PHD at University of Perugia, Italy
Francesca Riuzzi, born on May 27, 1977, in Città di Castello (PG, Italy), is an Associate Professor of Human Anatomy at the University of Perugia (UniPG). With a Ph.D. in Biology and Experimental Medicine from UniPG, she’s recognized for her expertise in muscle physiology and pathology. Riuzzi has authored numerous publications and holds administrative roles, including delegate for the Third Mission at the Department of Medicine and Surgery. Her research focuses on the role of RAGE and its ligands in muscle biology, with a keen interest in herbal remedies for muscle disorders. Riuzzi is also actively involved in teaching and supervising students and fellows at UniPG.
Professional Profiles:
Scopus
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Researchgate
Education
Ph.D. in Biology and Experimental Medicine, UniPG Professional Biologist, UniPG Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences (Summa cum laude), UniPG
Professional Experience
Associate Professor of Human Anatomy, UniPG (2015-present) Laboratory Supervisor of Anatomy Section, UniPG (2008-2015) PhD student in Biology and Experimental Medicine, UniPG (2003-2007) Recipient of a fellowship for research project at UniPG (2003) Continuous involvement in research projects since 2002
Awards
Young Researchers Award for Best Publication in Medical Area, UniPG (2019)
Main Scientific Interests
Role of RAGE and its ligands in myogenesis, muscle regeneration, and pathologies Use of herbal drugs to counteract muscle atrophy Application of microencapsulated Sertoli cells in muscular dystrophy models
Research Focus:
Francesca Riuzzi’s research primarily focuses on the functions of S100 proteins, particularly S100B, in various physiological and pathological contexts. Her work explores the dual roles of S100B as both an intracellular regulator and an extracellular signaling molecule, elucidating its involvement in tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. Riuzzi investigates the interaction of S100B with its receptor RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products), uncovering its implications in muscle biology, including myogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasiveness. Her research contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle pathologies and potential therapeutic targets for conditions like cancer cachexia and sarcopenia.
Publications
- Targeting RAGE prevents muscle wasting and prolongs survival in cancer cachexia, cited by: 76, Publication: 2020.
- Optimizing therapeutic outcomes of immune checkpoint blockade by a microbial tryptophan metabolite, cited by: 47, Publication: 2022.
- S100 proteins in obesity: liaisons dangereuses, cited by: 43, Publication: 2020.
- Targeting RAGE to prevent SARS-CoV-2-mediated multiple organ failure: Hypotheses and perspectives, cited by: 37, Publication: 2021.
- Reductive stress in striated muscle cells, cited by: 36, Publication: 2020.
- Hyperactivated RAGE in comorbidities as a risk factor for severe COVID-19—The role of RAGE-Ras crosstalk, cited by: 30, Publication: 2021
- Identification of Withania somnifera-Silybum marianum-Trigonella foenum-graecum Formulation as a Nutritional Supplement to Contrast Muscle Atrophy and …, cited by: 12, Publication: 2020.
- KYMASIN UP natural product inhibits osteoclastogenesis and improves osteoblast activity by modulating Src and p38 MAPK, cited by: 4, Publication: 2022.
- Sertoli cells improve myogenic differentiation, reduce fibrogenic markers, and induce utrophin expression in human DMD myoblasts, Publication: 2021
- Microencapsulated Sertoli cells sustain myoblast proliferation without affecting the myogenic potential. In vitro data, Publication: 2022.
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