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Center for Molecular Cardiology

Thrombosis and Inflammation

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and a significant contributor to global mortality. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation in promoting thrombosis and exacerbating stroke outcomes. Conditions such as aging, infections, and cancer can trigger maladaptive immune responses that initiate thrombo-inflammatory cascades.

Our research focuses on translational approaches to elucidate immune-mediated mechanisms driving stroke pathology in the context of frailty-associated conditions. Specifically, we investigate how these states alter immune-pathophysiological processes and contribute to cerebrovascular dysfunction and thrombotic risk. Central to our studies are myeloid immune cells, which respond to peripheral danger signals and orchestrate pathological inflammation, ultimately facilitating thrombosis within the brain and vasculature.

To address these questions, we integrate high-dimensional immune profiling of stroke patients with experimental stroke models and tailored in vitro systems. Leveraging single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional assays, we aim to unravel the immune pathways that underlie thrombus formation and resistance to its resolution.

By mapping the molecular networks and immune cell dynamics linking inflammation to thrombosis, our goal is to advance toward precision medicine strategies for patients with elevated thrombo-inflammatory risk.

Key publications:

  1. Semerano A, Dell'Acqua B, Genchi A, Sanvito F, Schwarz G, Montano Castillo MA, Bergamaschi A, Sampaolo M, Butti E, Gullotta GS, Piano M, Ripa M, Scarpellini P, Falini A, Panni P, Agostoni EC, Clementi N, Saliou G, Hajdu SD, Roveri L, Michel P, Martino G, Filippi M, Strambo D, Bacigaluppi M. Cerebral thrombus analysis as a useful diagnostic tool for infective endocarditis in ischemic stroke patients. Eur Stroke J. 2025 Feb 16:23969873251320449. doi: 10.1177/23969873251320449.
  2. Gullotta GS, De Feo D, Friebel E, Semerano A, Scotti GM, Bergamaschi A, Butti E, Brambilla E, Genchi A, Capotondo A, Gallizioli M, Coviello S, Piccoli M, Vigo T, Della Valle P, Ronchi P, Comi G, D'Angelo A, Maugeri N, Roveri L, Uccelli A, Becher B, Martino G, Bacigaluppi M. Age-induced alterations of granulopoiesis generate atypical neutrophils that aggravate stroke pathology. Nat Immunol. 2023 Jun;24(6):925-940. doi: 10.1038/s41590-023-01505-
  3. Genchi A, Semerano A, Schwarz G, Dell'Acqua B, Gullotta GS, Sampaolo M, Boeri E, Quattrini A, Sanvito F, Diamanti S, Bergamaschi A, Grassi S, Podini P, Panni P, Michelozzi C, Simionato F, Scomazzoni F, Remida P, Valvassori L, Falini A, Ferrarese C, Michel P, Saliou G, Hajdu S, Beretta S, Roveri L, Filippi M, Strambo D, Martino G, Bacigaluppi M. Neutrophils predominate the immune signature of cerebral thrombi in COVID-19 stroke patients. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2022 Feb 1;10(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s40478-022-01313-y
  4. Genchi A, Semerano A, Gullotta GS, Strambo D, Schwarz G, Bergamaschi A, Panni P, Simionato F, Scomazzoni F, Michelozzi C, Pozzato M, Maugeri N, Comi G, Falini A, Roveri L, Filippi M, Martino G, Bacigaluppi M. Cerebral thrombi of cardioembolic etiology have an increased content of neutrophil extracellular traps. J Neurol Sci. 2021 Apr 15;423:117355. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117355.
  5. Semerano A, Saliou G, Sanvito F, Genchi A, Gullotta GS, Michel P, Filippi M, Martino G, Strambo D, Bacigaluppi M. Fishing an anemone in the brain: embolized cardiac fibroelastoma revealed after stroke thrombectomy. Eur Heart J. 2021 Oct 14;42(39):4094-4095.
  6. Semerano A, Roveri L, Martino G, Filippi M, Bacigaluppi M. Dampened Immune Response After Early Recurrence of Ischemic Stroke. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 Sep 15;76(11):1385-1387. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.06.079.
  7. Semerano A, Strambo D, Martino G, Comi G, Filippi M, Roveri L, Bacigaluppi M. Leukocyte Counts and Ratios Are Predictive of Stroke Outcome and Hemorrhagic Complications Independently of Infections. Front Neurol. 2020 Apr 3;11:201. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00201.