Research Activities 

Research Activities
Emanuela Bottani Lab

Our laboratory is dedicated to the study of genetic diseases involving mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction.
Although individually rare, these conditions rank among the most severe pediatric disorders, often associated with profound neurological impairment and a lack of effective therapeutic options.
Taken together, they represent a significant burden for affected families and a major challenge for contemporary medicine.

New perspectives

Our research aims to understand how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to altered brain development.
Although many mitochondrial diseases have long been regarded primarily as neurodegenerative conditions, recent evidence suggests that they also involve a significant alteration of neurodevelopment.
By investigating how metabolic imbalance and bioenergetic deficiency affect the early stages of neuronal maturation, we aim to open new perspectives for the development of therapeutic strategies.

Identification

To address these questions, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that integrates innovative preclinical models, 2D and 3D cellular models, and genetically modified animal models, including mice and pigs, to investigate disease mechanisms at various levels of complexity.
This strategy enables us to assess the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on neurodevelopment and identify potential pathways that could serve as targets for therapeutic intervention.
A central goal of our work is to translate mechanistic insights into therapeutic opportunities. 

Therapeutic developments

We explore strategies including drug repurposing, pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial metabolism, and gene therapy approaches.
Through this work, we aim to build a solid preclinical foundation to support future clinical studies.
Our research is part of a network of collaborations with international research groups and patient associations, ensuring that our studies remain closely aligned with the needs of patients and their families. 

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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:
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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.
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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