Associate Professor of Molecular Biology with extensive experience in cancer molecular genetics, particularly focusing on Acute Leukemia and oncogenic signaling networks. My research has critically defined the diagnostic and prognostic value of genetic alterations, notably providing the first evidence for the involvement of the KIT gene in human Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and its association with core binding factor deranged-related neoplasms (recognized by WHO, 2017).

The first hint that A-to-I RNA editing has fundamental implications in leukemic disorders derives from my personal detection of altered editing events in the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPN6/SHP-1) transcript of patients affected by AML. These observations opened up a peculiar mechanism, cited in several high impact reviews, involving post-transcriptional RNA editing, causing loss-of-function mutations in leukaemic patients. A relevant step of my career advancement has been the independent characterization and cloning of the new gene in order to resolve the genomic region on chromosome 19q13, frequently altered in glial neoplasms. I isolated a new gene that I named MARK4 belonging to the microtubule affinity-regulating kinase (MARK) family in parallel with a Japanese group that isolated the same gene naming it MARKL1. For reasons of consistency the name MARK4 is finally validated. Current focus includes characterizing Wnt-mediated molecular events in the onset and progression of acute leukemia and examining gene expression programs in cancer stem cells. I maintain a strong translational focus, collaborating with clinical networks for improved diagnostic/prognostic definition and therapeutic implications.

Education & Key Research Training

• 02/2000: PhD in Medical Genetics, University of Genova, Italy. Thesis: Activating mutations of the protooncogene c-Kit in acute myeloid leukemia...
• 12/1994: MSc in Biological Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
• 2014-2016: Visiting Researcher (Multiple), Lund University & Uppsala University, Sweden (Biomedical Center, SciLifeLab).
• 04/2005: Visiting Researcher, Center for Biomedical Genomics, George Mason University, USA.

Work Experience

• 2017 – Present: Associate Professor (Molecular Biology, BIOS-08/A), University of Milan, Faculty of Medicine.
• 2001 – 2017: Assistant Professor (Medical Genetics, MED/03), University of Milan, Dept. of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine.
• 1999 – 2001: Research Fellow, University of Milan, Dept. of Biology and Genetics for Medical Sciences.

Skills & Professional Activities

Core Expertise: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, KIT gene, Wnt signaling, Cancer Stem Cells, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Diagnostics.

Teaching & Communication:

• Professor in the Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery (Molecular Biology).
• Lecturer in Specialization Schools (Hematology, Infectious Diseases, Medical Genetics).
• Supervised over 20 graduate, specialization, and PhD theses since 1998.

Organisational / Managerial:

• Responsible for UNIMI Scientific Agreement with the Niguarda Cancer Center (2014–Present).
• Member of multiple Specialization School Councils (Allergology, Infectious Diseases).