Rosalba Parenti
Rosalba Parenti è Professore Ordinario di Fisiologia presso il Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche dell’Università degli Studi di Catania.
Tiene diversi corsi di Fisiologia e supervisiona numerosi tirocinanti e studenti nella preparazione di tesi e progetti di ricerca sperimentali. Coordina diversi dottorandi e studenti di Master nello sviluppo dei rispettivi progetti di ricerca. È autrice di numerose pubblicazioni scientifiche pubblicate su riviste di rilevanza internazionale, realizzate in collaborazione con gruppi di ricerca italiani e stranieri.
È titolare delegato del Rettore del Center for Advanced Preclinical in vivo Research (CAPiR – http://www.capir.unict.it/it). È membro della Società Italiana di Fisiologia, dell’American Physiological Society e dell’Associazione Italiana di Biologia Cellulare e del Differenziamento.
Le principali linee di ricerca condotte nel suo laboratorio includono:
Neuroscienze:
i) Analisi dei circuiti afferenti ed efferenti del cervelletto
ii) Neuroinfiammazione e neurodegenerazione
iii) Comunicazione neuro-gliale mediata da connessine
Sviluppo e caratterizzazione di biotecnologie avanzate:
i) Medicina rigenerativa
ii) Imaging preclinico
Dal fenotipo fisiologico al fenotipo tumorale:
i) Microambiente tumorale
ii) Tecnologie avanzate per il trattamento dei tumori
CURRICULUM OF SCIENTIFIC AND TEACHING ACTIVITIES
Last updated: May 12, 2025
Rosalba Parenti, PhD | PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth: ++++++++++
Address: ++++++++++
Languages: Italian and English
Email: parenti@unict.it
ORCID: 0000-0002-1614-4696
Scopus Author ID: 57792357200
Web of Science Researcher ID: AAS-5489-2020
ACADEMIC POSITION
2023 – Present
Full Professor of Physiology
University of Catania (IT)
2003 – 2023
Associate Professor of Physiology
University of Catania (IT)
1996 – 2003
Researcher of Physiology
University of Catania (IT)
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
2014
Research Management and Internationalization of Competence Profiles
Specialized training of managerial, technical-commercial and scientific profiles for the economic enhancement of BRIT and University research in the Mediterranean Area
University of Catania (IT)
2005 – 2007
Research Collaborator
CNR - Functional Genomics Center - Institute of Neurological Sciences – Catania (IT)
1997 – 1998
Research Collaborator
CNR - International Institute of Genetics and Biophysics – Naples (IT)
1994
Visiting Researcher
CNRS URA. Ecole Normale Superieure. Development et evolution du systeme nerveux, equipe atipe niveau 3. Paris (FR).
1992 – 1995
PhD program in Neuroscience
University of L’Aquila (IT)
1985 – 1989
MSc in Pharmacy
University of Catania (IT)
MENTORING AND TEACHING
1996 – Present
Teaching activities at University of Catania (IT)
Physiology / Human Physiology for
- Medicine and Surgery
- Pharmacy
- Medical Biotechnologies
- Motor Sciences
- Specialization in Nutrition Sciences
2017 – Present
Scientific Manager – “Radioactive Drug and Hadrontherapy Chain”
University of Catania (IT)
Partners
- Cannizzaro Emergency Hospital of Catania (IT)
- National Southern Laboratiories of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics
- CNR Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology
2007 – Prensent
Member of the PhD Board in “Biotechnology”
University of Catania (IT)
2018 – 2022
Director of the II level University Master in
“Molecular and translational imaging”
University of Catania (IT)
INSTITUTIONAL ACTIVITIES
2009 – Present
Deputy Rector
- 2017 – Present: “Center for Advancecd Preclinical in vivo Research – CAPiR”
- 2009 – 2012: “Communication”
- 2008 – 2017: “Animal house for preclinical experimentation”
University of Catania (IT)
2012 – 2016
Academic Senator
University of Catania (IT)
2012 – 2016
Deputy Director of the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences
University of Catania (IT)
2009 – 2010
Director of the Department of Physiological Sciences
University of Catania (IT)
2008 – 2009
Deputy Director of the Department of Physiological Sciences
University of Catania (IT)
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND GRANTS
1. Neuroscience
Analysis of cerebellar input and output pathways
Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration
Connexin-mediated neuro-glia cross-talk
2. Development and characterization of advanced biotechnology
Regenerative Medicine
Preclinical Imaging
3. From physiological phenotype to tumor phenotype
Tumoral microenvironment
Advanced technologies for cancer treatment
Active Grants
2024
Principal Investigator – META-CONNECT – “Analisi integrata di immunometaboliti e pathway molecolari nell’omeostasi delle connessioni neurogliali”, (PNRR) MISSIONE 4 NBFC SPOKE 6 - BAC ABISSI.
