Emanuela Bottani Lab

FUELING THE FUTURE OF RARE DISEASE CARE

We are a university-based laboratory dedicated to preclinical research on rare genetic neuro-metabolic diseases.
Our work focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, using state-of-the-art methodologies and innovative preclinical models to unravel the mechanisms underlying disease and to develop new therapeutic strategies.

We collaborate with patient associations and the scientific community to guide therapeutic developments toward concrete clinical needs and to promote the translation of research findings from the laboratory to clinical practice.

Who We Are

OUR LABORATORY

Our laboratory was established in 2021 and has since grown progressively, becoming a structured and fully operational research unit dedicated to the study of mitochondrial dysfunction since 2025. We integrate expertise in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry, with experience in the use of genetically modified animal models and preclinical pharmacology approaches.
We investigate the mechanisms underlying rare neuro-metabolic diseases through advanced methodologies and a multidisciplinary approach, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets and strategies. 

MORE

Mission

WHAT WE DO

Research activities

Discover the research activities of our laboratory.

Publications

Discover our laboratory’s publications.

Projects

Discover our laboratory’s current and past projects.

MitoGen Lab

FUELING THE FUTURE OF RARE DISEASE CARE

MORE

News

Last news and updates

Our study on sildenafil for Leigh syndrome published in Cell

Scientific award

We have published in Cell an international multicenter study identifying sildenafil as a potential treatment for Leigh syndrome, a severe mitochondrial disorder currently lacking effective therapies. Through a large-scale screening in patient-derived neuronal cells, we identified PDE5 inhibitors and selected sildenafil based on its safety profile. The treatment showed positive effects in cellular models, brain…

Read More

New study in Pharmacological Research: the role of the PGC-1α pathway in brain development

Scientific award

We have published in Pharmacological Research a new study exploring the role of thyroid hormones in brain development. Using brain organoids, we showed that T3 deficiency impairs neuronal maturation and cellular activity. Our results identify the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α as a key mediator of these processes. Pharmacological activation of the PGC-1α pathway, using Nicotinamide Riboside…

Read More

Mitochondria and Neurodevelopment: New Results on a Pharmacological Therapy for Disorders Associated with Central Hypothyroidism Presented at the WMS Congress

Scientific award, Team

Dr. Bottani took part in the International Congress of the World Mitochondrial Society (WMS), presenting a talk entitled  “Targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics to sustain neurodevelopment under thyroid hormone deficiency.” In her presentation, Dr. Bottani shared the results of an ongoing research project that has helped to clarify the link between thyroid hormone T3, mitochondrial activation, and…

Read More

Greetings and best wishes to Donald Bajia

Team

After one year of intense collaboration, the time has come for our PhD student, Donald Bajia, to return to Poznań University of Medical Sciences, where he will complete his doctoral thesis and soon defend his PhD. While we are truly sad to see him leave our research team, we are grateful for his contributions and…

Read More

The Team Grows with New Talents and Recognitions

Team

We are pleased to announce two important updates for Dr. Bottani’s research group, both supported by the Italian Science Fund (FIS2). Enrica Cappellozza will continue as part of the team for the 2025–2028 period, following the award of a research contract. This achievement is a well-deserved recognition of her talent and the quality of her…

Read More

Our Laboratory at the EMBO Workshop “Mitochondria in the Nervous System”

Events, Scientific award

Dr. Enrica Cappellozza participated in the EMBO Workshop “Mitochondria in the Nervous System”, an international meeting that focused on the multiple roles of mitochondria in neurons and glial cells, as well as their contributions to brain development and neuronal plasticity. During the intense days of talks and discussions, Dr. Cappellozza presented the results of her…

Read More

Research activities

EXPLORE OUR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

From the biological foundations to therapeutic perspectives, our research brings together innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor.

MORE
Scroll to top
Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY

Pursuant to Art. 13 of EU Regulation 2016/679 – GDPR

This document describes the management methods of the website with reference to the processing of personal data of users who consult and interact with it. The Data Controller is committed to protecting the privacy of its users and safeguarding the personal data collected in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (hereinafter “GDPR”).

1. DATA CONTROLLER

The Data Controller is the University of Verona – Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, located in P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona (VR), Italy.

To exercise your rights, or for any clarification regarding this policy, you may contact the Controller at the following contact details: e-mail: privacy@ateneo.univr.it, PEC (Certified Email): ufficio.protocollo@pec.univr.it, tel. +39 045.8028777, or contact the University Data Protection Officer (DPO) at: dpo@ateneo.univr.it.

