Integrated Research Centre on Metabolomics
Rome, 16 September 2008
IFO Hospitals Conference Hall
On 16 September 2008 the opening ceremony of the Integrated Research Centre for Metabolomics of San Gallicano Institute – IFO Hospitals took place. Prominent personalities took part in the event, as Giuseppe Petrella, President of IFO Hospitals Guideline and Control Board, Aldo Di Carlo, Scientific Director of San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Mauro Picardo, Director of the Integrated Research Centre for Metabolomics (CIRM) and, to conclude the meeting, Piero Marrazzo, President of Latium Region.
The creation of an Integrated Research Centre for Metabolomics (CIRM) directed by Mauro Picardo at San Gallicano Institute originates from the idea that the new science of metabolomics can be useful for prevention and early detection of the alterations preceding diseases.
Metabolomics studies the metabolic activity of biological organisms through analysis of their metabolites which are the outcomes of their gene expression: a changed gene produce an altered protein whose outcome is a modified metabolite. This science allows looking at biochemical events as related to the health condition of a person. The objectives of to the research on metabolomics are very complex, and need the cooperation of different professionals. This is why CIRM is organized as a network involving various research institutions sharing researchers, instruments, resources, expertise and knowledge. The purpose is to develop to the best advantage scientific activities and individuate the metabolites typical of the different clinical disorders.
The network’s members are: San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, the Department of Experimental Medicine of the “Sapienza” University in Rome, the Departement of Biology of the “Tor Vergata” University in Rome, the CNR (National Research Council) Institutes of Chemical Methodologies and Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, the Department of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the “Federico II” University in Naples, the Integrated Research Centre of the “Campus Bio-Medico” University in Rome and NIHMP.
