The project will be focused on the molecular mechanisms of iron handling in primary brain-derived cells, under physiological and pathological conditions, with the aim to identify new therapeutic targets and disease biomarkers. In particular, the role of iron dysregulation and oxidative stress will be evaluated in neurodegenerative processes, with specific interest in Friedreich’s ataxia and other ataxic diseases. Integrated approaches of cell cultures (iPSC-derived neurons from patients and primary neurons, astrocytes and microglia from rat and mouse models), fluorescence microscopy (calcium imaging, confocal microscopy, TIRF, high throughput microscopy), cell biology and neurobiology will be applied. Contact: Franca Codazzi, PhD (codazzi.franca@hsr.it)