The Molecular Genetics Unit has essentially two research projects. The first explores the molecular mechanisms of cell migration, in particular the role of specific signaling molecules like urokinase receptor (uPAR) and the interactions of this receptor with other trans-membrane and intracellular molecules. The second, investigates molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression, both at the DNA and at the chromatin level, with a particular emphasis on the the study of the Prep1 and Prep2 knock-out mice, the effect of functional knock out in Zebrafish and Drosophila, and the production of suitable animal models for complex genetic diseases, like the Down's syndrome, which might be caused by overexpression of one of those transcription factors. We use state of the art technology including Mass Spectrometry for protein identification and sequencing, confocal and electron microscopy to follow cell migration and to identify involved organelles and the localization of each component of interest.