DLAb - Anticorpi, molecole bioattive e bioinformatica (prof.ssa Donatella Degl'Innocenti)

DLAb - Anticorpi, molecole bioattive e bioinformatica 

Associate Professor of Biochemistry (BIO/10)

e-mail: donatella.deglinnocenti@unifi.it

telephone number: +39 055 2751249

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3342-5537  

• 2016–2017: Appointed President of the Master of Science in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
• 2015–2016: Coordinator of the second-level Master’s program Territorial Pharmacist: Clinical Skills.
• 2013–2014: Appointed again as President of the Master of Science in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
• 2010: Appointed member of the Interuniversity Research Center on the Molecular Bases of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIMN), Florence.
• Since 2008: Member of the Scientific Committee of the Interuniversity Center of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology (CIBM), Livorno, Italy.
• 2009–2013: Reconfirmed as President of the Specialized Degree Course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Florence.
• 2005–2006: First appointed President of the Specialized Degree Course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Florence.
• Since 2001: Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence. She teaches in the degree courses in Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (5-year Master’s programs) within the School of Human Health Sciences.
• 1991–2001: Researcher in the Faculty of Pharmacy (Biochemistry sector), University of Florence.
• 1990: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Florence.
• 1983: Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences summa cum laude, University of Florence.

https://www.unifi.it/p-doc2-2013-200004-D-3f2a3d2c39272b-0.html

My scientific interests included acylphosphatase characterization and purification, polyclonal antibody production and gene cloning. I conducted original and stimulating research in the immunological field, dedicating myself to the selection and production of specific recombined single chain antibodies (scFv) directed against conformational epitopes by screening phage libraries. In 2014, I produced a recombinant human antibody (hV_H ) against Multiple Sclerosis epitopes

 

Research Team

Dr. Marzia Vasarri – PhD

e-mail: marzia.vasarri@unifi.it

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4241-3992

I received a Master’s degree in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (LM-9) in 2016 with honours from the University of Florence and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021. I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Florence and a member of the research team. My research experience focuses on the investigation of the bioactive properties of natural products in different in vitro and in vivo experimental models, with particular attention to the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cancer-related processes.

 

Prof. Emanuela Barletta MD PhD

Associate Professor of General Pathology MEDS-02/A (ex MED/04)

e-mail: emanuela.barletta@unifi.it

telephone number: +39 055 2751284

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7493-1498   

Website: https://www.sbsc.unifi.it/vp-224-gruppo-barletta.html

I focus my attention on the role of cell adhesion and invasion in autoimmune skin diseases and hidradenitis suppurativa, neurodegenerative diseases, and on the role of occupational exposure to pesticides in the development of neurodegenerative

 

1) Bioactivity studies of natural compounds, with a particular focus on elucidating their biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action. Research aims to investigate the effects of naturally occurring compounds on pathophysiological cellular processes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer cell migration, protein glycation, autophagy, and apoptosis. Particular attention is devoted to understanding how these compounds modulate key metabolic and signaling pathways, such as fatty acid metabolism, redox homeostasis, energy metabolism, and other cellular processes involved in the onset and progression of chronic diseases.

2) Marine organism cell models and ecotoxicology. Investigation of marine organism-derived cellular systems for ecotoxicological studies of environmental pollutants and potentially toxic veterinary compounds, focusing on mechanisms of cellular stress, including oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation, in the context of environmental sustainability.

3) Oxidative stress and gut microbiome in rare diseases. Study of the interplay between oxidative stress and gut microbiome alterations in Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), with particular attention to host–microbiota interactions, redox homeostasis, and their impact on disease pathophysiology and systemic metabolic regulation.

• • Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff” (DICUS), University of Florence
  • Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence
  • Interuniversity Center of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology “G. Bacci” (CIBM), Leighorn
  • Meyer Children's Hospital of Florence
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa

Selected publications from 2020

• Vasarri M, Degl'Innocenti D, Lulli M, Schiavone N, Verdelli A, Caproni M, Antiga E, Barletta E. Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile as a Marine Anti-Inflammatory Modulator of Keratinocyte Inflammatory Responses Relevant to Psoriasis. Mar Drugs. 2026, 24, 85.  https://doi.org/10.3390/md24020085

• Vasarri M, De Marchi L, Pretti C, Degl’Innocenti D. Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile in Focus: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence for Biomedical Potential. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27, 1727.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041727

• Margheri F, Anceschi C, Frediani E, Marzoppi A, Vasarri M, Degl’Innocenti D, Barletta E, Laurenzana A, Chillà A. Posidonia oceanica Extract Inhibits VEGF-Induced Angiogenic and Oxidative Responses in Human Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells. J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15, 153. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15050153

