Ricerc@Sapienza

1) Hormonal and transcriptional control of seedling development and skotomorphogenesis.
My research investigates how hormonal signaling pathways and transcriptional networks coordinate plant developmental transitions. I have characterized the interplay between ABA, GA, ethylene, and auxin in regulating seed germination and hypocotyl elongation. Recently, I have shown how cell wall–derived signals influence HOOKLESS1 and PIF4 expression, controlling apical hook formation and early seedling development. Ongoing work aims to elucidate the molecular integration of hormone pathways and cell wall-derived cues in shaping seedling morphology and environmental adaptation.

2) Cell wall integrity, damage perception, and immunity trade-offs.
Plant cell walls act both as a structural barrier and a dynamic sensor of biotic and abiotic stresses. My research explores the mechanisms by which wall perturbations generate damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), triggering defense responses and affecting growth. I have demonstrated that altered homogalacturonan integrity enhances resistance to Botrytis cinerea via peroxidase-dependent ROS accumulation, but leads to cuticle defects and growth inhibition. Current work focuses on how cell wall integrity signaling modulates hormonal homeostasis, defense activation, and the balance between growth and immunity under cell wall stress.

3) Bio-based strategies for sustainable agriculture and biomass valorization.
I am interested in translating plant cell wall knowledge into biotechnological applications. My recent work includes developing fungal fermentation systems to convert agri-food waste into natural elicitors that promote plant immunity. This line of research aims to integrate circular-bioeconomy approaches, sustainable crop protection, and renewable resource utilization.