DC 10
Gianluca Ricci
Hi everyone! I am Gianluca and I am from Napoli, Italy. I have always been curious about how life develops and evolves and this led me to pursue my studies in the field of biology. I graduated cum laude in ‘Molecular Biology and Genetics’ at University of Pavia (Italy) focusing my studies in hereditary diseases and innovative therapies. During this period I realized how the works of researchers can really help people in needs and so I decided to continue my research experience as a PhD for the CHANGE programme. I strongly believe that interacting and connecting with others is the best way to address scientific issues and shorten the gaps of knowledge.
My Research Interests
My research interest is mainly focused on the improvement of therapies in order to facilitate daily life for people with severe hereditary diseases. I strongly believe that biology research, connection with institution and hospitals, as well as direct interaction with the patients are essentials for the development of effective therapies.
In 2017, I joined as a master student the “Molecular Cardiology Laboratory” at Scientific Institute Maugeri in Pavia. Here, under the supervision of Professor Silvia Priori, I worked on a scientific project that was then the topic of my MSc thesis entitled “Characterization of CACNA1C splicing profile and design of a targeted gene therapy”. We investigated the mechanisms of RNA interference applied to gene therapy for cardiac inherited diseases treatment. After my graduation, I stayed in Maugeri Institute for two more years as a Research Assistant in the “Endocrine Disruptors Laboratory” led by Professor Luca Chiovato. We focused our research on the effects of PFAS and other Endocrine Disruptors on thyrocytes.
Those experiences allowed me to understand how much this work can help the others and also convinced me to pursue my career as a researcher. I am really glad to be part of the CHANGE program and I am sure it will be fundamental to build a network to work against the connective tissue-related diseases. This program offers a multidisciplinary and international work environment that will grant a big step forward in the understanding and treatment of this class of pathologies.