• The role of iron in fibrotic liver diseases through a trimodal approach (next generation sequencing, molecular biology and quantitative proteomics). 
    September 2021- September 2023 (2-years junior research grant to Elisa Bergamini).
    The project investigates iron’s role in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic liver diseases (genetic iron loading, MASLD), focusing on iron-related genes and pathways.
    FAR (Fondo di Ateneo per la Ricerca) Dipartimentale 2020-2021.
    Coordinator: Elena Corradini.
    Partners: Enrico Tagliafico, UNIMORE; Luca Valenti, UNIMI.
  • Unsolve​​d challenges in metabolic syndrome: the role of heme metabolism in liver and muscle gluco-lipid homeostasis
    PRIN (Projects of Relevant National Interest) – 2022 PNRR Call, 2023-ongoing
    The project explores how heme metabolism in liver and muscle regulates carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis, contributing to metabolic syndrome and MASLD. Preliminary data show that impaired heme synthesis disrupts glycolysis, mitochondrial function, and lipid metabolism. Using cell and animal models, and patient-derived samples, the study aims to uncover mechanisms and guide new therapeutic strategies.
    PI, Lead Unit: : Emanuela Tolosano, UNITO.
    Partner:  Yvan Torrente, UNIMI.
    Local PI: Antonello Pietrangelo
  • A new strategy for remodeling pathological lipid metabolism based on the targeting of the translational apparatus.
    November 2023-ongoing.
    PRIN (Projects of Relevant National Interest) – 2022 PNRR Call.
    The project aims to develop and validate eIF6 inhibitors to assess their role in limiting the progression from steatotic liver to steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The UNIMORE Unit contributes to investigating the effects in MASLD models and explores the links between eIF6 and iron metabolism.
    PI, Lead Unit: Stefano Biffo, UNIMI.
    Partner: Carlo Matera, UNIMI.
    Local Coordinator: Elena Corradini
  • PNRR-CN3 Spoke 1 Small Molecule therapy in hemochromatosis and Ferroportin Disease, National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology, WP2 “RNA and Small Molecule therapy in Hemochromatosis and Ferroportin Disease”
    (2023-2025)
    Coordinator: Prof. A Pietrangelo
  • Nanomedicine for therapy of genetic iron-loading disorders: application in hemochromatosis, ferroportin disease and aceruloplasminemia.
    FAR (Fondo di Ateneo per la Ricerca) Interdipartimentale – Fondazione di Modena –  Year 2022
    Mission-Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Project – 2023-2024
    The project combines two interconnected aims: (a) the development of a nanomedicine platform for targeted delivery of genes and small molecules, and (b) its application to innovative mRNA- or drug-based therapies for genetic iron-loading disorders causing multi-organ damage. Starting from a medium TRL, the platform will be validated in vitro and in vivo in relevant animal models, producing advanced medical products. Its adaptable design also positions it as a key milestone for future therapeutic applications
    Coordinator: Prof. B. Ruozi, UNIMORE
  • A new molecule for the treatment of iron overload: application in Metabolic dysfunction – Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
    September 2024- September 2025. FAR (Fondo di Ateneo per la Ricerca)
    Dipartimentale Coordinator: Elena Buzzetti.
    1-year junior research grant to Daniel Scelfo
  • Workpackage 1 “Medicina Genomica e Molecolare”
    Jan 2018 – Dec 2022.
    Dipartimento d’Eccellenza 2018-2022 MIUR call.
    Coordinator: Antonello Pietrangelo.
  • Workpackage 1.1 “Molecular therapies for iron overload disorders”
    (part of Pillar 2, Workpackage 1 “Molecular and gene therapies for rare diseases”)
    Jan 2023 – Dec 2027.
    Dipartimento d’Eccellenza 2023-2027 MIUR call.
    Coordinator: Antonello Pietrangelo.
  • Workpackage 2.1 “Rare diseases” (part of Pillar 1, Workpackage 2 “Advanced diagnostics and prognostics of rare diseases and chronic diseases with a complex genetic basis”).
    Jan 2023 – Dec 2027.
    Dipartimento d’Eccellenza 2023-2027 MIUR call.
    Coordinator: Elena Corradini.