STEFANIA MERIGHI
CURRENT POSITION: Associate Professor, academic discipline BIOS-11/A, Pharmacology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara.
QUALIFICATIONS
15/07/1997 - Degree in Biological Sciences, (110/110 cum laude), University of Ferrara
17/01/2003 - PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Ferrara
TEACHING ACTIVITY
Teaching activity carried out as a teacher of subjects related to the scientific disciplinary sector BIOS/11A in the following three-year and master's degree courses of the University of Ferrara:
Bachelor's degree in Motor Sciences (LT)
Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology (LT)
Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery (LMCU)
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics (LMCU)
Master's degrees in Health Professions (Nursing and Obstetric Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences of Health Professions, Sciences of Health Professions Diagnostic Techniques).
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY
-Coordinator of the Master's Degree Course in Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, within which she participates in the Commission for access to the course of study, the Credit Commission, the External Call Evaluation Commission, the Annual and Cyclic Review Group and the Single Address Committee (from 01/11/2018–today, re-elected for the three-year period 2024-2027);
-Member of the Research and Third Mission Commission of the Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna (from 01/03/2021-today);
-Member of the Research and Third Mission Council of the University of Ferrara for the four-year period 2022/2026 (from 01/11/ 2022-today);
-Member of the Steering Committee of the three-year degree course in Nursing Sciences at the University of Ferrara, as Coordinator of the Master's Degree Course in Nursing and Obstetric Sciences (from 01/09/2023-today);
-Member of the Steering Committee of the three-year degree course in Obstetrics at the University of Ferrara, as Coordinator of the Master's Degree Course in Nursing and Obstetric Sciences (from 02/12/2024-today);
-Co-editor of the book "The adenosine receptors", Springer Edition (USA), 2018;
-Guest Editor of the volume "Pharmacology of Purinergic Receptors", Biomolecules, 2022.
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES OF MEMBERSHIP
-Member of the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF)
-Member of the Purine Club
-Member of the Academy of Sciences of Ferrara
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Stefania Merighi ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0839-6671
Publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals: 125
H-index: 51
Total citations: > 7500 (Source: Scopus, January 21, 2025)
Book chapters: 15
A total of about 130 scientific works have been presented as posters or communications in International/National Congresses.
International patents:
-Patent of Invention in United States of America for “Enhancing treatment of cancer and HIF-1 mediated disoders with adenosine A3 receptor antagonists” Attorney Docket No.: WO 2007040565.;
-Patent of Invention in United States of America for “Enhancing treatment of HIF-1 mediated disorders with adenosine A3 receptor agonists”: Attorney Docket No.: WO 2006055970).
Main Research Projects:
-Young Researchers Project of the University of Ferrara: Characterization of mechanisms of resistance to taxol in hypoxia in human glioblastoma cell lines, 2006;
-Research with Anacor Pharmaceuticals inc (R/ANA/MER/01/06 – R/D/0268/01/06), aiming to test the proliferative properties of Anacor’s proprietary compounds on tumor cells, 2006–2007;
-WADA Research Grant 2009, Pharmacological Characterization of nucleosides as potential modulators of erythropoietin production and effects, 2009;
-Fondazione per la Ricerca Scientifica Termale-Grant 2009, Hydrogen sulfide and adenosine: a possible role in skin inflammation, 2009;
-IGEA SpA Carpi (MO) – project: “Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field exposure in hypoxia and inflammation induced damage in microglial cells” – 2016;
-IGEA SpA Carpi (MO) – project: “Signalling pathways involved in the reduction of hypoxia and inflammation induced damage in microglial and neuron-like cells by pulsed electromagnetic field exposure” – 2017;
-Fund for the financing of basic research activities, FFABR 2017, intended to incentivize the basic research activity of associate professors and researchers at universities, 2017;
-Funding from the University of Ferrara: FAR 2016-2024; FIRD 2022-2024;
