Experimental Medicine
Doctoral programme (PhD)
A.Y. 2025/2026
Study area
Medicine and Healthcare
PhD Coordinator
Experimental medicine develops and applies technology and biological models for studying pathogenic mechanisms in human disease. It involves various disciplines (biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, immunology, genetics and microbiology/virology) that are providing a rapidly growing understanding of the mechanisms that enable the development of pathological processes. The course aims to acquaint students with the technologies and research methodologies in the area of biomedicine and biotechnology based on in vitro and in vivo experimental models and '-omic' approaches, and on their application to the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of human disease. The final objective is the formation of high-level scientists able to combine an understanding of biological processes and pathogenic mechanisms through the application of advanced experimental techniques. The programme's specific objectives are:
1) develop the ability to define problems and devise experiments to solve them in accordance with scientific standards;
2) study biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms in physiopathology using advanced technologies;
3) develop the ability to critically assess scientific literature;
4) provide solid, up-to-date knowledge in the specific field;
5) teach how to conduct independent research, and inform on related ethical implications.
1) develop the ability to define problems and devise experiments to solve them in accordance with scientific standards;
2) study biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms in physiopathology using advanced technologies;
3) develop the ability to critically assess scientific literature;
4) provide solid, up-to-date knowledge in the specific field;
5) teach how to conduct independent research, and inform on related ethical implications.
Tutte le classi di laurea magistrale - All classes of master's degree
Dipartimento di Biotecnologie mediche e medicina traslazionale - Via L. Vanvitelli, 32 - 20129 Milano
- Degree course coordinator: Nicoletta Landsberger
[email protected] - Main offices
Dipartimento di Biotecnologie mediche e medicina traslazionale - Via L. Vanvitelli, 32 - 20129 Milano - Degree course website
http://d-memphd.unimi.it/
| Title | Professor(s) |
|---|---|
| Heart-Brain axis implications in vulnerability to chronic stress
Requirements: The ideal candidate holds basic experience working in vivo with experimental preclinical models in particular knowledge with behavioral analyses and pharmacological treatments. In addition, good expertise in molecular biology approaches will be considered as a preferential qualification. |
|
| Splicing alterations and RNP granules in myeloid malignancies
Requirements: Experience with immunofluorescence protocols and image quantification (FijiImageJ and Phenochart); Experience with in vivo preclinical models; Publication of scientific papers; At least 6 months of experience abroad |
G. Biancon (IRCCS Policlinico)
|
| Advancing Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Disorders: Combined Pharmacological Approaches for nervous tissue regeneration
Requirements: Motivated students with a strong commitment to basic and translational research are invited to apply. The candidate should have well-developed social skills, a hands-on attitude and be able to work in a team. Previous experience in Cellular Molecular Biology is appreciated |
F. Antonucci
|
| GONADO-TRACK – Dissecting the Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Requirements: Possible experience in endocrine regulatory mechanisms of reproduction, whole exome sequencing techniques and analysis, molecular biology techniques for gene expression studies, zebrafish model, and pluripotent stem cells |
|
| New mechanisms controlling macrophages functions: role of Ms4a proteins
Requirements: Basic cellular and molecular biology; biochemical competences. Possible (not mandatory) in vivo experience |
|
| Unraveling mechanism(s) by which respiratory epithelial cells orchestrate pulmonary innate immunity in infection and disease setting
Requirements: Knowledge of the main techniques of cellular, molecular biology and biochemistry (cell cultures, gene silencing, gene and protein expression analysis, lipid analyses, enzymatic assays). Availability of spending periods abroad for training and collaborations. |
|
| Co-culture of endothelial cells and osteoblasts in microgravity: effects on osteoblast activity
Requirements: Cell culture, Western Blotting, Nucleic acids extraction, Real-Time PCR, gene silencing. |
|
| Unraveling Resistance Mechanisms to Enhance Precision T-Cell Redirecting Therapies in Refractory/Relapsed B-cell malignancies
Requirements: Highly motivated PhD candidates with a strong interest in translational research are sought. Applicants will work with patient-derived biological samples to identify response biomarkers and should be open to developing skills in big data analysis and correlative studies. A problem-solving mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to excel in a medical multidisciplinary environment are essential. |
C. Carniti (Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori)
|
| KLOTHO-alpha and vascular senescence: in human and experimental models
Requirements: Knowledge of molecular and cellular pathology, knowledge of immunohistochemistry and ELISA methods |
M. M. Corsi Romanelli
|
| Addressing autoimmunity and immune deficiency in thymomas, at the crossroad between cancer immunology and immune dysfunction
Requirements: Basic experience in cell culture techniques; basic experience in flow cytometry, molecular biology and related computational analytical approaches; willingness to spend periods abroad for training and collaborations. |
|
| Therapeutic horizons in Duchenne muscular dystrophy integrating gene-based and pharmacological strategies by using conventional and alternative models
Requirements: Students should be interested in the investigation of new therapeutic strategies to target DMD, focusing on the setting of preclinical studies in both conventional and alternative models to test the impact of the new interventions proposed |
