R.F. homepage
Reasearch Activity
1983-1985 Research Associate at the Biophysics Department, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY.
1985-2001 Research Associate, National Research Council (CNR) at the
C.N.R. Centre of Cytopharmacology,
Milano, Italy.
Since 2001, Associate Professor, Phisiology, at the Insubria University - Varese, Busto Arsizio
Since 2003, Founder and member of the Research Centre for Neurosciences, Insubria University, Busto Arsizio
Since 1995, leader of the Theoretical Biology Centre at DIBIT (Biological-Technological Research Dept.) of S. Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milano, and since 1998 member of the NEUROSCIENCES Dept. at S.Raffaele S.I.
My main research interest has long been neurotransmitter secretion at the nerve terminal, and synaptic vesicle recycling in particular [1-8, 10-13, 15, 18, 20, 24, 36, 40, 42-43]. I initially worked by combining electrophysiology and morphological techniques such as freeze-fracture and quick freezing. I later focussed my attention on the analysis of biological signals: I developed an original procedure of noise analysis for the quantitative evaluation of synaptic recordings [5,6,13] and studied signal processing at the first sensory synapse in the labyrinth [9].
More recently I have been involved in mathematical modeling of biological
systems: actin polymerization [16-17, 19],
calcium distribution in the cell [14, html
paper, 41, 51-52, 57],
signal processing at the neuronal synapse [32, 36,
39, 47, 53, 55,],
receptor crosstalk [22-23, 28], molecular
biology experiments [35, html
paper], and the molecular mechanism of neurotransmitter membrane transporters
[46, 48-49].
1. Synaptic transmission and sensory signal processing.
In collaboration with Oscar Sacchi, Dept. Biology, General Physiology,
University of Ferrara, we have developed a mathematical model of the bioelectrical
properties of the sympathetic neuron at the rat superior cervical ganglion
(SCG) [32]. Using this model, we have investigated
the properties of signal processing at the ganglionic synapse in response
to presynaptic activation [31, 39,
47, 55].
In collaboration with M.L. Rossi, Dept. Biology, General Physiology,
University of Ferrara we have characterized the properties of transmitter
release at the cytoneural junction of the frog labyrinth [9,
21, 26-27, 33].
We have developed and refined original techniques of signal processing to analyse
the signal processing features of this sensory system [9,
21]
2. Neurotransporter molecular mechanism.
In collaboration with Antonio Peres, DBSF, Insubria University, we have combined
electrophysiological measurements of GABA transport, as a function of membrane
potential in various ionic environments, with charge movement during operation
of the GAT-1 neurotransporter in the same conditions, but in the absence
of substrate (GABA). We demonstrated that ion movement across the transporter
molecule is the common source of both type of currents: transient charge movements
without substrate (pre-steady-state currents) and transport-associated
steady currents. We set up a three-state model that, although terribly simple,
can dynamically account for all experimental observations [46,
48-49].
3. Modeling binding site interaction in human serum albumin.
In collaboration with Mauro Fasano, DBSF, Insubria University, we have analyzed
the interactions between heme and fatty acid binding to albumin, and set up a simplified
model to clarify the interactions among the various drug and lipid binding sites of
albumin [54, 56].
68. The amplitude and inactivation properties of the delayed potassium currents are regulated by protein kinase activity in hair cells of the frog semicircular canals.
Martini M, Canella R, Fesce R, Rossi ML.
PLoS One. 2013 Jul 2;8(7):e67784. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067784. Print 2013. Free PMC Article
67. Synapsins contribute to the dynamic spatial organization of synaptic vesicles in an activity-dependent manner.
Fornasiero EF, Raimondi A, Guarnieri FC, Orlando M, Fesce R, Benfenati F, Valtorta F.
J Neurosci. 2012 Aug 29;32(35):12214-27. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1554-12.2012. Free Article
66. Acute effects of gentamicin on the ionic currents of semicircular canal hair cells in the frog.
Martini M, Canella R, Prigioni I, Russo G, Tavazzani E, Fesce R, Rossi ML.
Hear Res. 2011 Dec;282(1-2):151-60. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2011.08.011. Epub 2011 Aug 30.
65. Can selectivity be functionally modulated in ion channels?
Fesce R, Forti L, Polenghi A, Locarno A, Canella R, Sacchi O, Rossi ML.
