Name and Surname: LUCA MARIA NERI
Actual Position: Associate Professor BIO16/Human Anatomy, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine- University of Ferrara
Citizenship: Italian
Place and Date of Birth: Bologna, November, 6th 1962
Qualifications:
- 1990: Postgraduate Diploma in General Haematology, Clinical and Laboratory, University of Bologna (70/70 cum laude) discussing a thesis entitled "New approaches in early diagnosis in cytomegalovirus infection in patients undergoing bone marrow transplant."
- 1987: qualified to practice the medical profession.
- 1987: Degree in Medicine and Surgery (110/110 cum laude), University of Bologna, discussing a thesis entitled "Phenotypic and functional analysis of human lymphocyte subpopulations during the aging."
- 1981: Diploma of Classical maturity (60/60) at the high school-gymnasium L. Galvani in Bologna.
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS AT ITALIAN UNIVERSITIES
- 2014: from 1st, November Associate Professor, University of Ferrara, framed in the SSD BIO / 16 - Human Anatomy.
- 2001: as from 1st March, framed in the SSD BIO / 16 - Human Anatomy.
- 1996: with effect from 1st November, framed in the SSD E09A - Human Anatomy.
- 1990-2014: Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Ferrara.
- 1989-1990: Technical Collaborator (VII level) at the Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna.
- 1987-1989: Technical Agent (IV Level) from the School of Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSITIES AND ITALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
- 1981-1987: Internship at the Institute of Human Normal Anatomy, directed by Prof. Francesco A. Manzoli, University of Bologna
- 1983: One month fellowship grant of at the Department of Immunology, University of Haifa, Israel, directed by Prof. Yeudit Nahot
- 1984: Three months fellowship grant at the Department of Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, directed by Prof. Amiela Globerson
- 1985: 40 days grant at the Department of General Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA, directed by Prof. Paul Klein
- 1986: One month fellowship grant at the Department of Immunology, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden, directed by Prof. Hans Wigzell
- 1988: One month fellowship grant at the Department of Medical Oncology, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, directed by Prof. Bryan Young, where he learnt techniques of confocal laser scan microscopy (CLSM).
- 1989: Seven months fellowship at the Department of Cytochemistry and Cytometry, Leiden University, The Netherlands, directed by Prof. Mels van der Ploeg, where he learnt the techniques of in situ hybridisation and molecular biology.
1990-2003: Responsible of a research project at the Institute of Normal and Pathologic Cytomorphology, CNR, Bologna, directed by Prof. Nadir M. Maraldi.
1991: The only foreigner accepted in a workshop organized by INSERM on confocal microscopy applications, Paris, France
- 1997: Research fellow for four months at the Dept. Pathology Anatomy and Cell Biology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA, where he learnt proteomics and molecular biology techniques .
- 1998: Research fellow for one month at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, in the laboratory of Dr. Bellacosa, where he learnt proteomics and molecular biology techniques.
- 1999: Working visit at the Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- 2002: Invited referee by the Arthritis Research Campaign to evaluate grant applications.
- 2004: Visiting professor at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University, USA.
- 2005: Invited professor at the Emory University, Atlanta, USA, following the invitation of prof. Keqiang Ye.
- 2007: Winner of a cooperation grant with University of Rostock, Germany (Prof. Junghanss), in February and in October
- 2008: He worked at the University of Bilkent, Turkey, in December.
- 2010: He worked at the University of Bilkent, Turkey, in December.
- 2014: Authorized by the Ethics Committee Act of the Province of Ferrara in the trial of human-derived samples for study 140 789 with title "Development of new pharmacological strategies against fusion proteins of the ABL1 gene in acute lymphoblastic leukemia."
- 2014: Research Fellowship at Temple University- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology-Philadelphia-PA-USA for scientific collaborations.
- 2015: Representative of the Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery in the University Centre for International Development Cooperation.
- 2015: Auditor invited by the HFSP (Human Frontier Science Program) for evaluation of research projects.
- 2015: Authorized by the Ministry of Health and by the Agency responsible for animal welfare in the trial of animal-derived samples for the study "Targeted Therapies for cancer treatments."
2015: Auditor invited by the HFSP (Human Frontiers Science Program) for evaluation of research projects.
ORGANIZATION OR PARTICIPATION AS A SPEAKER TO SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES IN ITALY OR ABROAD
- 1990: Lecturer at the III Specialization Course in Microscopy and Fotomicroscopia- University of Milan.
- 1992: Speaker at the Workshop "In Situ Hybridization" - Sestriere (Turin).
- 1992: Lecturer at the "Course of Confocal Microscopy" -Assisi organized by SIME and GIC.
- 1993: Lecturer at the Course "Microscopy with molecular markers: in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry" - Pisa.
