My research activity is oriented in characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlaying the TRAP1-dependent regulation of metabolic adaptation in melanoma. This project will exploit both in vitro and in vivo melanoma tumors models and aims at identifying a new molecular mechanism that support tumor growth and metastatization. In addition, my work is also focused in studying the adaptation of amino acid metabolism in melanoma with the aim of unveiling new metabolic adaptation underlying tumor growth.
I am also interests in understanding how the oligomerization of TRAP1 (cysteine-mediated tetramerization) modulates mitochondrial bioenergetics and metabolism. By applying a stepwise approach that starts from the molecular level and ends up with tumorigenesis assays, I discovered the fine regulation of TRAP1 tetramerization finding that this modification is associated with its pro-neoplastic functions. My current work focuses on understanding whether TRAP1 oligomerization plays a role in modulating protein networks within the mitochondria and, consequently, the activity of metabolic enzymes. The modulation of these structures has a significant impact on reducing tumorigenesis and represents a promising target for the development of innovative anti-cancer therapies.