RESEARCH
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY E THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY DI PHILADELPHIA, USA
Laboratory of Prof. Antonio Giordano (1993–1996)
Laboratory of Prof. Antonio Giordano (1993–1996)
1. Identification and Characterization of the Tumor Suppressor Gene Rb2/p130
He made a significant contribution to the identification of the tumor suppressor gene Rb2/p130, its chromosomal localization in humans, the characterization of its genomic structure, and the cloning of the murine homolog gene. These data demonstrated a close sequence analogy between Rb2/p130 and the Retinoblastoma gene, as well as its homolog p107, especially in a region known as the "pocket." Thanks to this discovery, it is now possible to refer to a Retinoblastoma gene family. Furthermore, the complete genomic structure of Rb2/p130, together with all the data necessary to amplify the gene’s exons from human genomic DNA, is part of a United States patent, aimed at the potential diagnostic and therapeutic use of this information.
2. Contribution to the Differential Diagnosis and Molecular Pathogenesis Mechanisms of Human Mesotheliomas
In this series of studies, the immunohistochemical expression of the Retinoblastoma gene family was characterized in mesotheliomas, showing evidence of the integration of the oncogenic SV-40 virus into the genome of human mesothelioma cells and the interaction between its protein product and Retinoblastoma proteins. These findings suggested a possible viral pathogenesis model for at least some cases of mesothelioma.
3. Prognostic Value of the Immunohistochemical Expression of Genes Involved in Cell Cycle Regulation (Rb2/p130, p53, p21, and p27) in Lung Neoplasms
In this line of research, the prognostic significance of the immunohistochemical expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and cell cycle regulators (Rb2/p130, p21, and p27) was evaluated in a large series of lung tumors. These studies represent some of the earliest experimental evidence on the role of cell cycle regulators in the pathogenesis and progression of lung carcinoma.
CAMPUS BIOMEDICO UNIVERSITY OF ROME (1997–1999)
1. Development of a New Animal Model of Transneuronal Degeneration in the Central Nervous System of Neonatal Rats
At the Neuroscience Laboratory of Campus BioMedico, he focused on the development of the sensory system in neonatal rats, particularly on the effects of neurotrophins in promoting the correct formation of brain circuitry. He structurally and functionally characterized a new animal model of transneuronal degeneration in the central nervous system of neonatal rats, identifying a group of thalamocortical neurons requiring appropriate peripheral sensory input for survival during the first days of life.
2. Contribution to the Characterization of Genetic Mutations Responsible for Childhood Autism
At the same Neuroscience Laboratory, he collaborated on several genetic studies of childhood autism, designing experimental protocols for the identification of molecular alterations involved in this condition.
ISTITUTO DEI TUMORI REGINA ELENA, ROME (2000–2004)
Studies on Cutaneous Melanoma:
During this period, he began focusing on cutaneous melanoma, refining a technique for detecting micrometastases in peripheral blood using RT-PCR for the tyrosinase gene. He also investigated the prognostic value of the transcription factor AP-2 and the apoptotic mediator APAF-1 in cutaneous melanoma. Additionally, he characterized several molecular pathways responsible for melanoma progression in vitro, employing cDNA array technology.
UNIVERSITY OF CAMPANIA – LUIGI VANVITELLI (2001–2024)
1. Role of Myocardial Apoptosis in Post-Infarction Ventricular Remodeling
For several years, he coordinated a multi-institutional research group studying the phenomena of myocardial apoptosis during post-infarction ventricular remodeling. These studies contributed to defining the pathophysiological mechanisms of post-infarction heart failure and identifying possible therapeutic targets. The results have been recognized and cited in major international cardiology textbooks.
2. Analysis of Cell Cycle Mediators in Human Mesothelioma, Lung Tumors, and Thymomas
For several years, he coordinated a multi-institutional research group on the role of cell cycle mediators in the pathogenesis and progression of human mesothelioma, lung tumors, and thymomas. The results were published in leading oncology journals.
3. Morphological and Functional Analysis of the Serine Protease HtrA1
For several years, he led a multi-institutional and international research group focused on studying the function of the serine protease HtrA1, an oncosuppressor-like gene involved in key processes of cell growth and development. The research group led by Prof. Baldi is considered one of the world’s leading teams in this specific research field, with results published in top basic research and oncology journals.
4. Contribution to the Characterization of Genetic Mutations Responsible for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome and Duan Syndrome
Since 2000, he has collaborated with Prof. Alessandro Iannaccone (Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis) in collecting genetic material from families affected by Bardet-Biedl and Duan syndromes, studying the genetic alterations responsible for these conditions. Recently, two collaborative studies—one with the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, and the other with the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston—identified the genes whose mutations are responsible for these syndromes.
5. Classical Anatomic Pathology Studies
Based on his clinical work in the Anatomic Pathology Service, he developed several classical anatomic pathology topics, particularly regarding the description of rare anatomo-clinical cases of neoplastic, infectious, and malformative nature. These observations were published in major international pathology journals.