J Gen Physiol. 2011 Sep;138(3):367-70. doi: 10.1085/jgp.201110690. No abstract available.
64. Changes in cationic selectivity of the nicotinic channel at the rat ganglionic synapse: a role for chloride ions?
Sacchi O, Rossi ML, Canella R, Fesce R.
PLoS One. 2011 Feb 25;6(2):e17318. Free PMC Article
63. Exposure to reduced gravity impairs junctional transmission at the semicircular canal in the frog labyrinth. 62. Analysis of pre- and postsynaptic activity in the frog semicircular canal following ototoxic insult: differential recovery of background and evoked afferent activity. 61. Ionic currents in hair cells dissociated from frog semicircular canals after preconditioning under microgravity conditions. 60. Isolation and possible role of fast and slow potassium current components in hair cells dissociated from frog crista ampullaris. 59. The nicotinic activation of the denervated sympathetic neuron of the rat. 58. Regulation of the subthreshold chloride conductance in the rat sympathetic neuron. 57. Potassium currents in the hair cells of vestibular epithelium: position-dependent expression of two types of A channels. 56. Baclofen and potential therapeutic use: studies of neuronal survival. 55. IP3 receptor in the hair cells of frog semicircular canal and its possible functional role. 54. Allosteric modulation of drug binding to human serum albumin. 53. Synaptic and somatic effects of axotomy in the intact, innervated rat sympathetic neuron. 52. Allosteric modulation of myristate and Mn(III)heme binding to human serum albumin. Optical and NMR spectroscopy characterization. 51. Biophysical properties of the silent and activated rat sympathetic neuron following denervation. 50. A novel pattern of fast calcium oscillations points to calcium and electrical activity cross-talk in rat chromaffin cells. 49. Intracellular Ca2+ buffers can dramatically affect Ca2+ conductances in hair cells. 48. Two conserved cysteine triads in human Ero1alpha cooperate for efficient disulfide bond formation in the endoplasmic reticulum. 47. Electrophysiological insights into the mechanism of ion-coupled cotransporters. 46. Cl- affects the function of the GABA cotransporter rGAT1 but preserves the mutal relationship between transient and transport currents. 45. Voltage- and activity-dependent chloride conductance controls the resting status of the intact rat sympathetic neuron. 44. The relation between charge movement and transport-associated currents in the rat GABA cotransporter rGAT1. 43. Block of glutamate-glutamine cycle between astrocytes and neurons inhibits epileptiform activity in hippocampus. 42. Urokinase regulates vitronectin binding by controlling urokinase receptor oligomerization. 41. Synaptic vesicles: is kissing a matter of competence? 40. Ca2+-dependent kinetics of hair cell Ca2+ currents resolved with the use of cesium BAPTA. 39. Peeping at the vesicle kiss. 38. Participation of a chloride conductance in the subthreshold behavior of the rat sympathetic neuron. 37. Mechanisms of coordination of Ca2+ signals in pancreatic islet cells. 36. Mab21, the mouse homolog of a C. elegans cell-fate specification gene, participates in cerebellar, midbrain and eye development. 35. The kinetics of nerve-evoked quantal secretion. 34. A computer-driven approach to PCR-based differential screening, alternative to differential display. 33. Marginal donors in liver transplantation: the role of donor age. 32. The effects of perilymphatic tonicity on endolymph composition and synaptic activity at the frog semicircular canal. 31. A model of signal processing at a mammalian sympathetic neurone. 30. Synaptic current at the rat ganglionic synapse and its interactions with the neuronal voltage-dependent currents. 29. Phosphorylation-dependent effects of synapsin IIa on actin polymerization and network formation. 28. Evidence for receptor subtype cross-talk in the mitogenic action of serotonin on human small-cell lung carcinoma cells. 27. The effect of clofilium, a K-channel blocker, on the electrogenic K secretion and the sensory discharge at the frog semicircular canal. 