Marina Guizzetti, PhD, MS
About
The focus of my research is the identification of novel mechanisms of glia-neuron interactions involved in brain development and neuronal plasticity. In particular, I am studying mechanisms of neurite outgrowth/dendritic arborization modulated by extracellular matrix proteins and extracellular matrix protease systems expressed and released by astrocytes. The emphasis of my studies is on mechanisms affected by ethanol and implicated in learning and behavioral abnormalities associated with in utero alcohol exposure as seen in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and associated with the development of psychiatric conditions later in life. We measure biochemical, morphological, epigenetic, immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical end-points. Since factors released by astrocytes affecting neuronal functions include glycoproteins and lipids (lipoproteins), our research interests extend into glycobiology and lipid research.
She has collaborated on research with DEOHS faculty.
Education
- PhD, University of Milan (Italy)
- MS, University of Pavia (Italy)
Affiliations
Mentorship
Not available to mentor new PhD and Master's students.
Research
Projects:
1) Characterization of mechanisms involved in neonatal ethanol exposure increase in CA1 pyramidal neurons dendritic arborization in the hippocampus involving extracellular proteases such as proteoglycanases ADAMTSs, that degrade the proteoglycans lecticans, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrading laminin.
2) Investigation of the effects of developmental alcohol exposure on astrocyte-specific gene expression and DNA methylation in Aldh1l1-EGFP-Rpl10a mice by isolating astrocyte transcribing RNA using the translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) technology and by isolating astrocyte nuclei using FACS.
3) Investigation of adult alcohol drinking on astrocyte-specific gene expression in Aldh1l1-EGFP-Rpl10a mice using the translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) technology and on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) disaccharide levels measured by mass spectrometry.