Phd in MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Research: Autoimmunity towards IFN-α: a mechanism of protection against β-cell loss in autoimmune diabetes

WORK ADDRESS: Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Molecular Medicine
SUPERVISOR: Prof.ssa Raffaella Buzzetti
PREVIOUS RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: My research activity was mainly based on molecular, biochemical and genetic characterization of different pathologies, like cancers, rare and metabolic diseases. During my thesis I focused on the role of carotenoids in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) tissues. Because, previously data indicated that the multivariate statistical analysis of Raman spectra allows to discriminate healthy from PTC tissues, these being characterized by bands typical of carotenoids. We discovered that a significant downregulation of RA-related pathways in PTCs despite carotenoids accumulation. Furthermore, An increased oxidative stress status and a reduced antioxidant defense response was observed in PTCs compared to matched healthy thyroids, this being possibly associate to the pro-oxidant effects of high levels of carotenoids.
After my graduation I moved in Dr Stagni lab CNR (National Research Council of Italy), with a Graduate research fellow to IBPM (Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology) and I have worked on the molecular basis of a rare disease, Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), and the role of autophagy in FOP, supported by Telethon foundation. During my work we focused on the role of autophagy could impact on ACVR1 signalling and FOP chondrocyte differentiation; Furthermore, We want to set up a model system to study autophagy flux in FOP chondrocyte. In addition, I was able to participate in a study of a triphenylphosphonium -functionalized delivery system for an ATM kinase inhibitor, which improves resistance to doxorubicin in mammary carcinoma mammosphere.
After this experience, I moved to the laboratory of Prof. Buzzetti, Umberto I, with a fellowship at the University of Sapienza and afterwards with a subsequent professional collaboration grant, I worked on the ‘Evaluation of fall risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus’. During my work, we enrolled patients to take blood samples and then assessed the circulating concentration of osteocalcin and irisin with ELISA tests. In addition, we were involved in HEK-293 cell culture studies aimed at characterising a novel autoimmunity in subjects with autoimmune diabetes.

CAREER: 02/08/2022: State Exam qualification for the Profession of Biologist at University of Tor Vergata (Rome) (OL-2022/861543).
15/07/2021: Master's Degree: " Biology for molecular, cellular and
physiopathological research". (LM-6)
Roma Tre University, Department of science.
Thesis title: " Characterization of the role of carotenoids in papillary thyroid carcinoma".
Biochemistry (SSD BIO/10)
The thesis was carried out at the Biochemistry Laboratory of Roma Tre University, in
collaboration with the Physics Department of Roma Tre University, the Pathological Anatomy
Laboratory of the Biomedical Campus of Rome and the Food and Nutrition Research Centre
(CREA).
03/10/2018: Bachelor's degree: " Biological Sciences" (dm 270)
Roma Tre University, Department of science.
Thesis title: "Studies of the effects of spermidine on ageing".
Carried out in the Molecular Biology laboratory of University Roma Tre.


SKILLS: proteins analysis by Western Blot; RNA and DNA extraction; retrotranscription; Real-Time qPCR; PCR; electrophoresis analysis; Cell Culture Experiences; Bactery Culture; Immunefluorescence; Enzymatic Assays; Micro-Mass; Trasfection; test ELISA; Neutralisation assay; Stimulation assay; PBMC insulation; characterisation of exosomes; Spectroscopy (Raman; XPS; XAFS; IR; UV-Visible; Fluorescence); Analysis High-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC); Gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS); Thin-layer chromatography (TLC); Flash chromatography on silica gel.
Mastery of the Office package (Word Excel PowerPoint etc.) / Good skills in the use of Windows,MacOS,Android,IOS platforms, programmes such as prism, imagej / Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop software.