Molecular Biology and Omic Technologies
The Unit is responsible for sequencing and genomic analysis of microorganisms, conducting 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomics studies from biological samples, as well as transcriptomics research. It develops and validates protocols for bacterial and viral genome sequencing and performs genotype analysis of the prion protein (PrP) in sheep. The Unit works in collaboration with the Bioinformatics Unit to update the CRN platform for the genomic sequences of pathogenic microorganisms, contributing to the database and supporting the development of new bioinformatics tools for pathogen surveillance.
The Unit conducts sequencing and genomic analysis of microorganisms, performing metagenomic studies using both 16S rRNA sequencing and shotgun sequencing from biological samples, alongside transcriptomic analyses.
The unit is equipped with various next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, including the NextSeq 1000, NextSeq 2000, MiniSeq, and MiSeq (Illumina), as well as third-generation sequencing systems from Oxford Nanopore, such as the GridION and the portable MinION, which allows for on-site sample analysis.
The unit collaborates closely with the Bioinformatics Unit and other IZSAM centers of excellence to maintain and update the IT platform of the National Reference Center for Genomic Sequences of Pathogenic Microorganisms, contributing to the database and bioinformatics analysis and supporting the development of new tools for pathogen surveillance.
Additionally, the unit is actively engaged in various activities, including the development, standardization, and validation of protocols for bacterial and viral genome sequencing, the molecular characterization of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens, and genotype analysis of the prion protein (PrP) in sheep.
The unit also provides training and technical support to other departments using genomic sequencing protocols, ensuring staff development and continuous learning.
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Cesare Cammà
Head
He graduated in Biology from the University of Messina, Italy, in 1988, and later obtained a specialisation in Medical Parasitology (University of Messina) and a postgraduate diploma in Molecular Biology in Public Health from the Università Cattolica in Rome. He is the author of over 135 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
He graduated in Biology from the University of Messina, Italy, in 1988, and later obtained a specialisation in Medical Parasitology (University of Messina) and a postgraduate diploma in Molecular Biology in Public Health from the Università Cattolica in Rome. He is the author of over 135 peer-reviewed scientific publications (Scopus Author ID: 7004931667).
He has been working as a Senior Biologist since 2002 at the IZS of Sicily, and since 2003 at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM) in Teramo. Since 2014, he has coordinated and managed the human and technical resources of the Biotechnology Research and Development Unit. In February 2018, he was appointed Head of the Molecular Biology and Omics Technologies Unit, whose core activities include whole-genome sequencing of bacteria and viruses, and metagenomic and transcriptomic studies using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies.
Since November 2017, he has also served as Head of the National Reference Centre for Genomic Sequences of Pathogenic Microorganisms: Database and Bioinformatics Analysis (GENPAT).
He is currently Principal Investigator of several projects funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, and Task Leader in a project funded by the European Commission (EFSA). He is a member of EFSA’s Scientific Network for Zoonoses Monitoring Data – Molecular Typing Subgroup based on Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and serves on the Steering Committee of the Global Microbial Identifier (GMI) initiative.
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