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Neuro-Immuno-Pharmacology Research

University of Turin

Massimo Collino is a full Professor of Pharmacology at the Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” University of Turin. Trained in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and holding a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology, his academic career spans roles from researcher to associate professor and currently full professor. His research primarily focuses on neuro-immunopharmacology, investigating molecular mechanisms of inflammation in central and peripheral nervous system disorders using preclinical models.

Collino leads research exploring pharmacological modulation of inflammatory pathways implicated in conditions such as ischemia, metabolic disorders, and stress-related pathologies. He has extensive international experience, including appointments as Visiting Scientist at the William Harvey Research Institute and Visiting Professor at Ben-Gurion University. In addition to his research, he contributes significantly to teaching across medicine, biotechnology, and pharmacology programs, and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field.

Main Areas of Interest

Our laboratory focuses on the study of neuro-immune interactions using preclinical in vivo and ex vivo experimental approaches. We investigate the effects of pharmacological interventions targeting key mediators and signaling pathways involved in both central and peripheral inflammatory responses.

In particular, our research explores how peripheral insults, such as metabolic stress induced by a high-fat high-sugar diet or systemic inflammation in sepsis (cecal ligation and puncture, CLP model), can lead to central nervous system dysfunction. A major focus of our work is the study of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) and diet-induced neuroinflammation.

Complementary ex vivo analyses are performed to characterize the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, with particular emphasis on inflammatory pathways and organ-specific responses.

Specialties

Pharmacology

Neurosciences

Genetics & Genomics

Techniques You Will Learn

Tissue handling and homogenization from preclinical in vivo models (e.g., GentleMACS workflows)
RNA extraction, quantification, and quality assessment from biological samples
cDNA synthesis and quantitative gene expression analysis using real-time PCR
Primer design, data normalization, and interpretation of qPCR results
Protein extraction techniques, including total lysates and subcellular fractionation
Protein quantification, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting workflows
Antibody selection, optimization, and chemiluminescent detection methods
Densitometric analysis of protein expression using imaging software (e.g., ChemiDoc/Image Lab)
Cryostat-based tissue sectioning and sample preparation for imaging
Immunofluorescence staining techniques for central and peripheral tissues
Identification of cell-type-specific markers (e.g., microglia, astrocytes, inflammatory cells)
Confocal and advanced fluorescence microscopy imaging (e.g., Leica MICA, Zeiss LSM platforms)
Quantitative image analysis and spatial interpretation of cellular responses
Integration of genomics, proteomics, and imaging data in translational research
Experimental design, troubleshooting, reproducibility, and critical data interpretatio

Curriculum

The 2-week intensive training program offers a hands-on, immersive experience in advanced experimental techniques widely used in translational biomedical research. Fellows will be directly involved in ongoing preclinical studies, working with biological samples derived from in vivo models of metabolic stress and systemic inflammation.

Each training module is focused on one core technique, allowing participants to gain both practical expertise and critical understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.

1. Real-Time PCR (Genomics)

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to gene expression analysis using real-time PCR. Fellows will work with tissue samples (e.g., peripheral organs and brain regions) derived from preclinical models.

The training includes the full experimental workflow: tissue homogenization (e.g., using GentleMACS system), RNA extraction, RNA quantification and quality assessment, reverse transcription to cDNA, and quantitative PCR analysis of selected target genes.

Participants will be actively involved in each step under the supervision of experienced researchers, gaining practical skills in troubleshooting and protocol optimization.

The program also includes primer design strategies, data normalization, and interpretation of gene expression results in the context of inflammation, metabolism, and neuroimmune interactions. Emphasis will be placed on critical data analysis, integration within the research project, and effective presentation of results.

2. Western Blot (Proteomics)

This module focuses on protein expression analysis and signaling pathway investigation using Western blotting. Fellows will analyze proteins extracted from tissues collected in preclinical models (e.g., liver, adipose tissue, brain).

The training covers different protein extraction approaches, including total protein extraction as well as subcellular fractionation (e.g., cytosolic-membrane or nuclear-cytosolic fractions), enabling the evaluation of protein localization and translocation between cellular compartments.

Participants will perform protein quantification, SDS-PAGE separation, membrane transfer, and antibody-based detection. Membranes will be developed using chemiluminescence and imaged with a ChemiDoc system, followed by quantitative analysis using Image Lab software.

Fellows will also learn how to select appropriate targets, optimize antibody conditions, and interpret protein expression data in relation to specific signaling pathways (e.g., inflammatory and metabolic pathways). Particular emphasis will be placed on experimental controls, reproducibility, and integration of protein-level findings with gene expression data.

3. Immunofluorescence (Cellular and Spatial Biology)

This module provides training in immunofluorescence techniques for the analysis of cellular and tissue-specific responses in both central and peripheral organs.

Fellows will work on tissue sections obtained using a cryostat sectioning system, allowing optimal preservation of tissue architecture and antigenicity.

In the central nervous system, analyses will focus on neuroinflammatory markers, including microglial and astrocyte activation, as well as inflammatory mediators. In parallel, peripheral tissues (e.g., liver, heart, kidney, and adipose tissue) will be evaluated to assess inflammatory cell infiltration and the expression of tissue-specific markers of injury and inflammation.

The training includes tissue processing, sectioning, antibody selection, staining procedures, and optimization of fluorescence labeling. Particular attention will be given to the identification of cell-type-specific markers and to the spatial distribution of inflammatory signals.

Image acquisition will be performed using advanced platforms such as the MICA Microhub imaging platform (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany) (https://www.leica-microsystems.com/products/p/mica/?country=IT) and the Zeiss LSM 880 confocal microscope (Zeiss).

Participants will learn how to analyze cellular activation states, quantify fluorescence signals, and interpret imaging data in the context of neuroimmune interactions and multi-organ inflammation.

Accommodation

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Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Total Fee
2 weeks	$1,099.00
6 weeks	$1,699.00

Who Can Apply

This program is suitable for postgraduate students, PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists in neuroscience, pharmacology, immunology, or related biomedical fields with an interest in translational and preclinical research.

Host Details

Host Name: Dr. Massimo Collino

Affiliation: University of Turin

Address: University of Turin Via Verdi, 8 - 10124 Torino Centralino

Website URL:

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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