1) The Unit has a vast experience in the study of lysosomal enzymes and in particular of lysosomal glycohydrolases and proteases. It has contribute to the identification and purification of new isoenzymatic forms, trough the set up of new chromatographic approaches and the standardization of specific synthetic substrates. Research activity now deals with: - regulation of the expression, intracellular trafficking, secretion, localization at plasma membrane microdomains level, and investigation on regulation mechanisms of lysosomal enzymes and lysosomal system, in particular the role of Ras activation; - lysosomal system regulation by miRNA, in normal and pathological conditions; - involvement of the endosomal-lysosomal system and of the balance between autophagic and apoptotic pathways, in neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, Lysosomal Storage Disorders), aging, cell growth and differentiation in tumors; studies are also extended to purification and characterization of exosomes from cell culture medium and body fluids. 2) The unit is involved in the biological and medical applications of nanostructured materials such as: - use of biodegradable nanoparticles for enzyme replacement therapy in mouse models of lysosomal storage diseases or for brain drug delivery in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases; - use of quantum dots for cell and tissue imaging; - nanotoxicity evaluation in mammalian cell models. 3) The unit has expertise in the production and use of enzymes for environmental applications, i.e. bioremediation, biofuels and biodegradation.