Research Group for Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Diseases
Affiliation and Location
University of Milan
IRCCS Fondazione Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico
SSD Neurologia – Malattie Neurodegenerative
Contacts and References
Director of SSD Neurology – Neurodegenerative Diseases:
Dott. Andrea Arighi
Head of Laboratory:
Prof.ssa Daniela Galimberti, Dott.ssa Chiara Fenoglio
Contact Office: Marco Milianti segreteria.neurodeg@policlinico.mi.it 0255038508
The Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Diseases Group, active since 1995 at the “Centro Dino Ferrari” of the University of Milan and the IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, focuses on the genetic and molecular diagnosis and the study of the pathogenetic mechanisms of MS. Through an integrated approach combining research and clinical practice, the laboratory investigates the genetic, epigenetic, and immunological factors underlying the disease. It is involved in clinical trials with innovative drugs and collaborates with national and international centers, participating in multidisciplinary projects and academic training activities.
In the field of Multiple Sclerosis, the laboratory performs the determination of oligoclonal bands through isoelectric focusing on cerebrospinal fluid and serum to support diagnosis. Diagnostic activity is integrated with research and contributes to the molecular characterization of patients, also for the purpose of selection for clinical and therapeutic studies. Furthermore, the integration of immunological and inflammatory markers as potential indicators of disease and treatment response is currently under development.
Research focuses on innovative biomarkers for early diagnosis and the assessment of Multiple Sclerosis progression. Active research lines include: the study of myeloid-derived extracellular vesicles, microRNAs with synaptic targets, and plasma inflammatory factors as predictive markers of treatment response. Other activities involve the analysis of the peripheral immune profile, the study of the gut microbiota, and the integration of molecular and clinical data for precision medicine. In particular, neurochemical and neurotransmitter aspects, as well as neuronal and glial biomarkers, are investigated. Furthermore, the group conducts advanced studies using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to deepen the understanding of the disease. These techniques allow for a detailed study of the pathological processes of multiple sclerosis, contributing to the development of more precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
The laboratory participates in multicenter studies and clinical trials with immunomodulating drugs.
The team
