Ricerc@Sapienza

Raffaele Dello Ioio’s research focuses on understanding the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that control plant development and environmental adaptation. His interests include the regulation of root growth and patterning, the role of microRNAs and chromatin modifiers in maintaining stem cell activity, and the evolutionary diversification of developmental programs across plant species. He combines approaches from molecular genetics, evo-devo, and systems biology to dissect regulatory networks underlying cell differentiation and organ formation in model species such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Cardamine hirsuta.

His research also extends to applied fields, including the use of plants as biofactories for functional macromolecules—such as microRNAs with anti-inflammatory properties—and the development of stress-resilient crops adapted to changing environments and extraterrestrial conditions. These studies integrate fundamental developmental biology with biotechnological and ecological perspectives, aiming to contribute to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and future space exploration.