Technologist III with research assignment 1988 Degree in Biological Sciences at University of Palermo: thesis on Experimental procedures of Molecular Biology; 1989 Biological Training on genetics and microbiology; 1990-1993 PhD in Cellular and Developmental Biology in Palermo, working on: homeobox containing genes, involved in sea urchin embryogenesis; 1997-1999 Post-Doc fellowship in Palermo, IBIM-CNR; 2000-2002 Associate Research Fellow in Palermo, IBIM-CNR: UV-TOX project on application of molecular biotechnologies for oxidative and chimical cellular stress; 2002-09 Teacher of Mathematics and Biological Sciences; 2009-today Technologist in IRIB-CNR Palermo. Co-author of n.48 ISI scientific publications and n.5 books chapters. Main research fields: study of the immune and stress response in the sea urchin model organism, through analysis of genes sensitive to physical and chemical pollution and bioactive molecules; pathway analysis of genes involved in osteoclastogenesis of murine cells and during sea urchin embryo skeletogenesis. Tutor of training for basic and master degrees.
Main research fields Molecular biology. Study of cell signaling pathways and analysis of differential gene expression, in physiological conditions and in response to stress, through the use of an animal model, the sea urchin (embryo and immune cells), and vertebrate cells in vitro. Effects of bioactive molecules on animal and cellular models. Bioinformatic analysis of genes and proteins. Study of evolutionary relationships between various groups of organisms by phylogeny of proteins isolated from animals and plants. Analysis of the expression pathways involved in cell fusion mechanisms during osteoclastogenesis in mouse macrophages.
Research lines - Evaluation of the molecular effects of natural and synthetic bioactive compounds in cellular and animal models aimed at translational research. - Mechanisms and signaling pathways of cellular stress caused by physical, chemical and biochemical agents in immune cells and sea urchin embryos. - Study of the molecules and signaling pathways involved in the differentiation of osteoclasts.
Participation in currently funded projects
- Progetto MARISTEM, COST Action CA16203, Stem cells of marine/aquatic invertebrates: from basic research to innovative applications. http://maristem.eu/ . (2017-2021)
- Progetto P.O. FSE (2014/2020): “RAFFORZARE L'OCCUPABILITÀ NEL SISTEMA R&S E LA NASCITA DI SPIN OFF DI RICERCA IN SICILIA” : Le biotecnologie per la ricerca traslazionale, preclinica e clinica (BIOMESITRA). CUP: G77B17000220009; CIP: 2014.IT.05.SFOP.014/3/10.4/9.2.10/0013.
Research lines
- Evaluation of the molecular effects of natural and synthetic bioactive compounds in cellular and animal models aimed at translational research.
- Mechanisms and signaling pathways of cellular stress caused by physical, chemical and biochemical agents in immune cells and sea urchin embryos.
- Study of the molecules and signaling pathways involved in the differentiation of osteoclasts.
