MARCO BISAGLIA, PhD EDUCATION 2013 – Visiting scientist – Drosophila genetics – Department of Biomedical Science – University of Sheffield – United Kingdom. Supervisor: Dr. Alex Whitworth. 2007 – Visiting scientist – Cell biology – National Institute on Aging (NIA/NIH) – USA. Supervisor: Dr. Mark Cookson. 2002 - PhD in Structural Biology – Ecole Polytechnique – France. Supervisor: Dr. François Bontems. 1999 Master Degree in Chemistry – Department of Chemistry – University of Padova - Italy. Supervisor: Prof. Stefano Mammi. 1998 – Erasmus Internship – Chemistry – University of Versailles – France. Supervisor: Dr. Dominique Vichard. SCIENTIFIC INTEREST Marco Bisaglia is a molecular physiologist with expertise in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. His main research activity is focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in sporadic and genetic forms of Parkinson’s diseases (PD), with particular attention on the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Specifically, one of the main interests regards the analysis of the reactivity of the oxidation products of dopamine towards different targets, including mitochondria and PD-related proteins, to understand whether and how such reactivity could be involved in the preferential degeneration of dopaminergic neurons observed in PD. Another primary scientific topic concerns the study of the proteins PINK1, Parkin and DJ-1, which are responsible for autosomal recessive forms of PD. Interestingly, the major common functional effects of all three genes relate to mitochondrial function and oxidative damage, suggesting a common pathway for recessive parkinsonism. A better understanding of the cellular redox alterations associated to PD is essential for the definition of a valuable therapeutic strategy. In this frame, a further aim of his research is focused on the evaluation of the role of superoxide dismutating molecules in preventing neuronal degeneration.

The current interest regards the study of the PINK1, Parkin and DJ-1 proteins, which are responsible for autosomal recessive forms of PD, and on the potential role of superoxide dismutating molecules in preventing neuronal degeneration. TECHNIQUES In our lab we have technical expertise in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. We also use Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo model in our research.

Research themes: 1) Analysis of the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease 2) Analysis of the role of antioxidant molecules in preventing or hampering the progression of neuronal degeneration Requirements Interest for the scientific research. A full-time work is required Available positions: The number of positions vary according to the specific periods.