Maria P Santini, PhD
img_Maria P Santini
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Medicine, Nephrology
Research Topics
Angiogenesis, Biomechanics/Bioengineering, Cardiovascular, Fibrosis, Genomics, IGF-1 Receptor, Kidney, Muscle Cells, Regeneration, Stem Cells, Translational Research
Insulin like growth factor 1 in multiorgan function and diseases
This study aims to assess the efficiency and efficacy of delivering in a clinical-like approach the Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) pro-peptides for future therapeutic applications in human cardiovascular and kidney diseases. It is based on two important experimental observations from our laboratory: (1) we demonstrated that, in murine hearts, overexpression of one of the splice variants of IGF-1, namely IGF-1Ea pro-peptide, stimulated revascularization and protected against heart failure; (2) we discovered PDGFRa+ MSCs possess a yin-yang innate capacity to revascularize ischemic tissue, but also induce fibrotic diseases if chronically activated. Three critical roadblocks are preventing the clinical translation of these promising discoveries: (1) there are currently no tested or validated approaches for the potential delivery of IGF-1 pro-peptides to humans; (2) knowledge is lacking about the biological function of the other IGF-1 pro-peptides in multi organ functions; and (3) there are no mechanistic insights to manipulate the dual function of MSCs. Our laboratory seeks to directly address these limitations and lay the foundations for the future translation of this approach to attenuate or reverse pathologies in humans.
Mesenchymal stromal cells
Using multi-disciplinary approaches we will generate a network of molecular and cellular information to detect the key drivers directing tissue specific mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) expressing the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRa+ MSCs) into pathological versus beneficial outcomes. The long-term goal of this study is to develop precision medicine therapies for the treatment of chronic fibro-adipogenic diseases. Particular attention will be devoted to the kidney and the heart with the aim to understand cross-talk signaling regulating multiorgan function and response to ischemia and drug-induced diseases

BSc and MSc, La Sapienza University of Rome

PhD, EMBL/University of Heidelberg

Postdoctoral Training, Imperial College London

2022

American Heart Association, Career Development Award: Stromal Cardiac Cells: Role in Fibrosis and Tissue Regeneration

American Heart Association

2010

Magdi Yacoub Institute Support Fellowship: mIGF-1 and embryonic stem cells

Magdi Yacoub Institute

2010

British Heart Foundation Project Grant: mIGF-1 and stem cell mediated cardiac regeneration

British Heart Foundation

2009

British Heart Foundation Project Grant: SGK1 and 3 in mIGF-1 signalling and cardiac repair

British Heart Foundation

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Dr. Santini has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.

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