Valerio Orlando

Prof. Orlando’s interest is the exploration of the epigenetic mechanisms of adaptation and how these matter for development, ageing, nutrition and associated diseases. In particular, Prof. Orlando's lab investigates the chromatin and nuclear architecture mediated mechanisms that control and maintain cell identity and plasticity and in particular the contribution of the noncoding part of the genome and associated protein complex regulators. These include the “cell memory” chromosomal proteins called Polycomb and trithorax group and other chromatin structure regulators; (ii) the role of ncRNAs in epigenetic regulation and how this relates to development and adaptation, in particular in stress conditions (iii) the circadian clock and organ to organ communication. Furthermore, as part of the investigation of the plastic properties of the genome in response to developmental and environmental cues, Prof. Orlando's lab most recent focus has been exploring the functional role of the repetitive part of the mammalian genome (50% of total), in particular dynamics of mammalian transposable elements and their role in cell differentiation, reprogramming and disease. A major focus is Aging and RNA based potential therapeutic interventions to preserve tissue homeostasis, resilience and regeneration and related pathological contexts.