Developed skills and lines of research

Barbara Cellini graduated in 2000 with a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Urbino. In 2004, she completed her PhD in Biochemical Sciences, at the Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, University of Verona. Since 2017, he has been associate professor of Biochemistry, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia.

Her research activity mainly focuses on structure-function relationships of vitamin B6 enzymes. She has recently become interested in the role of tryptophan catabolism in the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus as a drug target. Her research benefits from collaboration with national and international groups. For FFC Ricerca, she is working on combined targeting of host and pathogen sphingosine-1-phosphate lysase as an antimicrobial strategy. The project will identify new molecules that will represent a potential new drug treatment against Aspergillus infections in CF patients. This strategy is expected to simplify the therapeutic burden, as a single molecule will be able to both improve inflammation and protect against aspergillosis. In addition, direct administration to the lungs is hoped to improve the efficacy/safety ratio of the drug. Barbara Cellini has authored more than 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Projects funded by FFC Ricerca as Principal Investigator or as Research Manager

FFC#19/2021
Exploring the dual targeting of host and microbial sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase as antimicrobial strategy in cystic fibrosis

FFC#16/2020
Exploring the dual targeting of host and microbial sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase as antimicrobial strategy in cystic fibrosis