MEET THE DIBIO SCIENTIST SERIES : Maria Eugenia Soriano

Pubblicato il: 21.10.2019 11:49

Maria Eugenia is a tenure-track researcher (RTDb) at DiBio

Can you summarize in few words your research?

I'm interested in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial function with particular attention to the events that lead to the onset of Mitochondrial Diseases. The finding that alterations in mitochondrial ultrastructure greatly influence their function has led me to look for new ultrastructure regulators, to then investigate whether and how mitochondrial function is affected and the implications in human pathology.

What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your work?

The most rewarding part is the assembling of all the puzzling results obtained during months of work, and finally, see clearly how a biological pathway or system is working, obtaining the answer to the biological question I was looking to address.

Tell us your story: what brings you to DiBio?

I obtained the Master degree in Madrid (Spain) after doing the Thesis in mitochondria and apoptosis at the University of Tor Vergata (Rome). After this experience, I heard about the excellence in mitochondrial research at the University of Padova, so I applied for a PhD position in the Department of Biomedical Science, where I studied the mitochondrial adaptations during cancerogenesis. After this, I remained in the mitochondrial field but applying proteomics to the identification of complexes and the study of their dynamics during cell death. This period was very challenging and let me spent many months first in Biomedicum Helsinky and then at the CNIC (Madrid) where I obtained the results that still today are useful for my research.

What’s your favourite “toy” for research – and what can it do?

Isolated mitochondria, from any organism, tissue or cell line… easy, fast and informative experiments!

What are your interests outside science?

I love to cook for friends while drinking a glass of wine and having a good conversation, and if this can be combined with a walk in the mountains or a weekend in a sea house even better. I also very much enjoy traveling or going to the cinema to watch a good horror film.