The Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM applies modern genomic technologies towards a better understanding of complex biological processes and diseases, with particular emphasis on Cancer.

The Center is located within the IFOM-IEO Campus in Milan, one of the largest and most vibrant cancer research communities in Europe. The Center provides state-of-the art technological platforms for functional as well as structural genomics, and benefits from all the infrastructure, technological platforms and didactic activities already present in the IFOM-IEO Campus. Our PhD program is integrated with that of SEMM, the European School of Molecular Medicine.

The mission of our Center is to identify changes in the genome that underlie the development of cancer, as well as its susceptibility to therapeutic intervention. Our general aim is to reduce pathological traits into their molecular components, which might correspond to disease markers or potential targets for pharmacological intervention. We will exploit these molecular markers and targets in order to build up strategic programs for disease prevention, early detection and treatment.

Our scientists work together in teams, using cutting-edge instrumentation and novel conceptual approaches. Groups in the Experimental Genomics program utilize cellular and animal models to classify genetic and epigenetic states in development and cancer. A Computational Biology program is developing in-house methods for the generation and analysis of genomic and epigenomic data from next generation sequencing platforms, operated by the Genomic Unit. Finally, our Screening Unit harnesses the power of siRNA technology to execute discovery biology projects.