundis Prof. Angelo Liguori Dott.ssa Monica Loizzo Prof.ssa Vincenza Dolce Dott.ssa Filomena Conforti 6
Research Projects and main Activites Progetti di ricerca rilevanti - PON RICERCA E COMPETITIVITA' 2007/2013- Progetto Spread Bio Oil cod. 01_00293, OR Biological characterization (Functional genomic). - PON RICERCA E COMPETITIVITA' 2007/2013- Progetto SIGIEC, Sistema Gestione Integrata Erosione Costiera cod. 01_02651, OR. Development of molecular biomarkers in natural populations of Posidonia oceanica - PON RICERCA E COMPETITIVITA' 2007/2013- Progetto PON DIRECT FOOD - PROGRAMMA DI SVILUPPO RURALE DELLA REGIONE CALABRIA - Fondo Europeo Agricolo per lo Sviluppo Rurale (FEASR) 2007 2013. Project PHYTOCALABRIA - Research project funded by the Associazione Italiana Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) : Molecular mechanisms involved in the estrogenic GPER signaling in hormone-sensitive tumors. - PON RICERCA E COMPETITIVITA' 2007/2013 Evaluation of contaminants and heavy metals in food. 7
OMICS TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM (GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS AND METABOLOMICS) Via P. Bucci 87036 Rende (CS) Tel. 0984 493076 OMICA OMICA