- 1997: Speaker at the Course "Updating course of bronchial asthma and COPD" - Ferrara
- 2005: Invited speaker to a seminar entitled "The nuclear Phosphoinositol 3-kinase / Akt: more than just a road to the nucleus" - at the Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA-USA (guest Prof. Keqiang Ye).
AWARDS
- 1988: Winner of a prize announced by the Ninth European Immunology Meeting.
- 1990: Winner of the scientific award "Golden Malpighi" in Bologna.
- 1990: Winner of a prize announced by the Third European Congress of Cell Biology.
DIRECTION OR PARTICIPATION TO MAGAZINES EDITORIAL COMMITTES, EDITORIAL SERIES, ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND RECOGNIZED BOOKS
- 1999: Editorial contribution on "Methods in Enzymology-Confocal Microscopy" - Volume 307 Academic Press titled "Chromosome spreads for Confocal Microscopy".
- 2001: Editorial translation from English Contribution of Volume Moore and Agur "Fundamentals of Clinical Anatomy" - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
- 2001: Editorial translation from English Contribution of Volume Moore and Dalley "Human Anatomy" - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
- 2002: Publishing Contribution to book with title "Confocal and Two-Photon Microscopy: Foundations, Applications and Advances" Wiley & Sons publishers entitled "Confocal Microscopy in the study of the nucleus."
- 2004: Editorial contribution of translation from English Volume Palastanga, Field and Soames and "Anatomy and Movement" - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY
The Scientific activity is documented by 109 scientific publications in extenso (including 4 book chapters) in international journals, almost exclusively with board of auditors (referee), reported on PubMed and identified on the ISI Web of Science - Journal Citation Reports (JCR) or Scopus in 2015 (latest available):
Bibliometric indicators: WEB OF SCIENCE and JOURNAL CITATION REPORTS 2015
Total number of publications: 110
Total number of citations: 3411
Impact Factor total: 434.7
Total Hirsch Index: 35
Percentage of works in which 'the first or last name: 48.1%
Updated March 29th, 2017
The scientific activity directed by dr. Luca M. Neri is focused on morpho-functional studies conducted on cells, isolated nuclei from cultured cells and organs such as the liver.
The classical approaches to morphological investigations of neuroendocrine organs, lymphoid, vascular and hematopoietic, have been innovated with analysis of specific signal transduction pathways of intracellular signal by combining optical and functional microscopy techniques, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, Immunochemistry, techniques of protein analysis, cell biology, molecular biology, flow cytometry and functional assays in vitro, in order to perform an accurate analysis of complex events of survival / apoptosis, autophagy, cell proliferation and differentiation.
The research activity of prof. Neri is principally focused on the analysis of the mechanisms and intracellular pathways involved in processes of proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and autophagy in different cell models and the study of the pathophysiology of the hematopoietic system and liver.
These are the research lines:
1) Study of the Nuclear polyphosphoinositide metabolism in cells derived from hemolymphopoietic organs, the liver, from 'bone and connective tissues.
The results obtained led to the identification of a specific phospholipase C for polyphosphoinositide in the core level: this appeared to be the β1 isoform of which it was also clarified the localization at the ultrastructural level.
Changes in polyphosphoinositide cycle were correlated with the translocation and the activation of Protein Kinase C (PKC) in the same cellular compartment. This research has contributed greatly to the identification and the determination of the nuclear cycle polyphosphoinositide in the genesis of secondary messengers.
2) Analysis of signal transduction pathways related to the metabolism of polyphosphoinositides
The results obtained allowed to clarify the role of PI3K / Akt / mTOR signal transduction pathway in the differentiation and survival / apoptosis in myeloid and neuronal models.
3) Effects of new-generation drug molecules in the modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Specific inhibitors have been considered in acting against PI3K / Akt / mTOR and other signaling pathways and can modulate the differentiation and cell proliferation processes in myeloid and lymphoid models.
Haematological cells with a 'hyperactivation of this signal transduction pathway were more sensitive to drug molecules directed against it in a selective way.
Onco-hematological, preclinical studies have been performed by the use of leukemic cell models (in vitro) or samples derived from patients (ex vivo) in order to assess the molecular mechanisms that control the processes of survival / apoptosis / autophagy mediated by different agents pharmacological anti-tumor already in clinical use or generation of new molecules.
In particular much attention has been dedicated to the synergies between conventional research protocols and novel therapies (targeted therapies) and at the combined effect of their targeted therapies (eg. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors associated with Small Molecule Inhibitors).
Many of these results were obtained with the 'use of confocal laser scanning microscopy.
A summary of this technique use is contained in the printed publication "CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY IN THE STUDY OF THE CELL NUCLEUS" In: Confocal and Two Photon Microscopy: Foundations, Applications and Advances. 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc., New York, p 347-364.