26. Effects of clofilium, a K channel blocker, on electrogenic K secretion and afferent discharge at the frog semicircular canal. A preliminary report. 25. Is the use of marginal donors justified in liver transplantation? Analysis of results and proposal of modern criteria. 24. The membrane fusion machine and neurotransmitter release. 23. Mitogenic effect of serotonin in human small cell lung carcinoma cells via both 5-HT1A and 5-HT1D receptors. 22. Quantal nature of synaptic transmission at the cytoneural junction in the frog labyrinth. 21. Neurotransmitter release: fusion or 'kiss-and-run'? 20. Fluorescence approaches to the study of the actin-nucleating and bundling activities of synapsin I. 19. Synapsin I partially dissociates from synaptic vesicles during exocytosis induced by electrical stimulation. 18. Effects of the neuronal phosphoprotein synapsin I on actin polymerization. II. Analytical interpretation of kinetic curves. 17. Effects of the neuronal phosphoprotein synapsin I on actin polymerization. I. Evidence for a phosphorylation-dependent nucleating effect. 16. Correlation between quantal secretion and vesicle loss at the frog neuromuscular junction. 15. Spontaneous [Ca2+]i fluctuations in rat chromaffin cells do not require inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate elevations but are generated by a caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ store. 14. Stochastic approaches to the study of synaptic function. 13. Neurotransmitter release and synaptic vesicle recycling. 12. Spontaneous and nerve-evoked quantal transmission in regenerated motor terminals. 11. Dual effect of potassium on transmitter exocytosis. 10. Static and dynamic properties of synaptic transmission at the cyto-neural junction of frog labyrinth posterior canal. 9. Synaptophysin (p38) at the frog neuromuscular junction: its incorporation into the axolemma and recycling after intense quantal secretion. 8. The effect of potassium on exocytosis of transmitter at the frog neuromuscular junction. 7. [Static and dynamic properties of EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potentials) at the cyto-neural junction of the posterior canal in the labyrinth of the frog]. 6. Effects of black widow spider venom and Ca2+ on quantal secretion at the frog neuromuscular junction. 5. Fluctuation analysis of nonideal shot noise. Application to the neuromuscular junction. 4. Measurement of quantal secretion induced by ouabain and its correlation with depletion of synaptic vesicles. 3. Temporal coincidence between synaptic vesicle fusion and quantal secretion of acetylcholine. 2. Miniature endplate potential frequency and amplitude determined by an extension of Campbell's theorem. 1. Freeze-fracture studies of frog neuromuscular junctions during intense release of neurotransmitter. III. A morphometric analysis of the number and diameter of intramembrane particles.
Rossi ML, Rubbini G, Gioglio L, Martini M, Fesce R.
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2010 Feb;298(2):R439-52.
Russo G, Calzi D, Gioglio L, Botta L, Polimeni MR, Zucca G, Martini M, Contini D, Fesce R, Rossi ML, Prigioni I.
Neuroscience. 2009 Nov 10;163(4):1327-39.
Martini M, Canella R, Leparulo A, Prigioni I, Fesce R, Rossi ML.
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 May;296(5):R1585-97.
Martini M, Canella R, Fesce R, Rossi ML.
Pflugers Arch. 2009 Apr;457(6):1327-42.
Sacchi O, Rossi ML, Canella R, Fesce R.
Neuroscience. 2008 Jul 17;154(4):1360-71.
Sacchi O, Rossi ML, Canella R, Fesce R.
Eur J Neurosci. 2007 Feb;25(4):1112-26.
Russo G, Calzi D, Martini M, Rossi ML, Fesce R, Prigioni I.
Eur J Neurosci. 2007 Feb;25(3):695-704.
Dario A, Pisani R, Sangiorgi S, Soragna A, Reguzzoni M, Protasoni M, Pessina F, Fesce R, Peres A, Tomei G.
Eur J Pharmacol. 2006 Nov 21;550(1-3):33-8.
Rossi ML, Prigioni I, Gioglio L, Rubbini G, Russo G, Martini M, Farinelli F, Rispoli G, Fesce R.
Eur J Neurosci. 2006 Apr;23(7):1775-83.
Ascenzi P, Bocedi A, Notari S, Fanali G, Fesce R, Fasano M.
Mini Rev Med Chem. 2006 Apr;6(4):483-9. Review.
Sacchi O, Rossi ML, Canella R, Fesce R.
J Neurophysiol. 2006 May;95(5):2832-44. Free Article
Fanali G, Fesce R, Agrati C, Ascenzi P, Fasano M.