6. Definition of a Digital Archiving Model for Medical Images and a Retrieval System Using CBIR Technology
As a scientific consultant for the “ACS” company in Rome—renowned for its satellite image management technology—he contributed to transferring this technology into biomedical research. This collaboration led to the development of a CBIR system for archiving and retrieving dermatoscopic images of pigmented skin lesions, a study that resulted in a patent.
ITALIAN ENDOMETRIOSIS FOUNDATION (2008–Present)
1. Studies on the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
This series of studies presented evidence supporting an embryological pathogenesis of endometriosis, caused by minor molecular alterations in the embryogenesis of the female genital system, leading to defective closure of the primordial uterine tube. A spontaneous animal model of endometriosis was also defined, hypothesizing that an altered estrogenic hormonal input to the fetus during a critical developmental period might trigger the disease. These experimental findings have provided crucial insights into the (still unknown) pathogenesis of endometriosis and are gaining international scientific recognition.
2. Studies on the Diagnosis and Therapy of Endometriosis
Using a proteomic approach, these studies identified several proteins whose expression in the peripheral blood of patients with endometriosis holds diagnostic value. Furthermore, the hormone AMH (highly expressed in endometriotic tissue) has been proposed as a possible diagnostic marker for detecting endometriotic lesions in vivo via imaging techniques, as well as a potential therapeutic target. These studies are the subject of patents for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic kits for endometriosis.
STUDIES CONDUCTED AT BIOPULSE Srl
(2009–Present)
He is co-founder of the company Biopulse Srl, actively involved in the development of new electromedical devices for the treatment of neoplastic diseases in the veterinary field. Together with Dr. Spugnini, he has been conducting for several years a series of studies on laboratory and domestic animals to characterize the anatomo-clinical effects of electrochemotherapy treatments for experimental and spontaneous tumors.
These studies have led to the definition of new oncological therapeutic protocols for companion animals.
Research in this area resulted in the creation of an original electroporator (Onkodisruptor®), which is currently in use at several leading clinical and research centers in the USA and Canada.
ACTIVITIES AT CEINGE
(2014–2018)
From 2014 to 2018, he directed the Translational Anatomic Pathology Core Facility at CEINGE. The laboratory provided services, requested through an online system, covering histological, cytological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular pathology techniques.
The facility also represented an essential reference point for researchers wishing to microscopically, histologically, and pathologically characterize their animal models of human diseases.
During this collaboration, Prof. Baldi was actively involved in a research project whose main objective was the characterization of the transcriptome and methylome in a group of breast cancer cases, aiming to identify new molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis in breast cancer.
ACTIVITIES AT LINK CAMPUS UNIVERSITY
(2024–Present)
In collaboration with the Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources of the CNR of Naples, he is engaged in a research project aimed at defining new therapeutic targets in mesothelioma, with particular interest in microRNAs and the use of plant-derived nanovesicles as carriers for these new therapeutic molecules.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Italian Endometriosis Foundation, he is actively involved in a research project focused on the role of endometrial adenogenesis factors in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Patents
- Giordano A, Baldi A: “Human retinoblastoma-related (pRb2/p130) genomic DNA and methods for detecting mutations therein.” U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/832,883.
- Giordano A, Baldi A: “Methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer.” European Application No. 08009585.4-2402.
- Spugnini E, Baldi A, Aiello L, Mudron N, Daskalova M, Dotsinsky I: “Portable equipment comprising generator circuit and provider for therapeutic transfer of molecules by electroporation.” European Application No. 09002599.0-2305.
- Baldi A, Bizzi S, Bonavenia R, Dragonetti E, Galli L, Guerra O, Manganaro M, Murace R: “Method and device for acquiring digital images capable of selecting similar cases, in terms of typical pathological characteristics, from a large archive of known clinical cases.” Italian Patent Office Progressive Registration No. 006682.
- Signorile PG, Baldi A: “In vitro method for the diagnosis of endometriosis.” (Application date: 14/05/2012, Application No. RM2012A000214)
- Signorile PG, Baldi A: “Anti-Müllerian Hormone.” (Application date: 18/06/2012, Application No. RM2012A000285)
- Signorile PG, Baldi A: “Ligands of Anti-Müllerian Hormone.” (Application date: 05/08/2013, Application No. RM2013A000455)
- Spugnini EP, Baldi A: “Biphasic wave theranostic electroporator for the diagnosis of pathological areas and the therapeutic transfer of molecules, and related method.” (Application date: 31/12/2015, Application No. 102015000089530)
- Spugnini EP, Baldi A: “Device and kit to prevent the environmental diffusion of toxic drug aerosols and method for their use.” (Application No. 102019000023496)
- Spugnini EP, Baldi A: “Aspirating syringe cover to prevent the environmental diffusion of toxic drug aerosols.” (Application No. 007383849)