• Vasarri M, Degl’Innocenti D. Exploring Marine-Derived Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Findings from Recent Studies. Mar. Drugs 2025, 23, 240. https://doi.org/10.3390/md23060240

• De Marchi L, Oliva M, Nobile M, Carere M, Chiesa L.M., Degl’Innocenti D, Lacchetti I, Mancini L, Meucci V, Pretti C, Vasarri M, Villa R.E., Intorre L. Environmental Risks and Toxicity of Fipronil and Imidacloprid Used in Pets Ectoparasiticides. Animals 2025, 15, 1533.  
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111533

• Vasarri M, Barletta E, Degl’Innocenti D, De Marchi L, Pretti C. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Four Native Mediterranean Seagrasses: A Review of Bioactive Potential and Ecological Context. Mar. Drugs 2025, 23, 206. ;https://doi.org/10.3390/md23050206

• Vasarri M, Bergonzi M.C., Leri M, Castellacci R, Bucciantini M, De Marchi L, Degl’Innocenti D. Protective Effects of Oleanolic Acid on Human Keratinocytes: A Defense Against Exogenous Damage. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2025, 18, 238. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020238

• Vasarri M, Bergonzi M.C., Ivanova Stojcheva E, Bilia A.R., Degl’Innocenti D. Olea europaea L. Leaves as a Source of Anti-Glycation Compounds. Molecules 2024, 29, 4368.  doi: 10.3390/molecules29184368

• Vasarri M, Degl’Innocenti D. Marine Products and Their Anti-Inflammatory Potential: Latest Updates. Mar. Drugs 2024, 22, 376. https://doi.org/10.3390/md22080376

• Micheli L, Vasarri M, Degl’Innocenti D, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Antiga E, Verdelli A, Caproni M, Barletta B. Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile Is a Promising Marine Source Able to Alleviate Imiquimod-Induced Psoriatic Skin Inflammation. Mar. Drugs 2024, 22, 300. https://doi.org/10.3390/md22070300

• Vasarri M, Ponti L, Degl’Innocenti D, Bergonzi M.C. Liposomal formulation improves the bioactivity of usnic acid in RAW264.7 macrophage cells reducing its toxicity. Curr. Drug Deliv. 2024, 21, 91–103. DOI:  10.2174/1567201820666230111112415

• Bergonzi M.C., De Stefani C, Vasarri M, Stojcheva E.I., Ramos-Pineda A.M., Baldi F, Bilia A.R., Degl’Innocenti D. Encapsulation of Olive Leaf Polyphenol-Rich Extract in Polymeric Micelles to Improve Its Intestinal Permeability. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2023, 13, 3147.  doi: 10.3390/nano13243147

• Leri M, Vasarri M, Barletta E, Schiavone N, Bergonzi M.C., Bucciantini M, Degl’Innocenti D. The Protective Role of Oleuropein Aglycone against Pesticide-Induced Toxicity in a Human Keratinocyte Cell Model. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 14553. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914553

• Vasarri M, Degl’Innocenti D, Albonetti L, Bilia A.R., Bergonzi M.C. Pentacyclic triterpenes from olive leaves formulated in microemulsion: characterization and role on de novo lipogenesis in HepG2 cells. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 12113.  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512113

• Leri M, Vasarri M, Carnemolla F, Oriente F, Cabaro S, Stio M, Degl’Innocenti D, Stefani M, Bucciantini M. EVOO Polyphenols Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effects on the Microglia Cell through TREM2 Signaling Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023, 16, 933. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16070933

• Vasarri M, Barletta E, Stio M, Bergonzi M.C., Galli A, Degl’Innocenti D. Ameliorative Effect of Posidonia oceanica on High Glucose-Related Stress in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 5203. doi: 10.3390/ijms24065203

• Oliva M, Martinelli E, Guazzelli E, Cuccaro A, De Marchi L, Fumagalli G, Monni G, Vasarri M, Degl’Innocenti D, Pretti C. Posidonia oceanica (L.) (Delile, 1813) extracts as a potential booster biocide in fouling-release coatings. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. Int. 2023, 30, 18480–18490. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23460-4

• Vasarri M, Degl’Innocenti D. News and Updates from 2022 on Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Marine Products. Mar. Drugs 2023, 21, 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/md21010026

• Vasarri M, Ponti L, Degl'Innocenti D, Bergonzi MC. Usnic Acid-Loaded Polymeric Micelles: An Optimal Migrastatic-Acting Formulation in Human SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022, 15, 1207.  doi: 10.3390/ph15101207

• De Stefani C, Vasarri M, Salvatici MC, Grifoni L, Quintela JC, Bilia AR, Degl'Innocenti D, Bergonzi MC. Microemulsions Enhance the In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Oleanolic Acid in RAW 264.7 Cells. Pharmaceutics. 2022, 14, 2232. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14102232

