Our lab is interested on the comprehension of molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of chromosome integrity in the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. The specific aims of our research deal with two major issues: a) the genetic and molecular regulation of telomere capping. In particular, we are addressing the role of ubiquitination at chromosome ends and unraveling unanticipated functions of centromeric factors in telomere homeostasis; b) the involvement of intra-cellular metabolism in the maintenance of genome stability. More specifically, we are investigating how the mitochondrial-mediated flux of citrate and inorganic phosphate controls cell proliferation and chromosome integrity. Owing the high level of protein homology between Drosophila and humans, these studies will be also instrumental for the identification of new players and pathways in human chromosome stability. Our research programs are supported by the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) and Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR).