Genomics of hematological malignancies
Principal Investigator: Prof. Enrico Tagliafico
The PI of the Unit, Prof. Enrico Tagliafico is a MD PhD in hematology and Associate Professor of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. He is recognised as expert on Clinical Genomics and molecular biology in hematology. He is a skilled researcher in the field of molecular regulation of normal and leukemic hematopoiesis, molecular characterization of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, clinical genomics of hematological neoplasms, and molecular profiling of adult stem cells. He is author of 169 peer-reviewed for a total H-Index of 44 (Scopus, January 2026). He is Director of Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics Unit, at Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Modena University Hospital, Modena, Italy.
The Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics Unit, is a reference center for the diagnosis of hematological neoplasms.
The team also comprises one senior biologist form Modena University Hospital, Dr. Rossana Maffei involved in the study of hematological diseases for 20 years and currently playing a coordinating role in the laboratory of Molecular Haematology; she currently coordinate the work of other units of personnel, contribute to the organization/planning of experiments, check the workflow, critically evaluate and is responsible for the results obtained, conceive and write the manuscript. She has also long-term expertise in the realization and analyses of whole genome gene-expression data and has expertise in next-generation sequencing as well as in functional studies on leukemic cells and on non-neoplastic immune cells (macrophages and T cells). the molecular hematology activity is also carried out by a biologist form Modena University Hospital, Dr. Silvia Martinelli, she is a skilled molecular biologist who has a decade-long experience in the molecular characterization of blood diseases. The team also comprises also an hematologists from Modena University Hospital, Dr. Ambra Paolini, with a long expertise in the pathology of hematologic malignancies, two skilled cytogenetics, Dr. Francesca Giacobbi and Dr. Giorgia Corradini, with a great experience in the characterization of hematological neoplasms. The team also include a young technician, who will provide the technical support in all aspect of the project, will manage biological samples, material and reagent purchase, and during the 5-years of the project will follow a training phase of her career to acquire additional skills. the lab unit works in close collaboration with the Hematology Division of Modena University Hospital that has a long-lasting experience in the treatment of MDS, including chemotherapy, HMT, and HSCT. The Director, Prof. Mario Luppi is an internationally recognized haematologist and transplant expert. A collaboration between physicians and laboratory team has been in place from many years and represents the basis for the efficient implementation and conduction of the research.
Hereditary cancer Risk
Principal Investigator: Prof. Elena Tenedini
The Principal Investigator of the Unit, Prof. Elena Tenedini, is an Associate Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. She holds a degree in Biology, a PhD in Experimental Hematology, and a specialization in Medical Genetics. Prof. Tenedini is an expert in molecular genetics applied to hereditary diseases, with a strong background in omics sciences and diagnostic genomics.
She coordinates the diagnostic and research activities in hereditary cancer within the Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics Unit of Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology in Modena University Hospital. Her work integrates advanced molecular diagnostics with research approaches aimed at improving genetic characterization, risk assessment, to improve the clinical management of hereditary cancer syndromes.
The team includes Dr. Marco Marino, PhD in Clinical and Regenerative Medicine and Specialist in Medical Genetics, brings extensive experience in molecular and biochemical diagnostics, data analysis, and interpretation of genomic results in a clinical setting.
The group also comprises Dr. Lucia Artuso, PhD in Medical Biology and Biochemistry and Specialist in Clinical Biochemistry, who who has solid expertise in clinical genomics and the molecular diagnosis of inherited disorders, contributing to both diagnostic activities and research projects.
The lab unit is a reference center for the molecular diagnosis of hereditary conditions, and it operates within a highly integrated clinical laboratory environment. Long-standing collaborations between clinicians and laboratory scientists ensure the efficient implementation of diagnostic workflows and the successful conduct of translational research projects.