Giulia Pascolini | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Giulia Pascolini | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Best Researcher Award 

Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate, IDI-IRCC | Italy 

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🌟 Biography of Giulia Pascolini, MD, PhD

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Giulia Pascolini's journey in medical science began with a Degree in Medicine from Sapienza University of Rome in 2008, which she completed with honors. Following this, she pursued specialization in Medical Genetics at Tor Vergata University of Rome, graduating with honors in 2015 after five years of in-depth study. Driven by her passion for genetics, Dr. Pascolini went on to earn her Ph.D. in Medical Genetics from Sapienza University in 2019, establishing her expertise in a rapidly advancing field. In 2022, she further expanded her knowledge with a Master of II level in Rare Diseases, also from Sapienza University, solidifying her role as a leading expert in rare genetic disorders.

🩺 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Pascolini's professional career is marked by extensive experience across multiple prestigious institutions. Currently, she is a Clinical Geneticist and head of the Clinical Genetics Service at the Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS) in Rome, Italy. Since September 2023, she also holds a position as Professor of Medical Genetics at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at Tor Vergata University of Rome. Over the years, she has held various roles, including serving as a clinical geneticist at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital and a researcher at San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital. Her long-standing commitment to clinical genetics spans over 15 years, with a focus on intellectual disability syndromes, dysmorphology, and developmental disorders.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 

Dr. Pascolini's research primarily centers around Developmental Disorders of Chromatin Remodeling (DDCRs), intellectual disability (ID) syndromes, and genodermatoses. She has played a crucial role in the study of the skin phenotype in rare genetic diseases, and her work on deep learning technologies for diagnosing genetic syndromes using facial phenotype recognition is groundbreaking. Her involvement with FDNA Inc. and the DeepGestalt technology is a testament to her contributions to advancing medical genetics through innovative platforms. She is also a principal investigator for multiple research projects, including studies on rare cutaneous tumors and familial melanoma, with funding of over €47,000 for these projects.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

As a Scientific Board Member of the ADNP Syndrome Italian Association and an editorial board member of the Journal of Pediatric Genetics, Dr. Pascolini has made significant contributions to the broader medical community. Her work has helped shape new approaches to the clinical understanding of complex genetic disorders, particularly in rare diseases and neurodevelopmental syndromes. Through her collaborative efforts with international organizations and her academic roles, she continues to influence both current medical practices and future research directions.

📚 ACADEMIC CITES AND PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Pascolini has authored several impactful works, including her involvement in the DeepGestalt technology article on SETD5-associated intellectual disability published in the Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics. Her contributions to book chapters, such as her writing on Genomic Copy Number Variants (CNVs) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), have added substantial value to academic literature. Her expertise has also been recognized through invitations to write for special issues in leading journals, enhancing her standing as a key voice in her field.

🏅 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

In 2019, Dr. Pascolini was awarded the Franca Dagna Bricarelli Award for her clinical research on genetic mutations associated with the BAF complex. This prestigious award highlights her excellence in medical genetics and clinical research. Her contributions to the field, recognized by peers and institutions alike, reflect her profound impact on the study and treatment of genetic disorders.

🌟 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

With her leadership in clinical genetics, active research on rare skin diseases, and innovative work in genetic syndrome diagnostics, Dr. Pascolini is poised to continue shaping the future of medical genetics. Her contributions to understanding the genetic basis of intellectual disabilities and her work on cutting-edge diagnostic technologies ensure her legacy as a pioneering figure in genetics. As she continues her role in both clinical and academic settings, her future contributions will likely further advance the study and treatment of rare genetic conditions, helping countless individuals worldwide.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

"The face of Non-photosensitive trichothiodystrophy phenotypic spectrum: A subsequent study on paediatric population" 

  • Authors: Pascolini, G. , Lipari, M. , Gaudioso, F. , Di Zenzo, G. , Didona, B.
  • Journal: Molecular Genetics and Genomic Medicine
  • Year: 2024

