Barbara Tomasello
Tell us about yourself: what is your educational and academic background?
Currently, I’m a researcher and professor in Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology for both the Bachelor Degrees in Pharmacy, and in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies.
I have developed my educational background to target work in the research field on drugs and related products for the cure of diseases.
I majored in pharmaceutical sciences. Then, each educational step of my post-graduate major, together with the research experiences on the biochemical basis of diseases, led me to improve my skills profile.
I have a PhD in Physiopathology of Senescence, two Master’s degrees, one in “Omics Sciences in Biomedicine”, and the other in "Regulatory Affairs of Drugs”. In addition, I attended some practical courses in molecular biology and research laboratories.
As a result, I have gained the real-world experience I needed to know how to perform experimental studies and communicate the results of my research.
Can you briefly introduce your research?
My research activity is based on the evaluation of the redox state and its regulation by several factors in different models, in vitro and in vivo (animals and human), as a condition that affects the pathophysiology of biological systems. By evaluating different markers of the systemic oxidative status to find possible links with clinical diagnostics, I study the regulation of oxidant/antioxidant functions from nutraceuticals, phytocomplexs, physical activity and pollutants in different experimental settings: cancer, diabetes, adipogenesis, angiogenesis, photoaging, inflammation, aging,etc.
- epigenetic regulation in cancers
- mimic peptides in neurodegeneration and inflammation
- the analysis of DNA fragmentation status by Comet Assay.
To date my research activity is documented by 41 publications and 51 participations in international and national congresses, in three of which I have been awarded prizes.
What are the most challenging features of your work?
My research work is challenging since the complexity of human sciences has many dark sides and unexplored aspects, which require hard work, a strong attention to detail, excellent complex problem solving skills, resourcefulness, and tenacity to validate the work. Being a researcher is, however, rewarding and stimulating because it allows you to satisfy the desire for knowledge, broadens your mind and allows you to develop adaptability, curiosity, competitiveness, and teamwork skills.
What are the most 'intriguous' and fulfilling aspects of your research?
One of the most fascinating and satisfying aspects of my work is discovering, every time I test an experimental hypothesis, how cells and the whole organism are perfect entities in which every process is finely orchestrated and tuned to the needs of the human body. Surprisingly, if any factor (e.g., the onset of a disease) attempts to disrupt the system, it meets with the organism’s resilience and adaptability, which counteracts it with visible and measurable signs. In this context, testing the efficacy of drugs and nutraceuticals that modulate different biological processes (e.g., redox balance, inflammation, proliferation, survival, and other biochemical parameters) also through epigenetic mechanisms represents a challenge to be verified. This is complemented by trying new ideas, experimenting with cutting-edge technologies, meeting interesting people, and participating in engaging discussions.
THAT'S ME in few words! What are your outside hobbies?
I enjoy travelling, reading, watching movies, working out or running outdoors, and spending time with family and friends, particularly with good food and wine. In short, I enjoy the simple pleasures in life, even if I like trying new things when the opportunity arises.