FEBS J. 2005 Sep;272(18):4672-83. Free Article
Sacchi O, Rossi ML, Canella R, Fesce R.
Neuroscience. 2005;135(1):31-45.
Micheletti M, Brioschi A, Fesce R, Grohovaz F.
Cell Mol Life Sci. 2005 Jan;62(1):95-104.
Martini M, Rispoli G, Farinelli F, Fesce R, Rossi ML.
Hear Res. 2004 Sep;195(1-2):67-74.
Bertoli G, Simmen T, Anelli T, Molteni SN, Fesce R, Sitia R.
J Biol Chem. 2004 Jul 16;279(29):30047-52. Free Article
Peres A, Giovannardi S, Bossi E, Fesce R.
News Physiol Sci. 2004 Apr;19:80-4. Review. Free Article
Giovannardi S, Fesce R, Bossi E, Binda F, Peres A.
Cell Mol Life Sci. 2003 Mar;60(3):550-6.
Sacchi O, Rossi ML, Canella R, Fesce R.
J Neurophysiol. 2003 Aug;90(2):712-22. Free Article
Fesce R, Giovannardi S, Binda F, Bossi E, Peres A.
J Physiol. 2002 Dec 15;545(Pt 3):739-50. Free PMC Article
Bacci A, Sancini G, Verderio C, Armano S, Pravettoni E, Fesce R, Franceschetti S, Matteoli M.
J Neurophysiol. 2002 Nov;88(5):2302-10. Free Article
Sidenius N, Andolfo A, Fesce R, Blasi F.
J Biol Chem. 2002 Aug 2;277(31):27982-90. Free Article
Valtorta F, Meldolesi J, Fesce R.
Trends Cell Biol. 2001 Aug;11(8):324-8. Review.
Rispoli G, Martini M, Rossi ML, Rubbini G, Fesce R.
Neuroreport. 2000 Aug 21;11(12):2769-74.
Fesce R, Meldolesi J.
Nat Cell Biol. 1999 May;1(1):E3-4. No abstract available.
Sacchi O, Rossi ML, Canella R, Fesce R.
J Neurophysiol. 1999 Oct;82(4):1662-75. Free Article
Bertuzzi F, Davalli AM, Nano R, Socci C, Codazzi F, Fesce R, Di Carlo V, Pozza G, Grohovaz F.
Diabetes. 1999 Oct;48(10):1971-8. Free Article
Mariani M, Corradi A, Baldessari D, Malgaretti N, Pozzoli O, Fesce R, Martinez S, Boncinelli E, Consalez GG.
Mech Dev. 1998 Dec;79(1-2):131-5.
Fesce R.
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 1999 Feb 28;354(1381):319-29. Review. Free PMC Article
Consalez GG, Cabibbo A, Corradi A, Alli C, Sardella M, Sitia R, Fesce R.
Bioinformatics. 1999 Feb;15(2):93-105. Free Article
De Carlis L, Colella G, Sansalone CV, Aseni P, Rondinara GF, Slim AO, Di Benedetto F, Giacomoni A, Fesce R, Forti D.
Transplant Proc. 1999 Feb-Mar;31(1-2):397-400. No abstract available.
Rossi ML, Ferrary E, Martini M, Pelucchi B, Bernard C, Teixeira M, Sterkers O, Rubbini G, Fesce R.
Hear Res. 1998 Jul;121(1-2):99-108.
Sacchi O, Belluzzi O, Canella R, Fesce R.
J Neurosci Methods. 1998 Apr 30;80(2):171-80.
Sacchi O, Rossi ML, Canella R, Fesce R.
J Neurophysiol. 1998 Feb;79(2):727-42. Free Article
Nielander HB, Onofri F, Schaeffer E, Menegon A, Fesce R, Valtorta F, Greengard P, Benfenati F.
Eur J Neurosci. 1997 Dec;9(12):2712-22.
Vicentini LM, Cattaneo MG, Fesce R.
Eur J Pharmacol. 1996 Dec 30;318(2-3):497-504.
Rossi ML, Ferrary E, Martini A, Martini M, Pelucchi B, Bernard C, Teixeira M, Sterkers O, Fesce R.
Brain Res. 1996 May 20;721(1-2):174-80.