"Usmani-Riazuddin syndrome can have a recognizable phenotype: Report of a novel AP1G1 variant" 

  • Authors: Gnazzo, M. , Pascolini, G. , Parlapiano, G. , Novelli, A. , Baban, A.
  • Journal: Clinical Genetics
  • Year: 2024

"Extended phenotypic characterization of a novel Helsmoortel-van der Aa syndrome case series" 

  • Authors: Pascolini, G., Di Zenzo, G., Panebianco, A., Didona, B., Gozes, I.
  • Journal: American Journal of Medical Genetics
  • Year: 2024

"Ectoderm-derived findings in Aymè-Gripp syndrome" 

  • Authors: Pascolini, G., Di Zenzo, G., Morani, P., Didona, B., Panebianco, A.
  • Journal: Journal of Dermatology
  • Year: 2024

"Defining the clinical spectrum of ichthyosis follicularis, atrichia and photophobia clinical association type 1 (IFAP1)" 

  • Authors: Pascolini, G., Fortugno, P., Chandramouli, B., Didona, B., Castiglia, D.
  • Journal: European Journal of Dermatology
  • Year: 2023

Spyridon Theofilopoulos | Development Neurobiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Spyridon Theofilopoulos | Development Neurobiology | Best Researcher Award

Deree-The American College of Greece | Greece

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EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Spyridon Theofilopoulos embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, U.K. Following this, he pursued his passion for developmental neurobiology, obtaining his Ph.D. from the same institution. His doctoral research, supervised by Professor Henry F. Bradford, focused on neurotrophic factors in neurotransmitter phenotype determination and neuroprotection in the developing human and rat brain.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Theofilopoulos has held various academic positions internationally, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to the field. Noteworthy roles include his tenure as a Forskare (Senior Researcher/Assistant Professor) at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, and as a Sêr Cymru II Rising Star fellow and Associate Professor at Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, U.K. Currently, he serves as a Professor and Instructor at the Biomedical Sciences Department of Deree-The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT NEUROBIOLOGY

Dr. Theofilopoulos has made significant contributions to the field of developmental neurobiology, particularly in the areas of neuroprotection and neurotransmitter phenotype determination. His collaborative research with Teva Pharmaceuticals during his Ph.D. led to the development of Rasagiline, a novel compound for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, his work at Swansea University resulted in the establishment of the spin-off company CholesteniX Ltd, aiming to develop specific cholesterol metabolites for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis therapy.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Theofilopoulos's research has not only contributed to scientific advancements but has also garnered recognition and accolades. He has been invited as a speaker to numerous conferences and meetings, highlighting the impact of his work in the scientific community. Furthermore, his efforts were acknowledged with awards such as the "Outstanding Research and Innovation collaboration in Medicine, Health and Life Sciences" award in 2022.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Dr. Theofilopoulos's work has been cited extensively, indicating its relevance and impact in the scientific community. His publications have appeared in reputable journals, and he has served as a reviewer for various scientific publications, including Scientific Reports, eLife, and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Theofilopoulos's legacy lies in his dedication to advancing knowledge in developmental neurobiology and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. His research funding awards underscore the importance of his work and pave the way for future discoveries in the field. As he continues his academic journey, his contributions are expected to further shape the landscape of neuroscience research.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

The Cerebrospinal Fluid Profile of Cholesterol Metabolites in Parkinson’s Disease and Their Association With Disease State and Clinical Features 2021(10)

Inhibition of 7α,26-dihydroxycholesterol biosynthesis promotes midbrain dopaminergic neuron development 2024

Mining for oxysterols in cyp7b1−/− mouse brain and plasma: Relevance to spastic paraplegia type 5 2019(13)

24(S),25-Epoxycholesterol and cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) overexpression promote midbrain dopaminergic neurogenesis in vivo 2019(24)

Additional pathways of sterol metabolism: Evidence from analysis of Cyp27a1−/− mouse brain and plasma 2019(29)