Marianna Mignanelli

I am a passionate researcher with a keen interest in advancing synthetic biology, specifically in the domains of vaccinology, gene, and cell therapy. With over seven years of hands-on experience, I have specialized in synthetic virology, rational protein design & engineering, and a diverse range of complementary techniques. While my primary application has been in the neurosciences field, my knowledge extends to other areas such as molecular virology and cancer biology.

Recognized for my meticulous and analytical research skills, I am proficient in experimental conceptualization, design, and protocol implementation. Despite my young age, I have already demonstrated leadership abilities in guiding teams towards project goals. I am eager to take on challenging roles that contribute to therapeutic development through the application of synthetic biology tools.

I've garnered substantial experience collaborating in teams and working autonomously across my career. I demonstrate robust leadership and mentoring skills, actively participating in constructive dialogues with peers and drawing insights from seasoned professionals. Leveraging my problem-solving prowess and critical thinking abilities, I adeptly handle tasks autonomously, ensuring the successful execution of projects and the attainment of goals, even within challenging deadlines. My aptitude for managing multiple projects simultaneously underscores my adaptability to emerging technologies and diverse research areas. My interpersonal skills shine through in cultivating effective relationships with individuals of varied backgrounds, showcasing cultural sensitivity and a keen awareness of differences within the global scientific community.

Students under my direct mentoring are underlined

• Mignanelli M, Siano G, Orsini E, Rizzo M, Salvetti A, Iannone V, Scarlatti A, Wade-Martins R, Cattaneo A, Di Primio C. Postsynaptic miRNome profiling of human iPSCs-derived cortical excitatory neurons through chimeric HIV1 Pr55 (Gag) Virus-like particles. In preparation.

• Lisi S., Malerba F., Quaranta P., Florio R., Vitaloni O., Monaca E., Bruni B.E., Bitonti A.R., Del Perugia O., Mignanelli M., Perrera P., Sabbatella R., Raimondi F., Piazza C.R., Moles A., Alfano C., Pistello M. and Cattaneo A., Selection and characterization of a panel of human scFvs targeting the SARS-CoV2 nucleocapsid protein isolated from antibody libraries of COVID-19 patients. Under revision

• Di Primio C†, Quaranta P†, Mignanelli M†, Siano G, Bimbati M, Scarlatti A, Piazza CR, Spezia PG, Perrera P, Basolo F, Poma AM, Costa M, Pistello M, Cattaneo A. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection leads to Tau pathological signature in neurons. PNAS Nexus. 2023 Sep 19;2(9):pgad282. doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad282.

• Siano G, Madaro G, Caiazza MC, Allouch A, Varisco M, Mignanelli M, Cattaneo A, Di Primio C. Taudependent HDAC1 nuclear reduction is associated with altered VGluT1 expression. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2023 May 17;11:1151223. doi:10.3389/fcell.2023.1151223.

• Sawade L, Grandi F, Mignanelli M, Patiño-López G, Klinkert K, Langa-Vives F, Di Guardo R, Echard A, Bolino A, Haucke V. Rab35-regulated lipid turnover by myotubularins represses mTORC1 activity and controls myelin growth. Nat Commun. 2020 Jun 5;11(1):2835. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-16696-6.

• Chimeric HIV-1 Pr55 (Gag) Virus-like Particles: an innovative nanodevice for cellular-specific miRNA profiling in the Nervous System. Talk at the Gordon Research Seminar on "Synthetic Biology: transforming Biology into a Technology to solve global challenges ", Newry (ME, USA) 16/07/2023
• Chimeric HIV-1 Pr55 (Gag) Virus-like particles: an innovative tool for spatially-localized miRNA sequencing in neuronal dendrites. Poster presentation at the Gordon Research Conference on " Dendrites: Molecules, Structure and Function", Barga (LU, Italy) 26-31/03/2023.
• Virus-like particles: towards a new tool to unmask local RNA pools in neurons. Poster presentation at the 47th Annual Meeting on Retroviruses, Cold Spring Harbor (NY, USA), 21-29/05/2022

• In August 2023, I played a crucial role in crafting and securing a €100,000 grant from the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS). This grant is dedicated to conducting experimental research investigating the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the aggregation profile of microtubule-associated protein Tau. The primary objective is to gain insights into its role as a key contributor to neurological symptoms associated with Long-COVID.
• I was awarded a travel grant for the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) in July 2023, where the conference chair provided funds to support the participation of early-career scientists.
• In December 2018, I received the "Giuseppe Toniolo" prize for undergraduate students from the Catholic University of Sacred Heart. This award recognized my achievement in being among the top 100 students across all faculties, based on academic excellence and high grades.

In my leisure time, I am passionate about outdoor activities, relishing the opportunity to immerse myself in nature. Whether it's exploring scenic trails, engaging in sports, or simply enjoying the fresh air, I find rejuvenation and balance in the great outdoors.

Physical well-being is paramount to me, and I actively pursue activities that contribute to my overall health. Regular exercise and self-care practices are integral parts of my routine, reflecting my commitment to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Exploring the culinary world is another avenue through which I express my interests. I thoroughly enjoy cooking, particularly focusing on crafting nutritious and delicious meals that nourish both body and mind. This passion for healthy gastronomy aligns with my dedication to overall well-being.

Film and television serve as captivating outlets for relaxation and entertainment in my downtime. Whether it's immersing myself in compelling narratives or appreciating cinematic artistry, I find joy in the diverse storytelling mediums these visual platforms offer.

My love for literature extends to a wide array of genres, and I am an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity for knowledge. Currently, Haruki Murakami stands out as my favorite author, with his unique blend of magical realism and profound storytelling capturing my literary fascination. This enthusiasm for reading extends beyond fiction, encompassing various fields that stimulate my intellectual curiosity.