It studies the distribution of proteins, peptides, trophic factors and receptors in distinct regions of the central and peripheral nervous system by multiple fluorescence localization techniques. It also performs conventional histological staining.

It works on cell lines and primary cultures of neurons and glial cells, with a section dedicated to the study of neural stem cells. Techniques include the use of systems that mimic in vitro the major components of central nervous system pathologies. Cultures are aimed both at the study of cell-specific mechanisms by preparations containing only one cell type, and at cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions using co-culture systems, biomaterials, and specific growth substrates.

It is equipped with the latest imaging technologies, dynamic imaging and computerized image analysis (4D spatio-temporal resolution). It also includes a cell-based High-Content Screening system that allows automated analysis of all the thousands of cells included in each experiment..

It is equipped with instrumentation that enables protein analysis using methodologies based on immunochemical reactions (Western Blot; ELISA; xMAP technology). These methods are used for the quantification of proteins in different types of biological fluids and extracts. It is also provided with the necessary authorizations to use these methods in clinical trials and preclinical toxicity studies (Good Laboratory Practices, authorization to operate as a health laboratory).  The introduction of a closed system for conducting ELISA tests allows the handling of infectious samples. Participates in controlled clinical trials (GCP compliant).

It analyzes the expression of specific genes of interest or pathway-specific gene sets. Analysis is also done in situ (RNAscope) and at the tissue level, including on microdissected areas and cells, or in cell cultures. It produces tools for manipulating gene expression. It is equipped with automated instrumentation for nucleic acid extraction and quality assessment, allowing both standardization of results and the possibility of cross-contamination.

It has rooms for housing rats and mice (including transgenic ones. It is equipped with its own OBPA (Animal Welfare Body – Organismo per il benessere animale), for submitting the application for authorization for animal experimentation to the Italian Ministry of Health.

It realizes even complex and customized disease models on customer’s request, characterizes the phenotype and time evolution. It is equipped with a gas anesthesia system, stereotactic table, “Brain Impactor” and all related microsurgery instrumentation.

It is equipped with modern testing technologies for both cognitive (learning and memory), sensory (pain threshold in free-moving animal), and motor (sensory-motor coordination, spontaneous locomotion, “gait analysis”) abilities with video recording and automatic trace analysis. It has an internal network, with an autonomous server and certified back-up of data on external media.

It is a laboratory equipped with the instrumentation for the extraction of proteins from biological matrices (ÄKTA™ start protein purification system, Frac30 fraction collector, UNICORN START 1.1 software), with a particular focus on the extraction of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), according to the protocol developed by Dr. Luigi Aloe and Prof. Rita Levi-Montalcini. This allows sufficient quantities of the protein to be obtained in house, such that it can be used for basic and applied research.