Our research Unit has been studying for several years the role of small GTPases in neuronal signaling.

It is well documented that Ras and Ras-like proteins play a pivotal role in synaptic and structural plasticity, the cellular and molecular basis for processes such as learning and memory.

They have been involved in many of the processes that modulate synaptic strength, among which changes in gene expression profiles and, more recently, the regulation of global and local protein synthesis.

In particular our focus has been addressed considering one class of molecules: the upstream activator RasGRF1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for both Ras and Rac.

In the past we have obtained RasGRF1 knock out mice. These mice are impaired in long-term synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation, exhibit higher intrinsic neuronal excitability and do not become tolerant to cannabinoid-induced locomotor effects. These mice also represent a valuable tool for our studies.

 Availability of the instruments necessary for proteomic studies have recently allowed us to open a new field of research, in collaboration with Prof. Meola and Dr. E. Mancinelli aimed to identify alteration in the proteomic profile of myotubes obtained from biopsy of myotonic dystrophy type 2 patients as compared to control myotubes