Giovanna Menduti obtained a Master’s Degree in “Cellular and Molecular Biology” and a PhD in “Cellular and Molecular Biology” at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, respectively in 2016 and 2020. Then she moved to Torino, joining the group of Prof. Vercelli as post-doctoral researcher, to study spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), unravelling some pathogenetic aspects of the disease and testing therapeutic approaches.
She currently holds the position of Level II Technologist for the PNRR project: NODES – Spoke 5 – Industry for Health and Silver Economy (Ref. Prof. Boido), to test and develop innovative molecules for the treatment of sarcopenia (an elderly-related disease that determines progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength). Moreover, since the academic year 2022/2023, she is Adjunct Professor in Human Anatomy at the Bachelor’s degree course “Sciences and techniques of physical and sport activities” (L22; University of Turin).
Research focus
Over the years, Giovanna Menduti’s studies and experimental work projects have focused on research in the field of neuroanatomy and molecular neurobiology, with particular attention to the characterization of therapeutic targets for genetic disorders (fragile X syndrome or succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency) and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer and SMA).
Recently, by performing in vitro and in vivo studies, she evaluated new therapeutic strategies for SMA treatment by drug repositioning approaches, and characterized the involvement of GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission and its correlation with mitochondrial dysfunctions in the onset and progression of the disease. As technologist, she is investigating the efficacy of innovative compounds for sarcopenia, to counteract muscle atrophy and provide additional innervation to the muscles, using both in vitro and in vivo models. Giovanna is skilled for cell cultures, histological and molecular analyses, microscopy imaging.