2023
Principal Investigator – Pilot 4.4 – Spoke 4 – Anthem – “AdvaNced Technologies for Human-centrEd Medicine” PROJECT CODE: PNC0000003 Piano complementare PNRR
2021
Principal Investigator – BCT – Breast Cancer Therapy con radiosensibilizzanti in radioterapia convenzionale e protonterapia. FSC 2014/2020, Patto di sviluppo per la Regione Siciliana
2020
Principal Investigator – PON Research and Innovation 2014-2020. BONE++ . Svil MicroNanotecn per Predit, Diagn, Terapia e Tratt Rigen delle Alteraz Patol Osso e Osteo-Articol”. Codice identificativo ARS01_00693. 2020 Scientific Manager Unict
Completed Grants (last 10y)
2020
Principal Investigator – PON “R&C” 2007-2013 - PON03PE_00216_1. Settore Salute dell’uomo/Scienze della Vita. Drug delivery: vehicles for sustainable innovation.
2020
Principal Investigator – PO FESR Sicilia 2014-2020. Azione 1.1.5. Title: LiverSmartDrug - Micro e nanosistemi innovativi per la cura efficace del Tumore al Fegato. Progetto N° 087219090463.
2019
Principal Investigator – PRIN 2017 - 2017XKWWK9_004 - “PBCT, Proton Boron Capture Therapy”.
2018
Principal Investigator – PON Research and Innovation 2014-2020.
"ADAS+, “Development of advanced technologies and systems for car safety through Sustainable Mobility Sector platforms” Leader: STMicroelectronics.
2017
Principal Investigator – PO FESR Sicilia 2014-2020. Action 1.1.5. Title: DiOncoGen Diagnostica Innovativa. D.D.G. n. 3313/5S del 06/11/2019. Capofila: Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo SPA
2017
Principal Investigator – Research Contract - FinCeramica Faenza SpA. Title of the Research: Characterization of innovative biomaterials for osteo-chondral regeneration.
2017
Principal Investigator – Research Contract - Bionap Srl. Title of the Research: In vitro evaluation of natural Mediterranean substances to assist osteo-cartilage regeneration.
2015
Principal Investigator – Research Contract - Etna Biotech Srl. Title of the Research: Valuation of bioactive molecules to be used as immunostimulants and immunomodulators in vaccine candidates.
MEETING AND CONGRESS
- 2024 Local Organising Committee “17th Annual Meeting of Young Researchers in Physiology (YRP2024), May 22-24, 2024, Museo Diocesano, Catania
- 2022 ExpoLab "L’innovazione delle Biotecnologie nella Ricerca Scientifica", 21-23 Settembre 2022, Torre Biologica, Università di Catania.
- 2021: Meeting "Novel Translational Approaches in hematological malignancies: from bench to bedside", 05-06 novembre 2021, Torre Biologica Ferdinando Latteri, Catania.
- 2020: Co-Organizer Meeting "In vivo modelling of hematological malignancies: from bench to bedside", 31 gennaio-1 febbraio 2020, Torre Biologica Ferdinando Latteri, Catania.
- 2019: Co-organizer Meeting "Imaging: new frontiers from Preclinical studies to Clinical applications", 10 Maggio 2019, Aula Magna Rettorato, Palazzo Centrale - UNICT.
- 2019: Co-organizer Course “Biostatistics methods for clinical and basic research” SIS, 5-8/3/2019, Torre Biologica Ferdinando Latteri, Catania.
