Prof. Dr. Serena Castelli | Cellular metabolism and redox biology | Best Researcher Award
Tenure track researcher at San Raffaele Roma University, Italy
Dr. Serena Castelli is a dedicated researcher in the field of molecular and cellular biology, with a particular focus on cancer metabolism, oxidative stress, and lipid catabolism. She currently serves as a tenure-track researcher at University San Raffaele in Rome, Italy. With an extensive background in biochemistry and oncology research, Dr. Castelli has contributed significantly to the understanding of metabolic pathways in tumor progression and resistance mechanisms. Her scientific rigor, coupled with active involvement in academic mentoring and editorial duties, underlines her commitment to advancing biomedical science.
Profile
Education:
Dr. Castelli obtained her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” (2017-2021), with a thesis focused on the role of ATGL in cervical cancer proliferation. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Sapienza University of Rome (2014-2016), presenting research on exosomal miRNA from neuroblastoma cell lines as potential biomarkers. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Molise (2011-2014), where she studied insect resistance to Bt toxins. Her strong academic foundation began with a high school education at Liceo Classico “O. Fascitelli” in Isernia, Italy.
Experience:
Currently, Dr. Castelli holds a tenure-track researcher position at University San Raffaele since November 2024. She previously held post-doctoral positions at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” and University San Raffaele, investigating tumor metabolism and circulating DNA in Down syndrome. She has served as an adjunct professor of Biochemistry at University San Raffaele and Niccolò Cusano University. Her academic career includes extensive laboratory research, participation in multiple national and international research projects, and active involvement in teaching and mentoring students at both bachelor’s and master’s levels.
Research Interest:
Dr. Castelli’s research interests encompass cancer metabolism, particularly the role of lipid catabolism, oxidative stress, and autophagy in tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. She investigates metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, focusing on the interplay between ROS, mitochondrial function, and cellular proliferation. Her studies extend to neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders, aiming to elucidate shared pathways of dysregulated metabolism. She also explores the implications of epigenetic modifications in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.
Award:
Dr. Castelli’s research excellence has been recognized with several awards, including the Regione Lazio Award for researchers (May 2022) and the Travel Grant for the FEBS 2025 Congress awarded by the Italian Society of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (SIB).
Publication:
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Oxidative stress characterizes the dysfunction of thermogenic adipose tissue in a mouse model of Down syndrome
Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2025 -
Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Key Driver in Impairing Skeletal Muscle Health
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025 -
MAPK Signaling in the Interplay Between Oxidative Stress and Autophagy
Antioxidants, 2025 -
N-acetylaspartate mitigates pro-inflammatory responses in microglial cells by intersecting lipid metabolism and acetylation processes
Cell Communication and Signaling, 2024 -
N-acetylaspartate promotes glycolytic-to-oxidative fiber-type switch and resistance to atrophic stimuli in myotubes
Cell Death & Disease, 2024 -
Lipid catabolism and mitochondrial uncoupling are stimulated in brown adipose tissue of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse models
Genes & Diseases, 2023 -
Hindering NAT8L expression in hepatocellular carcinoma increases cytosolic aspartate delivery that fosters pentose phosphate pathway and purine biosynthesis promoting cell proliferation
Redox Biology, 2023 -
Adaptive antioxidant response to mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation determines the proliferative outcome of cancer cells
Cancer Letters, 2022 -
ROS-mediated activation of p38 protects hepatocellular carcinoma cells from caspase-independent death elicited by lysosomal damage
Biochemical Pharmacology, 2022 -
Impaired degradation of YAP1 and IL6ST by chaperone-mediated autophagy promotes proliferation and migration of normal and hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Autophagy, 2022
Conclusion:
Dr. Serena Castelli exemplifies a rising leader in biomedical research, distinguished by her multifaceted investigations into cancer metabolism and oxidative stress. Her prolific research output, marked by high-impact publications and consistent participation in prestigious research projects, reflects her deep commitment to unraveling complex biological mechanisms. Coupled with her dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists and her active roles in scientific publishing, Dr. Castelli stands as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a promising trajectory of impactful contributions to molecular biology and cancer research.