Luca Vecchia Email & Phone Number

Basel, Switzerland

Working in the hosting lab of Prof. Nicolas Thomä with an independent fellowship from the prestigious European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), I am elucidating the structural details of the interaction between transcription factors (TF), when bound to nucleosomes, and chromatin remodelers. The aim is to understand from a molecular perspective how TFs are deposited and maintained at regions of open chromatin. This process is helped by chromatin remodellers - the mutations of which account for over 20% of human tumours. However, the molecular details of the encounter with nucleosome-bound transcription factors are still elusive. Identifying novel protein-protein interactions between transcription factors and chromatin remodellers would also open up new avenues for therapeutic targeting.To the goal, I am using an integrated set of biophysical, biochemical and functional techniques including cryo-electron microscopy. In this position, I also have direct people management and line management responsibilities.

Oxford, Regno Unito

I carried out my Ph.D. research in the lab of Prof. Yvonne Jones at the Structural Biology Institute (STRUBI, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford) https://www.strubi.ox.ac.uk/research/e-yvonne-jonesMy Ph.D. research combined structure-function biological studies on a key cellular pathway mutated in cancer (the Wnt/pathway) with drug development projects.On the cancer research front, I identified the structural bases and molecular mode of action of a new Wnt-interacting membrane-associated protein, with a paper published in the top-notch scientific journal "Nature". The identification of this new target might have important translational applications to cancer and neurodegeneration. I also expressed, purified and biochemically characterized a further membrane protein functioning as a Wnt transporter.On the drug development side, I took part in a structure-based drug design programme for the discovery of new Wnt-centered therapies for Alzheimer's disease, with the successful development of 2 small molecule drug candidate series, the filing of a related patent (PCT/EP2019/073177) and the publication of further articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Pavia, Lombardy, Italy

Spin-off of the University of Pavia, offering innovative solutions for efficacy and safety testing for the cosmetic and medical device markets, alternative to animal testing.As a co-founder, I was involved in the strategic management of the company, particularly in the initial growth phase. This included for example the drafting of business plans and of funding applications for private and public funding bodies (local and national).Moreover, I was inventor, together with the other founders, of the Italian patent n. 0001418813 (WIPO code 10MI2013A001094), "Methods and to predict and determine allergies" ("Metodo per predire e determinare allergie").

Pavia, Italia

I received theoretical and practical training in the medical specialty of Clinical Pathology (laboratory medicine), officially recognised medical specialty in Italy and in the European Union according to the EU directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications (Directive 2005/36/EC). I also received training in medical statistics, clinical research design, clinical research documentation and regulatory requirements.Moreover, I performed pre-clinical and translational research on cancer and immunology/haematology.Regarding translational research, the project aimed at identifying biomarkers predictive of immunosuppressive side effects in patients treated with a drug used in myeloproliferative disorders (ruxolitinib), in collaboration with Novartis Pharma AG.Moreover, working in the Antibody and Protein Engineering lab of Prof. Claudia Scotti in the Department of Molecular Medicine, I had the possibility to carry out preclinical research on cancer, one of my pivotal interests. The main project which has constituted the core of my research activity was the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against membrane receptors belonging to the Wnt pathway, involved in several types of advanced cancers.I have also been involved in two side projects on other research lines ongoing in Prof. Scotti's lab: work on Helicobacter pylori L-asparaginase, to improve its activity as a chemoterapeutic agent in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and functional and structural work on ALK1 (Activin receptor-like kinase-1), a TGF-β type I receptor whose mutations are involved as causative agents in the HHT-2 (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Teleangiectasia type 2) and which is overexpressed in several haematological and solid cancers.

Boston, Stati Uniti

Visiting researcher at professor Xe Hi's lab, Center for Life Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School.Trained in functional cell biology techniques, including Crispr-Cas9-based genome editing.

Cambridge, Regno Unito

Visiting student experience in dr. Alan Warren's lab at LMB in Cambridge (UK)

Ph.D., Structural Biology

Post-Graduate Medical Specialisation School, Clinical Pathology, 50/50 Cum Laude

Doctor Of Medicine (M.D.), Medicine And Surgery, First-Class Honours With Distinction (110/110 Cum Laude)

Degree Certificate, Biomedical Sciences, Excellent

Since 1997, IUSS fulfils an advanced teaching and research model successfully implemented by two other prestigious institutions in Italy.

Diploma Di Maturità - High School Leaving Certificate, High School With An Emphasis On Humanities, 100/100