- 2018: Chairman Meeting “Imaging techniques in the cellular, tissue and preclinical sector”, 22 marzo 2018, Torre Biologica Ferdinando Latteri, Catania.
- 2018: Co-organizer Meeting “Preclinical Research: objectives, needs and current legislation” 19-20 dicembre 2018, Torre Biologica Ferdinando Latteri Catania.
- 2018: Chairman Meeting Section “Bioingegneria e Biomateriali” V Congresso Nazionale della SIMCRI – 25-27/10/2018, Hotel Capotaormina – Taormina.
- 2018: Co-organizer Workshop “Experimental Microsurgery Course”, 9-11/10/2018, Torre Biologica Ferdinando Latteri, Catania.
- 2018: Chairman Meeting Section “New Materials and Nanotechnologies for Innovative therapeutic Approaches” Convegno Nanoinnovation 11-14 Settembre 2018, Università La Sapienza, Roma.
- 2018: Co-organizer Meeting “ZF-MED: Zebrafish and other aquatic models in mediterranean labs” 12 Giugno 2018, Torre Biologica Ferdinando Latteri, Catania.
- 2016: Co-organizer 67°National Congress of the Società Italiana di Fisiologia – SIF. 21-23/9/2016, Monastero dei Benedettini, Catania.
- 2016: Chairman Meeting Section “The Animal Model and the Preclinical Imaging”. Smart Science. L’innovazione nelle biotecnologie tra ricerca e diagnostica. 25-26/2/2016, Hotel Nettuno, Catania
- 2015: Chairman Session “Toward a translational medicine of cognitive disorders - Computation as a driver of translational medicine“ - 5th Edition of the International School of Functional Genomics- September 28th-30th, 2015 - Sheraton, Catania.
EDITORIAL ROLE
Guest editor:
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences". Special Issue “Connexins Multifaceted Apects in homeostasis and disease”. Nunzio Vicario & Rosalba Parenti.
- "Disgnostics" Special Issue "Immunomarkers and Molecular Markers in the Diagnosis of Malignant Tumors". Gaetano Magro, Paolo Vigneri & Rosalba Parenti.
- "International Journal of Molecular Sciences". Special Issue “Neuroglial Cross-talk in Neuroprotection and Plasticity”. Nunzio Vicario & Rosalba Parenti
- "Acta Histochemica" – Elsevier. Special Issue "Immunomarkers in human developing and pediatric neoplastic tissues" Gaetano Magro, Giuceppe Musumeci & Rosalba Parenti.
Editorial board member:
Frontiers Physiology; Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity; Mediterranean Journal of Biosciences; Current Gene Therapy; International Journal of Pediatric & Neonatal Care; Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine.
MEMBERSHIPS
Member of the Italial Physiological Society (SIF)
Member of the Associazione Biologia Cellulare e Differenziamento (ABCD)
Association to INFN – LNS
Assciation to CNR- IBFM
Coordinator of Scientific Council of the Center for Advanced Preclinical in vivo Research
Deputy Director of the Research Center "Imaging molecolare, preclinico e traslazionale (IMPRonTE)", University of Catania
Member of the following Research Centers of the University of Catania: a) "Prevenzione, Diagnosi e Cura dei Tumori (C.R.S. Pre.Di.C.T.)"; "Diagnosi e Terapia delle Malattie Rare"; "Tecniche e Chirurgie Mini-invasive"; "Attività motorie" – CRAM; “Centro di Ricerca per la Riduzione del Danno da Fumo” – CoEHAR
PUBLICATIONS AND METRICS
Total number of peer-reviewed publications: 161*
Total number of citations: 4.153*
H-index: 34*
*source Scopus.com
Le principali linee di ricerca condotte dal team di ricerca comprendono sinteticamente : 1) Neuroscience: i) Neuroprotezione e rigenerazione nervosa; ii) Comunicazione intercellulare (GJs e Cxs). 2) Dal fenotipo fisiologico al fenotipo tumorale: i) Tecnologie avanzate per la diagnosi e la terapia; ii) Analisi cellulare e molecolare di biomarkers tumorali; iii) Drug Delivery. 3) Sviluppo e caratterizzazione di biotecnologie avanzate: i) Modelli in vitro e in vivo per la rigenerazione osteo-condrale.