Ricerc@Sapienza

The research group focuses on epigenetics as a central driver of cellular differentiation and tumor development, with particular emphasis on hematologic malignancies. The research explores how epigenetic programs—based on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation—shape cell identity, plasticity, and, when disrupted, predisposition to malignancy. A major line of investigation examines how the epigenome governs hematopoietic maturation. The group studies DNA methylation and chromatin signals that direct the transition from immature progenitors to differentiated cells, with special interest in histone modifications such as H3K4me3 and H3K27me3. In parallel, we evaluate the contribution of microRNAs not only as post-transcriptional regulators but also as active components of nuclear epigenetic regulation. The group analyzes also how fusion oncoproteins typical of acute leukemias disrupt these regulatory circuits. Through integrated genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic approaches, the group examines how pre-existing chromatin states may predispose genomic regions to tumor-associated hypermethylation and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Our approach is highly multidisciplinary, combining advanced omics technologies, functional assays, chromatin–RNA interaction studies, and clinical–molecular analysis of patient samples. This integration allows moving from descriptive epigenomics to mechanistic interpretation, ultimately aiming to identify biologically grounded therapeutic vulnerabilities. The overarching goal is to advance precision medicine strategies that incorporate not only genetic but also epigenetic tumor profiles.