The Lab.
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We investigate cellular signals that regulate the functions of the heart. In particular, our research focuses on the study of calcium microdomains and how their perturbation in cardiac muscle and smooth muscle often results in cardiac and vascular wall diseases, leading cause of death in the modern world. Currently, we are studying the newly discovered intracellular calcium sensors, Stromal Interaction Proteins (STIM1 and STIM2) which are crucial components of these cellular microdomains. We employ high definition confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, and isolated heart technique to characterize the calcium signaling generated in the microdomains and how this travel into the nucleus to start a pathological gene transcription program. We also use animal models of cardiovascular diseases to mimic the human disease process and the calcium signal disarray that undermine such disease in order to explore new therapeutic strategies against cardiovascular disorders.
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Education:
- Msc., in Molecular Biology, Catania University, Italy.
- Ph.D., Federico II Naples, Italy.
Awards and Honors:
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