Cristina Spalletti_laboratorio
About Us
At the NeuroRestorative Lab we are committed to advancing our understanding of neural circuits and their involvement in neurological disorders and motor function. Our research is facilitated through the use of a robotic platform designed for motor
rehabilitation. We employ a range of experimental techniques, including in vivo electrophysiology, behavioral assays,anatomical and molecular analyses, and advanced imaging methods.
Our multidisciplinary team, led by Dr. Cristina Spalletti, explores neuroplasticity and its potential in fostering recovery from neurological injuries. Our mission is to translate groundbreaking research into new therapeutic strategies that can improve patient outcomes
Our Research Focus
Restoring Forelimb Motor Function After Stroke
Our research combines robotic rehabilitation with Gamma band stimulation to boost motor recovery after stroke. Using a photothrombotic mouse model, we observed changes in Gamma band power and parvalbumin-interneuron dynamics in the spared cortex, highlighting their role in recovery. Integrating optogenetics and non-invasive transcranial stimulation with rehabilitation led to significant forelimb motor improvements, suggesting a promising approach for enhancing stroke rehabilitation.
(Vignozzi L. and Macchi F.. et al., 2024. “Combining Gamma Neuromodulation and Robotic Rehabilitation Restores Parvalbimin-mediated Gamma Function and Boosts Motor Recovery in Stroke Mice”. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.15.608060)
Elucidating Cortical Dynamics in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to significant motor impairments. Our lab uses a mouse model to investigate the electrophysiological and functional changes in the motor cortex following dopamine depletion. By integrating advanced techniques such as in vivo wide-field imaging, in vivo electrophysiology, behavioral tests and biochemistry, we aim to unravel the cortical plasticity phenomena and identify novel therapeutic targets.
(Minetti A., Montagni E. and Meneghetti N. et al., 2025. “Altered cortical network in Parkinson’s Disease: the central role of PV interneuron and synaptic remodeling”. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.05.641628)
Cancer Cells Go Neuronal To Enhancing Sensibilization to Chemotherapy
Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive brain tumor that invades neural tissue and disrupts function. Our research focuses on the molecular communication between glioblastoma stem cells and neurons, especially the role of voltage-gated sodium channels. Through in vitro studies and in vivo mouse models, we aim to disrupt glioblastoma stem cell-neuron interactions, inhibit tumor growth, and improve therapeutic strategies, providing new hope for patients with this challenging disease.
(Giammello F. and Biella C. et al., 2024. "Modulating Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels to Enhance Differentiation and Sensitize Glioblastoma Cells to Chemotherapy". Cell Commun Signal 22, 434 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-024-01819-z)
Meet Our Team
Dr. Cristina Spalletti, Ph.D.Dr. Spalletti is a leading neuroscientist with extensive experience in neurophysiology and neurodegenerative diseases. Her work is dedicated to uncovering the neural underpinnings of motor control and developing therapeutic approaches for conditions like stroke, Parkinson's Disease and glioblastoma.
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Lab Members
Dr. Antea Minetti, Ph.D.
Dr. Minetti is a post-doctoral researcher specializing in the use of viral vectors for neural circuit manipulation. Her research integrates advanced techniques such as electrophysiology, cellular and molecular biology, and imaging to explore neurodegenerative mechanisms and develop potential therapeutic strategies.
Email: Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.; ORCID: 0009-0009-2308-6330
Alessandra Martello
Alessandra is a PhD student at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, contributing to the Parkinson’s Disease project. Her research specifically focuses on the heart-brain axis, exploring how neurodegeneration and disease progression in Parkinson’s Disease influences cardiovascular health.
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Éléa Coulomb
Éléa is a PhD student at Scuola Normale Superiore, working on the Parkinson’s Disease project. Her research is centered on the microglial response within the brain, investigating how these immune cells contribute to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage in Parkinson’s Disease.
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Representative publications
- Tantillo Elena, Vannini Eleonora, Cerri Chiara, Spalletti Cristina, Colistra Antonella, Mazzanti Chiara Maria, Costa Mario, Caleo Matteo. 2020. “Differential Roles of Pyramidal and Fast-Spiking, GABAergic Neurons in the Control of Glioma Cell Proliferation.” Neurobiology of Disease 141:104942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104942
- Spalletti Cristina, Claudia Alia, Stefano Lai, Alessandro Panarese, Sara Conti, Silvestro Micera, and Matteo Caleo. 2017. “Combining Robotic Training and Inactivation of the Healthy Hemisphere Restores Pre-Stroke Motor Patterns in Mice,” eLife 6:e28662. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.28662.
- Alia Claudia, Cristina Spalletti, Stefano Lai, Alessandro Panarese, Giuseppe Lamola, Federica Bertolucci, Fabio Vallone, et al. 2017. “Neuroplastic Changes Following Brain Ischemia and Their Contribution to Stroke Recovery: Novel Approaches in Neurorehabilitation.” Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 11:76. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2017.00076
- Alia Claudia, Cristina Spalletti, Stefano Lai, Alessandro Panarese, Silvestro Micera, and Matteo Caleo. 2016. “Reducing GABAA-Mediated Inhibition Improves Forelimb Motor Function after Focal Cortical Stroke in Mice.” Scientific Reports 6,(1):1–15. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep37823
- Spalletti Cristina, Stefano Lai, Marco Mainardi, Alessandro Panarese, Alessio Ghionzoli, Claudia Alia, Laura Gianfranceschi, Carmelo Chisari, Silvestro Micera, and Matteo Caleo. 2013. “A Robotic System for Quantitative Assessment and Poststroke Training of Forelimb Retraction in Mice.” Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 28(2):188-96. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968313506520