-PRIN 2017 – “Exploiting the EndoCannabinoid System to control inflammation and promote neuroprotection and myelin repair (ExECS)”;
-FIR 2017 “Adenosine A2A receptors and glucocorticoid GR receptors as a specific and sensitive double marker for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease”, University of Ferrara, 2017;
-MISE 2018, Biophysical stimulation medical device for regeneration of articular cartilage. Medical device for biophysical stimulation for the regeneration of articular cartilage (JoCare). MISE 2020, F/180007/01-05/X43 2021-2024;
-FIR 2019, “Characterization of the anti-inflammatory properties and mechanism of action of medicinal plant extracts for herbal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic use”, University of Ferrara;
-Project on competitive call CCIAA-Unife, “Effect of conservation on the functional composition and biological activity of Voghiera DOP garlic extracts” University of Ferrara, 2020;
-IGEA SpA Carpi (MO)- project title: “Pulsed electromagnetic fields as a novel strategy to fight “inflammaging” in Alzheimer's Disease” – 2021;
-project Prot. P2022JBF5T “Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis using blood platelets as a circulating mirror of neurons”: PRIN PNRR 2022;
-PNRR Extended Partnerships (MNESYS), PNRR – M4C2: A multiscale integrated approach to the study of the nervous system in health and disease, Mnesys, (research group member, PE00000006, CUP: F78H22000660002, Spoke 7, Neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation), 2022-2025;
-IGEA SpA Carpi (MO)- project: “Pulsed electromagnetic fields as a novel strategy to fight “inflammaging” in Alzheimer's Disease” - 2023.
Main Research Topics in Preclinical Pharmacology:
- Development and application of molecular reagents and molecular and immunological methods (based on PCR, RT-PCR, Real-Time RT-PCR, Western Blot, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry) for the identification and quantification of specific proteins and genes;
- Chemical-physical characterization of the interaction between ligand and receptor. Design of new ligands of purinergic GPCR receptors;
- Exploration of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the survival, proliferation and functional activity of normal and tumor human cells;
- Pharmacological characterization of new molecules for the treatment of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
CURRENT POSITION: Associate Professor, academic discipline BIOS-11/A, Pharmacology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara.
QUALIFICATIONS
15/07/1997 - Degree in Biological Sciences, (110/110 cum laude), University of Ferrara
17/01/2003 - PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Ferrara
TEACHING ACTIVITY
Teaching activity carried out as a teacher of subjects related to the scientific disciplinary sector BIOS/11A in the following three-year and master's degree courses of the University of Ferrara:
Bachelor's degree in Motor Sciences (LT)
Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology (LT)
Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery (LMCU)
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics (LMCU)
Master's degrees in Health Professions (Nursing and Obstetric Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences of Health Professions, Sciences of Health Professions Diagnostic Techniques).
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY
-Coordinator of the Master's Degree Course in Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, within which she participates in the Commission for access to the course of study, the Credit Commission, the External Call Evaluation Commission, the Annual and Cyclic Review Group and the Single Address Committee (from 01/11/2018–today, re-elected for the three-year period 2024-2027);
-Member of the Research and Third Mission Commission of the Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna (from 01/03/2021-today);
-Member of the Research and Third Mission Council of the University of Ferrara for the four-year period 2022/2026 (from 01/11/ 2022-today);
-Member of the Steering Committee of the three-year degree course in Nursing Sciences at the University of Ferrara, as Coordinator of the Master's Degree Course in Nursing and Obstetric Sciences (from 01/09/2023-today);
-Member of the Steering Committee of the three-year degree course in Obstetrics at the University of Ferrara, as Coordinator of the Master's Degree Course in Nursing and Obstetric Sciences (from 02/12/2024-today);
-Co-editor of the book "The adenosine receptors", Springer Edition (USA), 2018;
-Guest Editor of the volume "Pharmacology of Purinergic Receptors", Biomolecules, 2022.
