Our research team is dedicated to advancing the understanding of tetraspanin-enriched nanodomains, specialized membrane structures crucial in cell adhesion and migration processes. In addition, tetraspanin proteins are highly prevalent on extracellular vesicles (EVs), shuttles for bioactive proteins, lipids, and RNAs, unveiling novel pathways for intercellular communication.
Our investigations aim to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying EV biogenesis and their subsequent uptake by recipient cells. Within our group we also pioneer innovative approaches for EV isolation, detection and quantification for their use in liquid biopsy in personalized medicine. Moreover, we are at the forefront of engineering synthetic exosome mimetics, harnessing tetraspanin-based tools as therapeutic tools to replicate and enhance natural cellular processes.