A growing body of evidence suggest that micro/nanoplastic exposure can bring a variety of toxic effects on human health, including oxidative stress, metabolic disorder, immune response, as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity. Emerging evidence are now shedding light also on the neurotoxic effect of these materials: indeed, ingested micro/nanoplastics seem able to spread from the gut to the brain and/or break the blood brain barrier. Once into the brain parenchyma, they accumulate and induce neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction/damage. This could in turn affect several cognitive functions (as learning and memory) and even trigger neurological disorders.This project will aim at in depth studying the effects of micro/nanoplastic exposure on the developing and ageing nervous system, by exploiting several experimental models and human cells (iPSCs). We intend to unravel the impact of these tiny materials on both different cell types (neurons, astrocytes and microglia), and different cellular subcompartments (as nucleus, mitochondria, etc…), by exploiting advanced approaches and microscopy techniques.The project will focus in particular on the SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), but will also contribute to raise attention on the need to eliminate the use of plastic packaging in favor of renewable and more sustainable materials.

The candidate should have a degree in Medicine & Surgery, Biology, Medical Biotechnology or Neuroscience. The ideal candidate should be skilled in the fields of cellular and molecular biology. Technical competences should include cell cultures, ICC/IHC, biomolecular analysis and microscopy. Additionally, team working, problem-solving ability, computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic statistical knowledge will be appreciated.

The research activity will be carried out at the Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO https://www.nico.ottolenghi.unito.it/eng; Dept. Neuroscience, Univ. Turin), under the supervision of the reference person. The main goal of NICO is to study the biological mechanisms of nervous system function, to develop innovative therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative/psychiatric diseases. NICO hosts several laboratories covering a wide variety of multidisciplinary research activities applied to neuroscience, including neuroanatomy, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, cellular physiology, thereby creating a very collaborative and highly stimulating scientific atmosphere.