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES OF MEMBERSHIP
-Member of the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF)
-Member of the Purine Club
-Member of the Academy of Sciences of Ferrara
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Stefania Merighi ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0839-6671
Publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals: 125
H-index: 51
Total citations: > 7500 (Source: Scopus, January 21, 2025)
Book chapters: 15
A total of about 130 scientific works have been presented as posters or communications in International/National Congresses.
International patents:
-Patent of Invention in United States of America for “Enhancing treatment of cancer and HIF-1 mediated disoders with adenosine A3 receptor antagonists” Attorney Docket No.: WO 2007040565.;
-Patent of Invention in United States of America for “Enhancing treatment of HIF-1 mediated disorders with adenosine A3 receptor agonists”: Attorney Docket No.: WO 2006055970).
Main Research Projects:
-Young Researchers Project of the University of Ferrara: Characterization of mechanisms of resistance to taxol in hypoxia in human glioblastoma cell lines, 2006;
-Research with Anacor Pharmaceuticals inc (R/ANA/MER/01/06 – R/D/0268/01/06), aiming to test the proliferative properties of Anacor’s proprietary compounds on tumor cells, 2006–2007;
-WADA Research Grant 2009, Pharmacological Characterization of nucleosides as potential modulators of erythropoietin production and effects, 2009;
-Fondazione per la Ricerca Scientifica Termale-Grant 2009, Hydrogen sulfide and adenosine: a possible role in skin inflammation, 2009;
-IGEA SpA Carpi (MO) – project: “Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field exposure in hypoxia and inflammation induced damage in microglial cells” – 2016;
-IGEA SpA Carpi (MO) – project: “Signalling pathways involved in the reduction of hypoxia and inflammation induced damage in microglial and neuron-like cells by pulsed electromagnetic field exposure” – 2017;
-Fund for the financing of basic research activities, FFABR 2017, intended to incentivize the basic research activity of associate professors and researchers at universities, 2017;
-Funding from the University of Ferrara: FAR 2016-2024; FIRD 2022-2024;
-PRIN 2017 – “Exploiting the EndoCannabinoid System to control inflammation and promote neuroprotection and myelin repair (ExECS)”;
-FIR 2017 “Adenosine A2A receptors and glucocorticoid GR receptors as a specific and sensitive double marker for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease”, University of Ferrara, 2017;
-MISE 2018, Biophysical stimulation medical device for regeneration of articular cartilage. Medical device for biophysical stimulation for the regeneration of articular cartilage (JoCare). MISE 2020, F/180007/01-05/X43 2021-2024;
-FIR 2019, “Characterization of the anti-inflammatory properties and mechanism of action of medicinal plant extracts for herbal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic use”, University of Ferrara;
-Project on competitive call CCIAA-Unife, “Effect of conservation on the functional composition and biological activity of Voghiera DOP garlic extracts” University of Ferrara, 2020;
-IGEA SpA Carpi (MO)- project title: “Pulsed electromagnetic fields as a novel strategy to fight “inflammaging” in Alzheimer's Disease” – 2021;
-project Prot. P2022JBF5T “Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis using blood platelets as a circulating mirror of neurons”: PRIN PNRR 2022;
-PNRR Extended Partnerships (MNESYS), PNRR – M4C2: A multiscale integrated approach to the study of the nervous system in health and disease, Mnesys, (research group member, PE00000006, CUP: F78H22000660002, Spoke 7, Neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation), 2022-2025;
-IGEA SpA Carpi (MO)- project: “Pulsed electromagnetic fields as a novel strategy to fight “inflammaging” in Alzheimer's Disease” - 2023.
Main Research Topics in Preclinical Pharmacology:
- Development and application of molecular reagents and molecular and immunological methods (based on PCR, RT-PCR, Real-Time RT-PCR, Western Blot, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry) for the identification and quantification of specific proteins and genes;
- Chemical-physical characterization of the interaction between ligand and receptor. Design of new ligands of purinergic GPCR receptors;
- Exploration of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the survival, proliferation and functional activity of normal and tumor human cells;
- Pharmacological characterization of new molecules for the treatment of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
