Giuseppe Pignataro

Background

About Giuseppe Pignataro

The research of Dr. Pignataro is aimed to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of neuronal damage induced by episodes of ischemia. These studies are carried out using microsurgery techniques to induce focal cerebral ischemia on small animals. He is able to study the effect of these animal-induced neurodegenerative disorders on genomic and proteomic rearrangement as well as to study phenotypic, and neurological characteristics of these animals. Over the years Dr. Pignataro has applied several microsurgical techniques to study the mechanisms underlying ischemic damage. In particular, few years ago he was able to measure for the first time intracerebral pH in freely moving mice, by using ad hoc built pH sensitive probes stereotassically implanted in ischemic mice (Pignataro et al, 2007, Brain). Furthermore, by means of in vivo antisense strategy, he discovered the role played by two ionic membrane transporters, NCX1 and NCX3, in the pathophysiology of brain ischemia (Pignataro et al, 2004, Stroke). Finally, he identified a group of genetically modified stem cells, able to produce a great amount of adenosine, inducing a strong neuroprotection when transplanted into the brain of ischemic animals (Pignataro et al, 2007, JCBFM). Lately, a considerable effort has been devoted to the study of endogenous mechanisms of neuroprotection in order to identify promising new therapeutic strategies for treating brain ischemia. Within these studies, he identified and characterized a new mechanism of neuroprotection called ischemic postconditioning. This phenomenon induces a strong neuroprotection by providing a controlled reperfusion subsequent to harmful brain ischemia (Pignataro et al, 2008, JCBFM; Pignataro et al, 2011, JCBFM; Pignataro et al, 2012, Neurobiol Dis; Pignataro et al, 2013. Neurobiol of Dis).