Expertise

Beginning with my PhD studies, my personal research interest has been the identification of the molecular causes responsible for muscle wasting, such as the ones frequently observed in both muscular dystrophies and cancer cachexia.

Our efforts in developing new models of cancer cachexia (in particular associated with colorectal metastatic cancer) will significantly increase the knowledge in the field and will contribute to identify new mediators that will be targeted to cure this complicated syndrome. Recently, I also started to study the effects of chemotherapy on muscle homeostasis and function by taking advantage of both in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Beginning with my graduate studies, my research has focused on the identification of the molecular factors responsible for muscle wasting (i.e. cachexia), a condition observed with the occurrence of cancer.

My research interests focus on the identification of the mechanism(s) associated with the development of muscle wasting and muscle weakness in the presence of cancer and chemotherapy, and on understanding how the muscle-bone crosstalk responds to cancer growth or chemotherapy treatment. I am also interested in generating new and clinically relevant experimental models for the study of cancer cachexia


I am particularly interested in the effects of chemotherapy on muscle homeostasis and function. By taking advantage of both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, I am investigating whether commonly used chemotherapy regimens can directly affect the skeletal muscle by promoting muscle mass loss, increasing fatiguability and reducing muscle functionality and strength.


Subject areas:

  • Cancer in Bone and Muscle
  • Muscle/Bone Crosstalk
Past Affiliations

Assistant Professor, Division of General Surgery

Communities
Oncology, Surgery
Degrees
PhD, Università degli Studi di Torino, Experimental Pathology, 2008
MS, Università degli Studi di Torino, 2004