Research in my lab has the long-term aim of understanding neuron-glia interactions (NGIs) in the human brain at its multiple scales of organization and operation. We pursue three main directions of investigation:

i. Computational modeling of NGIs. We use various mathematical and computational tools from nonlinear dynamics, statistical mechanics, topology and information theory to build NGI models. In doing so, we bridge NGIs across different brain levels—from subcellular and molecular signaling to synaptic transmission, from local neuron-glial ensembles to cortical networks and brain macrocircuits underpinning cognition.

ii. Development of digital twins of glial cells and NGIs circuits. We use connectomics in the human brain to reconstruct and model full-scale glial cells and neuron-glial ensembles digitally. we collaborate with neurosurgeons and coordinate with local microscopy imaging facilities to develop protocols, algorithms and computational methods for the handling and realistic 3D reconstruction of human neuron-glial tissue.

iii. Development of technology to monitor NGIs in humans. We collaborate with bioinformaticians, physicists and chemists to exploit genomics, drug design and bioengineering approaches to develop quantitative imaging of NGIs in humans.

For a list of Dr. De Pittà's publications, please visit PubMed, Scopus or ORCID.