Rossi ML, Ferrary E, Martini A, Martini M, Pelucchi B, Bernard C, Teixeira M, Sterkers O, Fesce R.
Acta Otolaryngol. 1996 Mar;116(2):277-9.
De Carlis L, Sansalone CV, Rondinara GF, Colella G, Slim AO, Rossetti O, Aseni P, Della Volpe A, Belli LS, Alberti A, Fesce R, Forti D.
Transpl Int. 1996;9 Suppl 1:S414-7.
Fesce R, Valtorta F, Meldolesi J.
Neurochem Int. 1996 Jan;28(1):15-21. Review. No abstract available.
Cattaneo MG, Fesce R, Vicentini LM.
Eur J Pharmacol. 1995 Oct 15;291(2):209-11.
Rossi ML, Martini M, Pelucchi B, Fesce R.
J Physiol. 1994 Jul 1;478 ( Pt 1):17-35. Free PMC Article
Fesce R, Grohovaz F, Valtorta F, Meldolesi J.
Trends Cell Biol. 1994 Jan;4(1):1-4.
Valtorta F, Ceccaldi PE, Grohovaz F, Chieregatti E, Fesce R, Benfenati F.
J Physiol Paris. 1993;87(2):117-22.
Torri Tarelli F, Bossi M, Fesce R, Greengard P, Valtorta F.
Neuron. 1992 Dec;9(6):1143-53.
Fesce R, Benfenati F, Greengard P, Valtorta F.
J Biol Chem. 1992 Jun 5;267(16):11289-99.
Valtorta F, Greengard P, Fesce R, Chieregatti E, Benfenati F.
J Biol Chem. 1992 Jun 5;267(16):11281-8.
Hurlbut WP, Iezzi N, Fesce R, Ceccarelli B.
J Physiol. 1990 Jun;425:501-26. Free PMC Article
Malgaroli A, Fesce R, Meldolesi J.
J Biol Chem. 1990 Feb 25;265(6):3005-8.
Fesce R.
Prog Neurobiol. 1990;35(2):85-133. Review. No abstract available.
Valtorta F, Fesce R, Grohovaz F, Haimann C, Hurlbut WP, Iezzi N, Torri Tarelli F, Villa A, Ceccarelli B.
Neuroscience. 1990;35(3):477-89. Review. No abstract available.
Di Gregorio F, Fesce R, Cereser S, Favaro G, Fiori MG.
Cell Biol Int Rep. 1989 Dec;13(12):1119-26. Review.
Grohovaz F, Fesce R, Haimann C.
Cell Biol Int Rep. 1989 Dec;13(12):1085-95. Review.
Rossi ML, Bonifazzi C, Martini M, Fesce R.
J Gen Physiol. 1989 Aug;94(2):303-27. Free PMC Article
Valtorta F, Jahn R, Fesce R, Greengard P, Ceccarelli B.
J Cell Biol. 1988 Dec;107(6 Pt 2):2717-27. Free PMC Article
Ceccarelli B, Fesce R, Grohovaz F, Haimann C.
J Physiol. 1988 Jul;401:163-83. Free PMC Article
Rossi ML, Bonifazzi C, Martini M, Fesce R.
Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1988 May;64(5):425-31. Italian. No abstract available.
Fesce R, Segal JR, Ceccarelli B, Hurlbut WP.
J Gen Physiol. 1986 Jul;88(1):59-81. Free PMC Article
Fesce R, Segal JR, Hurlbut WP.
J Gen Physiol. 1986 Jul;88(1):25-57. Free PMC Article
Haimann C, Torri-Tarelli F, Fesce R, Ceccarelli B.
J Cell Biol. 1985 Nov;101(5 Pt 1):1953-65. Free PMC Article
Torri-Tarelli F, Grohovaz F, Fesce R, Ceccarelli B.
J Cell Biol. 1985 Oct;101(4):1386-99. Free PMC Article
Segal JR, Ceccarelli B, Fesce R, Hurlbut WP.
Biophys J. 1985 Feb;47(2 Pt 1):183-202. Free PMC Article
Fesce R, Grohovaz F, Hurlbut WP, Ceccarelli B.
J Cell Biol. 1980 May;85(2):337-45. Free PMC Article