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MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit

 

Federica De Lazzari

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biography

Dr Federica De Lazzari studied Molecular Biology (BSc and MSc cum laude) at the University of Padua (Italy) and successively entered the PhD programme in Biosciences at the same University. Federica’s research focussed on the role of redox homeostasis in neurodegeneration, by exploring the physiological function of the Parkinson’s disease-associated protein DJ-1. During her PhD studies, Federica was awarded a Boehringer Ingelheim travel grant to explore the role of DJ-1 in mitochondrial homeostasis in Dr Alexander J Whitworth’s research group (MRC MBU, Cambridge, UK). Since then, she developed a strong interest in mitochondrial biology and the role of this organelle in neurodegenerative pathologies. Therefore, after completing her PhD studies, Federica joined Dr Whitworth's lab, where she is now working as an MRC Postdoctoral Fellow.

Research Interests

Dr Federica De Lazzari is interested in elucidating the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration onset and progression. Currently she is investigating how mitochondrial calcium dysregulation can affect metabolism at the organismal level, and more specifically in the context of neurodegeneration. Calcium has a well-known metabolic function and dysregulations in ion homeostasis have been reported in different neurodegenerative pathologies. Federica’s research aims to define the role of mitochondrial calcium in the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson’s Disease, from a metabolic perspective.

Selected Publications

De Lazzari F, Agostini F, Plotegher N, Sandre M, Greggio E, Megighian A, Bubacco L, Sandrelli F, Whitworth AJ, Bisaglia M (2023)
DJ-1 promotes energy balance by regulating both mitochondrial and autophagic homeostasis.
Neurobiol Dis  2023 Jan;176:105941