Connection between PIEZO1, dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis, and iron overload

Speakers: Immacolata Andolfo

Currently, Immacolata Andolfo is an Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Naples, Federico II, and head of the analytical phase of the medical genetic diagnostic unit at CEINGE biotecnologie avanzate Franco Salvatore in Naples, Italy.
Since 2012, her major interest has been in the study of the genetic bases of both Mendelian and complex diseases. Particularly, she is interested in the study of the genetics of hereditary anemias and iron metabolism defects, mainly dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (DHS). Indeed, she first contributed to the identification of the causative genes of these conditions in 2012-2014; subsequently, she became one of the leading scientists for the genetics and epidemiology of DHS. She gradually enlarged the collaborations with national and international groups and she was invited to take several talks on this topic.

Currently, she is expanding her research interests in the field of PIEZO1 role during erythropoiesis and in iron metabolism. Indeed, she identified the role of PIEZO1 in iron metabolism in collaboration with the Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology 2021, Ardem Patapoutian. 

Scientific output: 115 articles in international peer; total citations: 6568; h-index: 37.