2. DATA PROCESSOR

The Controller has appointed the following entity as Data Processor regarding the technical management and maintenance of the website:
Pixelstorming di Corradini Stefano Via Due Ponti 33 – 41012 Carpi (MO) VAT No. 03457720369

The Processor utilizes the following authorized sub-processors for the provision of specific services:

  • Website Hosting: Serverplan, based in Italy.
  • Email sending and Newsletter: Brevo, based in France (currently being implemented).
  • Antispam protection services (reCAPTCHA): Google Ireland Ltd., based in Ireland.
  • Site visit statistics (Analytics): Google Ireland Ltd., based in Ireland.

All data is processed within the European Union.

A. Navigation and statistical data

  • Data processed: IP addresses (in anonymized form), browser type, access times, and other parameters related to the operating system. This data is collected via the Google Analytics service.
  • Purpose: To obtain aggregated statistical information on the use of the site to monitor its performance and improve its usability.
  • Legal basis: Consent of the data subject (Art. 6.1.a GDPR), collected via a specific cookie banner. The user is free to refuse consent for statistical cookies without affecting navigation.

B. Generic contact form

  • Data processed: Name, surname, email address, and any other personal data voluntarily included in the body of the message.
  • Purpose: To respond to requests for information, contact, or collaboration sent by the user.
  • Legal basis: Performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the Controller (Art. 6.1.e GDPR), as the management of communications with the public falls within the institutional tasks of the University.
  • Retention period: Data will be retained for the time strictly necessary to fulfill the request and, in any case, for no longer than 12 months from the closure of the same, unless a different relationship is established.

C. Spontaneous application form

  • Data processed: Personal details, contact details, educational and professional background, and any other information contained in the curriculum vitae (CV) freely transmitted. The provision of “special categories of data” (e.g., health-related data) is not requested; should the user provide them spontaneously, their processing will take place pursuant to Art. 9.2.b of the GDPR and current national legislation regarding employment relationships.
  • Purpose: To evaluate the consistency of the candidate’s profile with the needs of the research team and to inform about selection procedures and the activation of collaborations.
  • Legal basis: Execution of pre-contractual measures adopted at the request of the data subject (Art. 6.1.b GDPR).
  • Retention period: Data will be retained for the duration of the selection process and, in case of a negative outcome, will be deleted within 6 months. Only with the explicit consent of the data subject may data be retained for a maximum of 24 months for potential future positions.

D. Subscription to the newsletter service

  • Data processed: Email address.
  • Purpose: To send periodic communications via email containing news, updates on research activities, events, and laboratory publications.
  • Legal basis: Explicit, free, and informed consent of the data subject (Art. 6.1.a GDPR).
  • Retention period: Data will be retained until consent is revoked (unsubscribing from the service), which is possible via the specific link present in every communication.

4. NATURE OF DATA PROVISION

The provision of data for the purposes referred to in points 3.B (Contacts) and 3.C (Applications) is optional, but any refusal to provide such data entails the impossibility for the Controller to fulfill the requests. The provision of data for the purpose referred to in point 3.D (Newsletter) is optional, and failure to provide consent will have no consequence other than the impossibility of receiving the newsletter.

5. RIGHTS OF THE DATA SUBJECT

At any time, the user may exercise the following rights pursuant to Arts. 15-22 of the GDPR:

  • Right of access (Art. 15): To obtain confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning them is being processed.
  • Right to rectification (Art. 16): To correct inaccurate personal data.
  • Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”, Art. 17): To obtain the erasure of their data, in the cases provided for.
  • Right to restriction of processing (Art. 18).
  • Right to data portability (Art. 20): To receive the personal data provided in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
  • Right to object (Art. 21): To object to the processing of their data for reasons related to their particular situation.
  • Right to withdraw consent at any time (for processing based on consent, such as the newsletter), without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Requests may be addressed to the Data Controller at the contacts indicated in point 1.

6. RIGHT TO LODGE A COMPLAINT

Data subjects who believe that the processing of personal data referring to them carried out through this site is in violation of the provisions of the GDPR have the right to lodge a complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali), as provided for by Art. 77 of the Regulation itself, or to take appropriate legal action (Art. 79 of the Regulation).

7. UPDATES

This privacy policy may be subject to changes and updates. The user is invited to consult it regularly.

Last update: July 2025