Actual Position: Associate Professor BIO16/Human Anatomy, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine- University of Ferrara
Citizenship: Italian
Place and Date of Birth: Bologna, November, 6th 1962
Qualifications:
- 1990: Postgraduate Diploma in General Haematology, Clinical and Laboratory, University of Bologna (70/70 cum laude) discussing a thesis entitled "New approaches in early diagnosis in cytomegalovirus infection in patients undergoing bone marrow transplant."
- 1987: qualified to practice the medical profession.
- 1987: Degree in Medicine and Surgery (110/110 cum laude), University of Bologna, discussing a thesis entitled "Phenotypic and functional analysis of human lymphocyte subpopulations during the aging."
- 1981: Diploma of Classical maturity (60/60) at the high school-gymnasium L. Galvani in Bologna.
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS AT ITALIAN UNIVERSITIES
- 2014: from 1st, November Associate Professor, University of Ferrara, framed in the SSD BIO / 16 - Human Anatomy.
- 2001: as from 1st March, framed in the SSD BIO / 16 - Human Anatomy.
- 1996: with effect from 1st November, framed in the SSD E09A - Human Anatomy.
- 1990-2014: Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Ferrara.
- 1989-1990: Technical Collaborator (VII level) at the Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna.
- 1987-1989: Technical Agent (IV Level) from the School of Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AT UNIVERSITIES AND ITALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
- 1981-1987: Internship at the Institute of Human Normal Anatomy, directed by Prof. Francesco A. Manzoli, University of Bologna
- 1983: One month fellowship grant of at the Department of Immunology, University of Haifa, Israel, directed by Prof. Yeudit Nahot
- 1984: Three months fellowship grant at the Department of Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, directed by Prof. Amiela Globerson
- 1985: 40 days grant at the Department of General Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA, directed by Prof. Paul Klein
- 1986: One month fellowship grant at the Department of Immunology, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden, directed by Prof. Hans Wigzell
- 1988: One month fellowship grant at the Department of Medical Oncology, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, directed by Prof. Bryan Young, where he learnt techniques of confocal laser scan microscopy (CLSM).
- 1989: Seven months fellowship at the Department of Cytochemistry and Cytometry, Leiden University, The Netherlands, directed by Prof. Mels van der Ploeg, where he learnt the techniques of in situ hybridisation and molecular biology.
1990-2003: Responsible of a research project at the Institute of Normal and Pathologic Cytomorphology, CNR, Bologna, directed by Prof. Nadir M. Maraldi.
1991: The only foreigner accepted in a workshop organized by INSERM on confocal microscopy applications, Paris, France
- 1997: Research fellow for four months at the Dept. Pathology Anatomy and Cell Biology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA, where he learnt proteomics and molecular biology techniques .
- 1998: Research fellow for one month at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, in the laboratory of Dr. Bellacosa, where he learnt proteomics and molecular biology techniques.
- 1999: Working visit at the Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- 2002: Invited referee by the Arthritis Research Campaign to evaluate grant applications.
- 2004: Visiting professor at the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University, USA.
- 2005: Invited professor at the Emory University, Atlanta, USA, following the invitation of prof. Keqiang Ye.
- 2007: Winner of a cooperation grant with University of Rostock, Germany (Prof. Junghanss), in February and in October
- 2008: He worked at the University of Bilkent, Turkey, in December.
- 2010: He worked at the University of Bilkent, Turkey, in December.
- 2014: Authorized by the Ethics Committee Act of the Province of Ferrara in the trial of human-derived samples for study 140 789 with title "Development of new pharmacological strategies against fusion proteins of the ABL1 gene in acute lymphoblastic leukemia."
- 2014: Research Fellowship at Temple University- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology-Philadelphia-PA-USA for scientific collaborations.
- 2015: Representative of the Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery in the University Centre for International Development Cooperation.
- 2015: Auditor invited by the HFSP (Human Frontier Science Program) for evaluation of research projects.
- 2015: Authorized by the Ministry of Health and by the Agency responsible for animal welfare in the trial of animal-derived samples for the study "Targeted Therapies for cancer treatments."
2015: Auditor invited by the HFSP (Human Frontiers Science Program) for evaluation of research projects.
ORGANIZATION OR PARTICIPATION AS A SPEAKER TO SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES IN ITALY OR ABROAD
- 1990: Lecturer at the III Specialization Course in Microscopy and Fotomicroscopia- University of Milan.
- 1992: Speaker at the Workshop "In Situ Hybridization" - Sestriere (Turin).
- 1992: Lecturer at the "Course of Confocal Microscopy" -Assisi organized by SIME and GIC.
- 1993: Lecturer at the Course "Microscopy with molecular markers: in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry" - Pisa.
