Research Projects

By implementing state-of-the-art multidisciplinary approaches, ranging from super-resolution microscopy to functional genetics, we aim at better understanding the role of the choroid plexus-CSF axis during development and healthy aging. In particular, we have shown that choroid plexus epithelial cells develop cilia through a highly regulated multistep process during early embryogenesis. Interestingly, the same cells undergo multiple morpho-functional modifications, including cilia rearrangements and reshaping of mitochondrial morphology postnatally. Our current and future research focuses on dissecting molecular signaling underlying these key modifications and how these events affect and involve the surrounding parenchyma. The identification of these signals could have tremendous potential for unlocking brain plasticity and for appreciating the role of the choroid plexus during neurological disorders.

Choroid plexus tumors are rare intracranial neoplasms, accounting for up to 20% of pediatric cancers occurring in <1-year-old children. Despite recent efforts to better dissect the pathophysiology of these cancers, no driving mutations are known and no choroid plexus tumor-specific chemotherapeutic agent is currently available. Our group is committed to identify critical signaling pathways crucial for the tumor growth, by applying single-nucleus RNA sequencing of human tumors, by investigating developmental signaling pathways essential to direct the differentiation of choroid plexus epithelial progenitors and by developing 2D and 3D in vitro models that will be essential for testing and developing new therapies for tumor treatments.