My research interests focuses on the field of gene-nutrient interactions and epigenetics with a long time experience in studying the relationships between nutritional factors and molecular biology mechanisms. I am confident that the major goals of the proposed research fit to my expertise and research skills. I dedicated to the analysis of DNA methylation patterns both global and gene-specific also through high-throughput array-based techniques with studies on chronic diseases including cancer with a special interest for hepatocellular carcinoma induced by chronic alcohol consumption. I have been working on the effects of B vitamins and epigenetics either on cell culture, animal models and human studies since I developed my interest in the area of nutrition, genetics and nutritional epigenetics, as a Scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA HNRC at Tufts University in Boston, MA, USA. During that period I established a very solid expertise in genetic- and epigenetic-focused methods mainly in the area of DNA methylation. I also developed a novel method to measure genomic DNA methylation using LC/MS technology. In recent years I committed my research work to the identification of molecular mechanisms linking nutrients, gene polymorphisms within one carbon metabolism and epigenetics with a main interest on liver carcinogenesis. Findings from these studies contributed to define novel epigenetic and gene-nutrient interactions profiles for preventive strategies by ad hoc nutritional intervention. I co-edited two invited books by CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, “Nutrient and Gene Interactions in Cancer” and “Nutrients and Epigenetics” and I am author of about one hundred peer reviewed papers. I am Associate Editor for “Frontiers in Nutrition” Journal, Specialty Section in Clinical Nutrition and Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Cancer Prevention and Advisory Board Member of the Journal Epigenetics of Diabetes and Obesity as well as review editor of Frontiers in Genetics and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology and BioFactors Journal. Awarded in 2002 Hamish N. Munro Postdoctoral Fellowship Award for outstanding scientific research for research on “Folate Metabolism, Genetics, and DNA methylation” and the Award for Excellence in scientific impact in “Gene-nutrient interactions and Epigenetics”, in Boston, USA and research Scientist Award “Gene-nutrient interactions and epigenetics”, Italy.
Modules running in the period selected: 0.
Click on the module to see the timetable and course details.
There you will find information, resources and services useful during your time at the University (Student’s exam record, your study plan on ESSE3, Distance Learning courses, university email account, office forms, administrative procedures, etc.). You can log into MyUnivr with your GIA login details: only in this way will you be able to receive notification of all the notices from your teachers and your secretariat via email and soon also via the Univr app.
MyUnivrTopic | Description | Research area |
---|---|---|
Epigenetics and gene-nutrient interactions | Study of gene-nutrients interactions and their effects on regulation of gene expression through epigenetic modifications among which mainly DNA methylation, both global and gene specific and DNA hydroxymethylation. This topic pertains also to the study of the effects of nutrients on modulation of other epigenetic phenomena such as histone modifications, namely acetylation and methylation and also regulation of genes by microRNAs. | Research & Experimental |
© 2002 - 2024
Verona University
Via dell'Artigliere 8, 37129 Verona |
P. I.V.A. 01541040232 |
C. FISCALE 93009870234