Bando Nutrire i talenti – Borsa di studio “Piero Taverna”
Federica La Rocca graduated in Biology at the University of Naples “Federico II” in 2017. Afterward, she obtained the MSc in Molecular Biology at the University of Naples “Federico II” in 2020. From 2020 to 2024 she worked as a PhD student at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR) – CNR of Naples. Her research mainly focused on identifying neuroprotective genes and compounds for the development of new drugs using C. elegans as a model system. Since December 2024, she has held a new position as research fellow in Pr. Vercelli’s group under the direction of Prof. Marina Boido to study cortical alterations in Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Research focus
From the beginning of her studies in Biology, Federica has been interested in the nervous system. During her Master’s thesis and PhD, she focused on discovering new neuroprotective genes and compounds. Her research has encompassed a broad spectrum of neurological diseases, including Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and CHARGE syndrome.
Through the utilization of C. elegans, she aimed to explore novel therapeutic strategies with improved efficacy, and reduced side effects. Federica is now conducting in vivo studies to evaluate potential cortical alterations in a mouse model of SMA. These investigations seek to elucidate the specific alterations in the cerebral cortex level associated with SMA pathogenesis, potentially shedding light on previously unexplored neurological aspects of the disease beyond the well-established motor neuron degeneration. Federica is skilled for histological and molecular analyses, and microscopy imaging.
