Ph. D. Student
Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM)
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
Villa Comunale
80121 Naples - Italy
Tel.: +39 350 8771653
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director of Studies: Dr Sabrina Carrella
Internal Advisor: Dr Serena Mirra
External Supervisors: Prof. Ivan Conte, Prof. Bastian Fromm
Program: Open University, XXVII cycle
Research Interests
My research focuses on the regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cellular adaptation to stress, with a particular emphasis on their impact on mitochondrial function. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are central to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, development, and environmental responsiveness. Within this framework, I investigate the miR-17~92 cluster, a polycistronic family of miRNAs with conserved functions across vertebrates. Although its members share common sequence elements, they exhibit distinct expression dynamics and regulatory effects under stress conditions. My work aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these differential responses, focusing on miR-17 and miR-20a, in both marine (Takifugu rubripes) and brackish (Oryzias latipes) teleost models, and in comparison with human cell systems. By integrating molecular assays, cell biology techniques, and transcriptomic analyses, I seek to explore how stress-regulated miRNAs influence mitochondrial activity, oxidative balance, and energy metabolism. Comparative cross-species analysis is aimed at providing insight into the evolutionary conservation of miRNA-mediated stress responses and their role in shaping cellular resilience. Ultimately, my research seeks to advance understanding of the miRNA-mitochondria regulatory axis, offering perspectives on how molecular adaptation mechanisms have evolved to support life under environmental and metabolic stress.
Publications
Padde, J. R., Akiteng, W., Edema, W., Atiku, S. M., Tibyangye, J., Tekakwo, J., Odeke, R., Oyella, L., Ogwang, R., Apangu, P., Angiro, I., Lali, F. W., Edoru, T., & Agondua, R. (2022). Assessment of biosafety and biorisk management practices among medical laboratory students in two institutions in Uganda. Biosafety and Health, 4(6), 399-405.
Chappell, J. G., Tsoleridis, T., Onianwa, O., Drake, G., Ashpole, I., Dobbs, P., Edema, W., Kumi-Ansah, F., Bennett, M., Tarlinton, R. E., Ball, J. K., & McClure, C. P. (2020). Retrieval of the complete coding sequence of the UK-endemic Tatenale orthohantavirus reveals extensive strain variation and supports its classification as a novel species. Viruses, 12(4), 454.
