Molecular Biology Laboratory

Overview

 

Supervisors: Prof. Federico Galvagni & Prof. Maurizio Orlandini

 

Our laboratory focuses on studying the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular processes, with particular interest in signal transduction processes, angiogenesis, inflammation, and gene expression regulation.

We adopt a multidisciplinary approach that integrates advanced techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry, with the aim of understanding:

 

  • The dynamics of intracellular signaling in response to environmental stimuli
  • The mechanisms controlling angiogenesis, both in physiological and pathological contexts
  • The functional role of extracellular proteins and transcription factors in inflammatory and tumor processes

 

We are part of the Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Siena, where we support the training of students, PhD candidates, and young researchers in a stimulating environment focused on high-quality scientific research.

Scientific Publications

 


Our research articles are available here: PubMed

 

Selected recent publications:

 

- Realini G., Amato R., Rasa M.,  Ceccatelli R.,  Cannavale A., Bottoni L., Marchini F.,  Minetti A., Giustarini D, Canovai A., Alberto Melecchi A., Elia I., Krepelova A., Annunziata F., Cammalleri M., Rossi R., Tosi G.M.,  Orlandini M.,  Chiariello M.,  Neri F.,  Dal Monte M., Galvagni F. N-acetyl-l-cysteine ethyl ester (NACET) induces the transcription factor NRF2 and prevents retinal aging and diabetic retinopathy. Redox Biology, Volume 88, 2025, 103914, ISSN 2213-2317, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2025.103914.

 

- Bottoni L, Minetti A, Realini G, Pio E, Giustarini D, Rossi R, Rocchio C, Franci L, Salvini L, Catona O, D'Aurizio R, Rasa M, Giurisato E, Neri F, Orlandini M, Chiariello M, Galvagni F. NRF2 activation by cysteine as a survival mechanism for triple-negative breast cancer cells. Oncogene. 2024 May;43(22):1701-1713. doi: 10.1038/s41388-024-03025-0. Epub 2024 Apr 10. PMID: 38600165; PMCID: PMC11136656.

 

- Raucci L, Perrone CD, Barbera S, de Boer LJ, Tosi GM, Brunetti J, Bracci L, Pozzi C, Galvagni F, Orlandini M. Structural and antigen-binding surface definition of an anti-CD93 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of degenerative vascular eye diseases. Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 May;309(Pt 4):143118. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.143118. Epub 2025 Apr 12. PMID: 40228767. 

 

 

 

Research Team

Federico Galvagni, PhD – Associate Professor of Molecular Biology

Maurizio Orlandini, PhD – Associate Professor of Molecular Biology

Federico Marchini, PhD Student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Bibim 2.0

Damiano Perrone, PhD Student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Bibim 2.0

Aurora Iacopini, PhD Student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Bibim 2.0

Research Areas
Molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and its inhibition
Transcriptional response to oxidative stress
Scientific Collaborations
Technological Development

Our research has led to technological applications in the fields of retinopathy and cancer therapy. To support this development, we founded the SpinOff of the Department UCMe Bioscience.