Molecular Phylogenetics Comparative Transcriptomics

Laboratory of Molecular Phylogeny and Comparative Transcriptomics
RoomS19, second floor

The research lines carried out in this laboratory include

Study of evolutionary relationships among organisms

Phylogenetic analyses based on the use of genomic and mitochondrial molecular markers.

Comparative genomics

Analysis of specific genes and gene families to clarify orthology relationships among genes and understand the evolutionary history of gene families. Research in this area has focused on key organisms in vertebrate evolution such as basal sarcopterygians (coelacanths, lungfish, and amphibians), particularly on Hox and ParaHox genes, developmental and sex-determination genes, genes involved in pathways/structures that enabled the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life, and vitellogenin genes

Study of transposable elements

Transcriptomic approaches are used to evaluate the transcriptional activity of these mobile genetic elements in response to specific environmental conditions, especially in relation to climate change and human impacts on ecosystems, considering their role in enhancing adaptability and resilience in species. The goal is to identify the mechanisms underlying adaptive capacity, particularly in vertebrates and model organisms.

Conservation biology

Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, such as ddRAD-Seq or whole genome sequencing (WGS), genetic diversity and population structure of species of interest (e.g., Chamelea gallina and Apis mellifera in the Conero Park) are analyzed, correlating genetic data with phenotypic traits and environmental parameters, also with a view to sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation.

Ongoing research projects

•    Seeds&Bees Project (funded by the Cariverona Foundation): population study through genetic analysis of Apis mellifera in the Conero Park
•    Population study through genetic analysis of the bivalve mollusk Chamelea gallina
•    Progetto Habitat Praterie secondarie (funded by the Cariverona Foundation)
•    Transcriptomic analyses of transposable elements in vertebrates

Equipment
  • Centrifuge: Beckman Microcentrifuge E
  • Centrifuge: Eppendorf 5415R
  • Centrifuge: Heraeus Biofuge primo
  • Thermal cyclers: Bio-Rad Mycycler
  • Speedvaq: Eppendorf Concentrator 5301
  • Transilluminator: Bio-Rad GelDocXR
  • Power supply for electrophoresis: Bio-Rad powerpac300
  • Horizontal electrophoresis chambers: Bio-Rad Subcell GTand Bio-Rad Minisubcells GT
  • Vertical electrophoresis chamber: Bio-Rad Sequi-GEN Sequencing Cell

Staff

tel. 071 2204619
Prof. Maria Assunta Biscotti
tel. 0712204625

Dott.ssa Elisa Carotti

Post Doc

Dott.ssa Edith Tittarelli

PhD