|
| Downregulation of Angelman Syndrome-associated Ube3a in mouse cortical neurons in vivo – effects on neuronal connectivity and function
Requirements: Previous experience in electron microscopy imaging techniques and sample preparation is requested Previous experience in fluorescence and confocal microscopy is requested The PhD student will have to extensively use image analysis and quantification software |
M. Fossati (CNR)
|
| Analyzing the metabolism of brain cholesterol through spatial lipidomics and studying the therapeutic benefits of brain permeable cholesterol-loaded nanoparticles in Rett syndrome
Requirements: Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, and neurobiology. |
|
| Uncovering the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Neuronal Activity Stimulation in Rett Syndrome
Requirements: Good skills in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Recommended some previous experience in rodent animal experimentation. |
|
| Targeting inflammation and lymphomagenesis induced by the surgical implant of prosthetics in women affected by breast cancers
Requirements: The optimal candidate would have a basic training in immunology laboratory and good organization skills. Previous experience in flow cytometry, microscopy, cell biology, molecular biology and related computational analytical approaches are a plus. |
F. Calcaterra (Humanitas research hospital)
|
| Protein misfolding in chronic wasting disease (CWD): Investigating the pathogenesis, transmission, and diagnostic advancements
Requirements: Solid knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly transmissible encephalopathies (TSEs) and prion biology; Experience with biochemical and molecular techniques, including Western blot analysis; experience in handling biological samples, including nervous tissue and bodily fluids; strong skills in analysing and interpreting complex data; previous work experience in biological containment environments (BSL2/BSL3) and compliance with biosafety regulations |
F. A. Cazzaniga (Istituto Besta)
|
| Investigating Mechanisms of Axonal Degeneration and Regeneration in Motor and Sensory Axonopathies
Requirements: Expertise in the field of the main neurological diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system (with particular reference to peripheral neuropathies and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Knowledge, interest and ability to interpret neurophysiological variables and neuropathological features observed in nerve biopsies. Experience in quantitative clinimetrics, including outcome measures; experience in collection, management and storage of biological samples (blood, CSF, tissues). Interest in molecular biology techniques applied to the study of biomarkers and neurodegeneration/regeneration mechanisms. Interest in analysis and interpretation of the data generated by experiments. |
N. Riva (IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele)
|
| Computational characterization of Sirtuin1-activating compounds as drug candidates for the Duchenne muscular dystrophy recovery
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Linux OS (or similar); Basi knowledge of Structural Biology |
|
| In search of molecular mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between inflammation and oxidative stress in the etiology, neurobiology and treatment of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Requirements: Expertise in gene and protein expression analysis, cell culture; enthusiasm and curiosity for science, can-do attitude; ability to work in a team. |
|
| Deciphering the molecular mechanisms orchestrating metastasis initiation and outgrowth | |
| Oxidative stress and cardiovascular/neuronal degeneration in a mutant Zebrafish model (OXI-CaNe)
Requirements: Experience on molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA and protein extraction, WB, IF, PCR, RT-qPCR, sequencing) |
F. Marelli (Istituto Auxologico Italiano)
|
| Chemical-toxicological research of forensic biomarkers in alternative matrices using innovative targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry approaches | |
| Leveraging SAMMY-seq (Sequential Analysis of MacroMolecules accessibilitY coupled with sequencing) potential in the study of high resolution nuclear architecture to investigate nuclear dynamics in biological processes from prokaryotes cell cycle and dormancy to lymphocytes activation dysfunctions.
Requirements: Bioinformatic skills as sequencing data analysis, programming in R or Python and pipelinesdevelopment. Recommended but not mandatory experiences on prokaryotes biology and/or lymphocytes differentiation. |
E. M. Pinatel (CNR)
|
| Utilizzo di Cellule Staminali Pluripotenti Indotte (iPSCs) per ottenere microglia e organoidi neurali quali modelli per studiare i meccanismi non-cell autonomous nella Sclerosi Laterale Amiotrofica (SLA)
Requirements: Coltura di cellule indotte pluripotenti (iPSCs): riprogrammazione, mantenimento, differenziamento in organoidi cerebrali e microglia; Immunofluorescenza, utilizzo di microscopio confocale, analisi d’immagine; Qestern Blot, Real Time PCR |
P. Bossolasco (Istituto Auxologico Italiano)
|
| Adipo-NETwork: inside the crosstalk between adipose tissue and neuroendocrine neoplasms
Requirements: Strong interest for basic and translational research. |
G. Gaudenzi (Istituto Auxologico Italiano)
|
| Unraveling pathopysiology and metabolic changes in Dystonia: Insights from the Deep Brain Stimulation Target Site
Requirements: Expertise in the clinical and molecular genetics of dystonia. Experience in neuromodulation treatment: patient selection criteria, neurosurgical methods, outcome measures, and programming/stimulation modalities. |
G. Zorzi (IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Besta)
|
Enrolment
Call for applications
Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.
Application for admission: please refer to the call
Following the programme of study
Contacts
Office and services for PhD students and companies