Maurizio Risolino, PhD

 

University of California, San Francisco​

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I am an Assistant Researcher in the Selleri lab at University of California San Francisco. I was born and raised in Lagonegro in the south of Italy. When I was 18, I moved to Napoli, where I spent almost 12 years furthering my education, earning a Master's and PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology from the Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy. 

 

From 2012 – 2014, I worked as a Research Fellow in Molecular Oncology (Dr. Pasquale Verde Laboratory), at the Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Naples, Italy.

I have always had a deep interest in understanding the genetic and molecular basis underlying developmental processes and their perturbation in congenital diseases. I have a solid background in basic biology, with rigorous PhD training in molecular biology and molecular oncology. Specifically, during my PhD in the Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, in Napoli (Italia), I studied transcriptional networks involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). With this study I was able to contribute to better understanding molecular mechanisms underlying metastasis formation in lung adenocarcinoma. 

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In February 2014, I moved to New York City and joined Dr. Selleri's Lab as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University. My postdoctoral and current research focuses on topics of mouse developmental genetics, mouse genetic engineering and human molecular genetics. Specifically, I am interested in the study of the genetic and functional role of Rpsa, the gene encoding a ribosomal-associated protein that is mutated in approximately 50% of the patients with Isolated Congenital Asplenia.

 

I have generated and I am currently characterizing a mouse model that lacks Rpsa to further understand the molecular basis underlying spleen organogenesis. This mouse model will help us to identify the crucial and specific role of Rpsa in spleen development and function, as well as gain more information regarding Rpsa-dependent spleen disease. 

After relocating as a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Dr. Selleri laboratory in 2015 to the UCSF Department of Orofacial Sciences and Department of Anatomy, I have taken full advantage of the collaborative environment that UCSF offers to trainees, staff researchers and faculty. I also participate in multiple seminars and research in progress forums that are held weekly. 

In 2016, while at UCSF, I received the Damsky Award, Program in Craniofacial Biology, Exploratory Grants Initiative for the years 2016-2017.

Recently I was promoted to Assistant Researcher in the Selleri Lab. This stimulating and nurturing atmosphere continues to be critical towards the development of my research projects, as well as my career as an independent investigator.

 

On a personal note, I am honored to be part of T.E.A.M. 4 Travis, as Travis and I both have an Italian ancestry, with his great-grandfather growing up in a Southern Italian town a little more than 100 miles from where I grew up.