Maurizio De Pittà (He/Him)

Dr. De Pittà’s long-term aim is to uncover neuron-glia interactions (NGIs) in the human brain at its multiple scales of organization and operation. In this framework, research at De Pittà’s group pursues three 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. In this framework, we collaborate with neurosurgeons and coordinate with local microscopy imaging facilities to develop protocols, algorithms and computational methods for handling and realistic 3D reconstruction of human neuron-glial tissue. 

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

Trainees are welcomed but their acceptance is on a rolling basis, depending on project availability and funding. Due to the advance nature of the projects run at the lab, we prefer undergraduate trainees in their final year of studies, with a strong mathematical and quantitative background.

Faculty Appointments

Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, University of Toronto
Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto