Developed skills and lines of research
Alessandro Pini earned a degree in Biological Sciences from the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Siena in 1993. He is currently an Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the same institution. His research focuses on the identification, characterization, and development of bioactive peptides for the creation of new biotechnological drugs. In recent years, his main research theme has been the development of an antimicrobial peptide particularly active against clinically relevant pathogens, with a specific focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis. He has authored numerous scientific articles published in journals on biochemistry, biotechnology, oncology, and microbiology, as well as over 100 presentations at national and international conferences. He is also the inventor of 12 international patents. and the author of a textbook used for teaching “Recombinant Antibodies” in the Biotechnology Course at the University of Siena.[1]
Projects funded by FFC Ricerca as Principal Investigator or as Research Manager
FFC#17/2016
Development of inhalable particles for optimal delivery of a potent antimicrobial molecule in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected lungs
FFC#12/2013
Preclinical development of the antimicrobial peptide M33 and onset of regulatory procedures for clinical trials
FFC#24/2011
Preclinical development of the antimicrobial peptide M33. Efficacy against P. aeruginosa lung infections and pharmacokinetics studies in animals
FFC#14/2009
In vivo characterization of a novel branched antimicrobial peptide specific for Gram-negative bacteria. Efficacy in P. aeruginosa lung infection and pharmacological profile Sviluppo di un nuovo peptide antimicrobico specifico per batteri Gram-negativi.
Publications from FFC Research projects
Pini A, Falciani C, Mantengoli E, et al. A novel tetrabranched antimicrobial peptide that neutralizes bacterial lipopolysaccharide and prevents septic shock in vivo. FASEB J, 2010 Apr;24(4):1015-22. doi: 10.1096/fj.09-145474. Epub 2009 Nov 16.
Pini A, Lozzi L, Bernini A, et al. Efficacy and toxicity of the antimicrobial peptide M33 produced with different counter-ions. Amino Acids, 2012 Jul;43(1):467-73. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1103-z. Epub 2011 Oct 8.
Falciani C, Lozzi L, Pollini S, et al. Isomerization of an antimicrobial peptide broadens antimicrobial spectrum to gram-positive bacterial pathogens. PLoS One, 2012;7(10):e46259. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046259. Epub 2012 Oct 2.
Falciani C, Lozzi L, Scali S, et al. Site-specific pegylation of an antimicrobial peptide increases resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase. Amino Acids, 2014 May;46(5):1403-7. doi: 10.1007/s00726-014-1686-2. Epub 2014 Feb 8.
Brunetti J, Lelli B, Scali S et al. A novel phage-library-selected peptide inhibits human TNF-α binding to its receptors. Molecules. 2014 Jun 3;19(6):7255-68. doi: 10.3390/molecules19067255.
Ceccherini F, Falciani C, Onori M et al. Antimicrobial activity of levofloxacin-M33 peptide conjugation or combination. MedChemComm, 2 2016
Brunetti J, Falciani C, Roscia G et al. In vitro and in vivo efficacy, toxicity, bio-distribution and resistance selection of a novel antibacterial drug candidate. Sci Rep. 2016 May 12;6:26077. doi: 10.1038/srep26077.
Alessandro Pini, Ivana d’Angelo. Development of inhalable particles for optimal delivery of a potent antimicrobial molecule in P. aeruginosa infected lungs. The Proceedings of the 16th Italian Convention of Investigators in Cystic Fibrosis. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine, 2019, 14 (Suppl 1):5