The research activity of this U.O. is mainly focused on: 1) the investigation of the molecular basis of human pathologies, 2) the elucidation of the role of D-amino acids on neurotransmission, 3) protein engineering applied to medical biotechnology. The wide experience acquired in the past years in resolving, identifying, and characterising proteins, introduced our research group in the functional post-genomics and protein engineering fields. At present the laboratory is largely engaged in the characterisation of proteins involved in human pathologies at the molecular and cellular level. The main goals of our biotechnological projects are: - Investigation of the role of D-serine and D-aspartate on brain functions - Investigation of the brain serine metabolism – Investigation of the relationships between serine and aspartate metabolism and Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, Neu-Laxova syndrome, autism, etc. - Development of biosensors to detect and quantify D-amino acids as novel biomarkers in various pathologies – Enzyme therapy of solid tumors using D-amino acid oxidase as prodrug converter (oxidative stress therapy mediated by hydrogen peroxide) - Set up of innovative glicovaccines for tuberculosis and COVID-19.