• Verdelli A, Caproni M, Coi A, Corrà A, Degl'Innocenti D, Vasarri M, Quintarelli L, Volpi V, Cipollini EM, Barletta E. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin as Potential Predictive Biomarker of Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers in Psoriatic Patients: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci. 2022, 23, 12291. doi: 10.3390/ijms232012291

• Bigagli E, Lodovici M, Vasarri M, Peruzzi M, Nassi N, Degl'Innocenti D. Significance of Serum Oxidative and Antioxidative Status in Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) Patients. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022, 11, 1497 https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081497

• Morresi C, Vasarri M, Bellachioma L, Ferretti G, Degl Innocenti D, Bacchetti T. Glucose Uptake and Oxidative Stress in Caco-2 Cells: Health Benefits from Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile. Mar Drugs. 2022, 20, 457. https://doi.org/10.3390/md20070457

• Peruzzi M, Ramazzotti M, Damiano R, Vasarri M, la Marca G, Arzilli C, Piumelli R, Nassi N, Degl'Innocenti D. Urinary Biomarkers as a Proxy for Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome Patient Follow-Up. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022, 11, 929. doi: 10.3390/antiox11050929

• Vasarri M, Barletta E, Degl'Innocenti D. Marine Migrastatics: A Comprehensive 2022 Update. Mar Drugs. 2022, 20, 273.  doi: 10.3390/md20050273

• Vasarri M, Vitale GA, Varese GC, Barletta E, D'Auria MV, de Pascale D, Degl'Innocenti D. Dihydroauroglaucin Isolated from the Mediterranean Sponge Grantia compressa Endophyte Marine Fungus Eurotium chevalieri Inhibits Migration of Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Pharmaceutics. 2022, 14, 616.
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030616

• Vasarri M, Degl'Innocenti D. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agents from the Sea: A Molecular Treasure for New Potential Drugs. Mar Drugs. 2022, 20, 132.https://doi.org/10.3390/md20020132

• Vasarri M, Leri M, Barletta E, Pretti C, Degl'Innocenti D. Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile Dampens Cell Migration of Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Mar Drugs. 2021, 19, 579. doi: 10.3390/md19100579

• Vasarri M, Barletta E, Degl'Innocenti D. Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile Extract Reduces Lipid Accumulation through Autophagy Activation in HepG2 Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021, 14, 969. doi: 10.3390/ph14100969

• Vasarri M, De Biasi AM, Barletta E, Pretti C, Degl'Innocenti D. An Overview of New Insights into the Benefits of the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica for Human Health. Mar Drugs. 2021, 19, 476.
https://doi.org/10.3390/md19090476

• Micheli L, Vasarri M, Barletta E, Lucarini E, Ghelardini C, Degl'Innocenti D, Di Cesare Mannelli L. Efficacy of Posidonia oceanica Extract against Inflammatory Pain: In Vivo Studies in Mice. Mar Drugs. 2021, 19, 48.  doi: 10.3390/md19020048

• Bergonzi MC, Vasarri M, Marroncini G, Barletta E, Degl'Innocenti D. Thymoquinone-Loaded Soluplus®-Solutol® HS15 Mixed Micelles: Preparation, In Vitro Characterization, and Effect on the SH-SY5Y Cell Migration. Molecules. 2020, 25, 4707. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204707

• Vasarri M, Barletta E, Vinci S, Ramazzotti M, Francesconi A, Manetti F, Degl'Innocenti D. Annona cherimola Miller Fruit as a Promising Candidate against Diabetic Complications: An In Vitro Study and Preliminary Clinical Results. Foods. 2020, 9, 1350. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101350

• Leri M, Vasarri M, Palazzi L, Barletta E, Nielsen E, Bucciantini M, Degl'Innocenti D. Maysin plays a protective role against α-Synuclein oligomers cytotoxicity by triggering autophagy activation. Food Chem Toxicol. 2020, 144, 111626. DOI:10.1016/j.fct.2020.111626

• Vasarri M, Barletta E, Ramazzotti M, Degl'Innocenti D. In vitro anti-glycation activity of the marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020, 259, 112960. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112960

• Vasarri M, Ramazzotti M, Tiribilli B, Barletta E, Pretti C, Mulinacci N, Degl'Innocenti D. The In Vitro Anti-amyloidogenic Activity of the Mediterranean Red Seaweed Halopithys Incurva. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020, 13, 185.https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13080185

• Vasarri M, Leri M, Barletta E, Ramazzotti M, Marzocchini R, Degl'Innocenti D. Anti-inflammatory properties of the marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020, 247, 112252.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112252