- 1997: Speaker at the Course "Updating course of bronchial asthma and COPD" - Ferrara
- 2005: Invited speaker to a seminar entitled "The nuclear Phosphoinositol 3-kinase / Akt: more than just a road to the nucleus" - at the Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA-USA (guest Prof. Keqiang Ye).
AWARDS
- 1988: Winner of a prize announced by the Ninth European Immunology Meeting.
- 1990: Winner of the scientific award "Golden Malpighi" in Bologna.
- 1990: Winner of a prize announced by the Third European Congress of Cell Biology.
DIRECTION OR PARTICIPATION TO MAGAZINES EDITORIAL COMMITTES, EDITORIAL SERIES, ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND RECOGNIZED BOOKS
- 1999: Editorial contribution on "Methods in Enzymology-Confocal Microscopy" - Volume 307 Academic Press titled "Chromosome spreads for Confocal Microscopy".
- 2001: Editorial translation from English Contribution of Volume Moore and Agur "Fundamentals of Clinical Anatomy" - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
- 2001: Editorial translation from English Contribution of Volume Moore and Dalley "Human Anatomy" - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
- 2002: Publishing Contribution to book with title "Confocal and Two-Photon Microscopy: Foundations, Applications and Advances" Wiley & Sons publishers entitled "Confocal Microscopy in the study of the nucleus."
- 2004: Editorial contribution of translation from English Volume Palastanga, Field and Soames and "Anatomy and Movement" - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY
The Scientific activity is documented by 109 scientific publications in extenso (including 4 book chapters) in international journals, almost exclusively with board of auditors (referee), reported on PubMed and identified on the ISI Web of Science - Journal Citation Reports (JCR) or Scopus in 2015 (latest available):
Bibliometric indicators: WEB OF SCIENCE and JOURNAL CITATION REPORTS 2015
Total number of publications: 110
Total number of citations: 3411
Impact Factor total: 434.7
Total Hirsch Index: 35
Percentage of works in which 'the first or last name: 48.1%
Updated March 29th, 2017
The scientific activity directed by dr. Luca M. Neri is focused on morpho-functional studies conducted on cells, isolated nuclei from cultured cells and organs such as the liver.
The classical approaches to morphological investigations of neuroendocrine organs, lymphoid, vascular and hematopoietic, have been innovated with analysis of specific signal transduction pathways of intracellular signal by combining optical and functional microscopy techniques, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, Immunochemistry, techniques of protein analysis, cell biology, molecular biology, flow cytometry and functional assays in vitro, in order to perform an accurate analysis of complex events of survival / apoptosis, autophagy, cell proliferation and differentiation.
The research activity of prof. Neri is principally focused on the analysis of the mechanisms and intracellular pathways involved in processes of proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and autophagy in different cell models and the study of the pathophysiology of the hematopoietic system and liver.
These are the research lines:
1) Study of the Nuclear polyphosphoinositide metabolism in cells derived from hemolymphopoietic organs, the liver, from 'bone and connective tissues.
The results obtained led to the identification of a specific phospholipase C for polyphosphoinositide in the core level: this appeared to be the β1 isoform of which it was also clarified the localization at the ultrastructural level.
Changes in polyphosphoinositide cycle were correlated with the translocation and the activation of Protein Kinase C (PKC) in the same cellular compartment. This research has contributed greatly to the identification and the determination of the nuclear cycle polyphosphoinositide in the genesis of secondary messengers.
2) Analysis of signal transduction pathways related to the metabolism of polyphosphoinositides
The results obtained allowed to clarify the role of PI3K / Akt / mTOR signal transduction pathway in the differentiation and survival / apoptosis in myeloid and neuronal models.
3) Effects of new-generation drug molecules in the modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Specific inhibitors have been considered in acting against PI3K / Akt / mTOR and other signaling pathways and can modulate the differentiation and cell proliferation processes in myeloid and lymphoid models.
Haematological cells with a 'hyperactivation of this signal transduction pathway were more sensitive to drug molecules directed against it in a selective way.
Onco-hematological, preclinical studies have been performed by the use of leukemic cell models (in vitro) or samples derived from patients (ex vivo) in order to assess the molecular mechanisms that control the processes of survival / apoptosis / autophagy mediated by different agents pharmacological anti-tumor already in clinical use or generation of new molecules.
In particular much attention has been dedicated to the synergies between conventional research protocols and novel therapies (targeted therapies) and at the combined effect of their targeted therapies (eg. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors associated with Small Molecule Inhibitors).
Many of these results were obtained with the 'use of confocal laser scanning microscopy.
A summary of this technique use is contained in the printed publication "CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY IN THE STUDY OF THE CELL NUCLEUS" In: Confocal and Two Photon Microscopy: Foundations, Applications and Advances. 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc., New York, p 347-364.
