RNA Lab – Decoding Non-Coding RNAs in Development and Disease

Laboratory Overview

Our laboratory investigates RNA-based regulation and plasticity, with a special focus on how non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) shape cellular identity, tissue homeostasis, and disease. We combine molecular and computational biology, advanced microscopy, and organoid and animal models to explore the regulatory logic of RNA molecules across systems and species.

Research lines

1. Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Regulation

We study how lncRNAs orchestrate muscle development and function, particularly focusing on the conserved CHARME lncRNA, essential for cardiac and skeletal muscle differentiation. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, transcriptomics, and epigenetic profiling, we dissect how the dysregulation of muscle-specific lncRNAs impacts cardiomyopathies and muscular disorders.

(Funded by EU FP7 Infrafrontier, Sapienza Ricerca, PRIN NOMeN)

2. Neuromuscular Systems and Disease Modeling

Through human iPSC-derived organoids and advanced imaging, we investigate how lncRNA and circRNA alterations affect neuromuscular transmission and neurodegeneration. Our work includes ion imaging in neuromuscular organoids (iNEMO) and disease modeling in the context of ALS and related pathologies.

(Funded by PNRR Spoke 3, Sapienza Ricerca 2021, Human Technopole 2025 iNEMO)

3. RNA Structure–Function Relationships

We explore how RNA secondary and tertiary structures determine function and regulatory capacity of ncRNAs. By integrating computational modeling and functional genomics, we aim to link RNA folding to biological activity in health and disease.

(Funded by PRIN PNRR “RNA2Fun”)

4. Evolutionary Conservation Across Kingdoms

The project EVOMAP investigates how non-coding RNAs evolve and diversify across plants and mammals, identifying conserved elements and testing their functional relevance during cellular differentiation.

(Funded by Sapienza Ricerca 2023 EVOMAP)

Publication highlights