Ricerc@Sapienza

The scientific activity of Serena Rinaldo is focused on the molecular aspects of proteins involved in biological processes crucial for cell maintenance and communication to dissect the mechanism of pathological conditions (including chronic infections and cancer), using a multidisciplinary approach encompassing Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Molecula Biophysics.

A schematic summary of the main research lines is reported below:

- Metabolism of nanoRNA in cancer cells; nanoRNAse inhibition in vitro and in cellulo is carried out to unveil the role of these small molecules in sustaining cell homeostasis and proliferation.

- Small molecules (nucleotides) involved in the formation of bacterial biofilm in chronic infections; integration of protein engineering and molecular biophysics approaches allowed the identification of structural determinants controlling the interaction of selected enzymes with small molecules (such as c-di-GMP, nucleotides and metals) and inhibitors, identified thanks to fruitful collaborations with medicinal chemists (Prof. Cappellacci l., Camerino, I). More recently, the role of strategic nutrients in controlling c-di-GMP levels has been investigated by mechanistic approach.

- Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and ageing, by looking at the role of enzymes of the serine/glycine pathway and one-carbon metabolism; she contributed to define the role of SHMT protein dynamic upon cofactor and substrates binding, relevant to rationally design compounds able to inhibit protein function. She developed a binding assay for testing enzyme inhibitors.

The main expertise is:

recombinant proteins production and characterization, protein/nucleic acid interaction, nucleotide and redox biochemistry, enzyme kinetics, microcalorimetry ITC, respiratory measurements (Seahorse).