Alessandra M. Mezzelani

My research focuses on multi-omics approaches to elucidate gene–environment interactions in complex disorders, with particular emphasis on autism and the microbiota–gut–brain axis. I am the CNR PI of the European GEMMA (genome, environment, microbiome, and metabolome in autism) project. I also participate in AIRC-funded research on transcriptional alterations in tumour and immune cells in EGFR-mutant lung cancer, as well as in the Cariplo–Telethon project investigating the role of TTI2 in autosomal recessive intellectual developmental disorder. I collaborate with the Policlinico of Milan on single-cell transcriptomic studies of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. I have devised an original “comparative genomics and gene network analysis” approach to identify novel genes associated with human traits and disorders, including social behaviour and longevity. I am also actively involved in CNR initiatives promoting communication, inclusion, and accessibility in research and public engagement. I coordinate the Translational Bioinformatics Laboratory, which integrates experimental and computational approaches by generating omics data and validating bioinformatic analyses, models, and predictive tools. The laboratory includes the Single Cell Analysis (SCA) platform (10x Genomics).