I am a researcher with a degree in Biological Sciences, a PhD in Molecular Medicine from the University of Milan, and a postgraduate specialization in Pharmacological Research at the Mario Negri Institute in Milan. My work focuses on understanding the relationship between protein molecular structure and function to predict the impact of mutations and support drug development. I use computational biology approaches integrated with drug discovery and experimental validation. My research includes theranostics for prostate cancer based on patient genetic profiles, glutaminase inhibitors for triple-negative breast cancer, and antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. I also study rare diseases such as Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), developing innovative Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) strategies, including PROTACs and Molecular Glues, for pathogenic PHOX2B mutants. My goal is to translate these findings into effective therapeutic solutions.
Research Activities
The use of molecular modeling for detailed studies of the recognition and binding processes of macromolecules of biological and pharmacological interest.
Investigation, High Throughput Virtual Screening (HTVS), rational and de novo design, drug repurposing, and iterative optimization of pharmacologically active molecules and other therapeutic entities (like small molecules and RNAs) aimed at treating or preventing pathological conditions in living organisms.
