Ricerc@Sapienza

I study how neuronal networks process information to support healthy brain function, with two tightly connected research lines that run in parallel.
First, I investigate neuron–microglia interactions to undestand how glial cells shape synaptic development, maturation, and the lifelong maintenance of plasticity. Using electrophysiology and time-lapse/confocal imaging, I probe microglial modulation of hippocampal synaptic transmission across physiological and disease-relevant contexts, integrating behavior, molecular biology, and sequencing when needed.
In parallel, I examine genetic mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorders (ASD). I focus on high-risk genes—particularly SYNGAP1, a critical regulator of synaptic plasticity and cognition—to define how different mutations reshape network function and to identify convergent, therapeutically actionable pathways. By combining genetic perturbations with human-derived in vitro models (2D cortical cultures and 3D brain organoids), my goal is to connect molecular mechanisms to systems-level plasticity and translate these insights into strategies for intervention.