Ph. D. Student
Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton 55
80133 Napoli - Italia
Tel: +33 648908339
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director of Studies: Dr Chiara Lauritano
External Supervisor: Dr Christos Velanis
External Supervisor: Prof. Marcel Jaspars
Program: Open University, XXVII cycle
Research Interests
Microalgae are unicellular eukaryotic organisms with remarkable chemical diversity, capable of producing compounds involved in defense, signaling, and ecological interactions. Many of these metabolites, such as carotenoids, sulfolipids, monogalactosyldiacylglycerols and lysophosphocholines, hold promising applications in human health, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory effects and immunomodulatory activities. Despite their potential, molecular data and functional studies remain limited, and the role of epigenetic regulation in controlling microalgal biosynthetic pathways has only been investigated in a few species compared to the thousands of existing microalgae on earth. The general objective of my PhD project is to explore the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules in selected diatoms by using a multidisciplinary approach. This project will characterize the epigenetic landscape linked to bioactive compound production, identify conditions that enhance metabolite yields, and ultimately provide novel insights for ecological studies as well as for biotechnological exploitation of microalgae.
Publications
Kopp, G.; Lauritano, C. Greener Extraction Solutions for Microalgal Compounds. Mar. Drugs 2025, 23, 269. https://doi.org/10.3390/md23070269 available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/23/7/269 (last visited, 01/10/2025)
