Paola Palestini

 CURRICULUM VITAE

  • 1985- Degree in Biological Sciences;
  • 1986-Post-Degree fellow, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, (Transport section), Science Faculty, University of Milan;
  • 1991- Ph.D. Biochemistry; (Proteins and gangliosides interaction in the membrane);
  • 1992-1993 Post-doctoral fellow, Department Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Milan;
  • 1994-1999 Researcher, Department Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Milan;
  • 1999-2000 Biochemistry Researcher, Medical School, University of Milano-Bicocca;
  • 2000- Biochemistry Associate Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Milano-Bicocca;
  • 2013-2015 Director of Graduate School in Nutrition, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca
  • 2014- Director of Master of Nutrition and Applied Dietetic, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca

She is member of scientific committee the research center “Polaris” (Polveri in Ambiente e Rischio per la Salute) of the University of Milano-Bicocca, which aims at better investigating nano- and micro-particles in the environment pollutant and their direct impact on human health.

She’s Member of Educational Committee of University of Milano-Bicocca;  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology course at Medical School; Biochemistry course at Nursery and Midwifery Schools;  Biochemistry course at the Technician on Neurophysiophatology children’s and Physiotherapists Schools; Biochemistry and Neurobiochemistry courses in Postgraduate School in: Human Nutrition, Clinical Biochemistry, Neurology, Neuropsychiatry children’s; Teacher in ICOM International College of Osteopathic Medicine; Coordinator master ADA Alimentazione e Dietetica Applicata (Applied Nutrition)

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MAIN RESEARCH INTERESTS

The scientific interests of Prof Paola Palestini, in the last years, are addressing to 2 principals topics: a. Function and structure of lipid rafts in nervous system using in vitro model (rat cerebellar granule and hippocampal cells), focusing the attention on the microdomains containing the Prion and Amyloid Proteins. b. Effect of air pollution (particular matter, PM) on health. More recent studies reported adverse effects of ambient air pollutants on cognitive decline and accelerated brain aging.

For these reasons, the studies of Prof Paola Palestini focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

RESEARCH LINES

  1. The project aim is to assess the molecular mechanisms through which the particulate matter (PM) contribute to  neurodegenerative diseases onset (Alzheimer’s disease, Prion Protein).
  2. In the framework of the Regional Food Social Sensor Network (Food NET) project, our group will evaluate the anti-aging effects of bioactive extracts and/or phytocomplexes obtained from vegetables (primary or discard) on in-vitro models of nervous or endothelial cells. A time-dependent and dose-dependent screening work will be performed on the various extracts to determined the non-toxic mixtures. Subsequently, the non-toxic mixtures will be studied to evaluate the possible anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effect in co-treatment with a stress agent (particulate matter, oxygen deprivation, oxidizing substances, ect)

MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS

  1. Farina F., Sancini G., Battaglia C., Tinaglia V., Mantecca P., Camatini M., Palestini P. (2013) Milano summer particulate matter (PM10) triggers lung inflammation and extra pulmonary adverse events in mice PLoSOne. 8(2):e56636. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056636. Epub 2013 Feb 25. PubMed PMID:23451061
  2. Botto L., Cunati D., Coco S., Sesana S., Bulbarelli A., Biasini E., Colombo L., Negro A., Chiesa R., Masserini M., Palestini P. (2014) Role of Lipid Rafts and GM1 in the Segregation and Processing of Prion Protein  PLoS ONE 9, (5) e98344 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0098344
  3. Dall’Ara P, Iulini B, Botto L, Filipe J, Martino PA, Pintore MD, Gazzuola P, Mazza M, Dagrada M, Ingravalle F, Casalone C, Palestini P, Poli G. (2016) Diets with different lipid contents do not modify the neuronal membrane lipid raft profile in a scrapie murine model. Life Sci. Jan 1;144:226-33. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.12.008. Epub 2015 Dec 3.
  4. Farina F., Milani, C., Botto, L.,  Lonati E.,  Bulbarelli A.,  Palestini, P. (2016)  Involvement of MEK-ERK1-2 pathway in the anti-oxidant response in C6 glioma cells after diesel exhaust particles exposure  Toxicology Letters 250-251,  57-65 doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.04.008
  5. Farina F, Lonati E, Brambilla A, Magro Dal R, Milani C, Botto L, Sancini G, Palestini P, Bulbarelli A .(2017)  Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) pre-exposure contributes to the anti-oxidant response impairment in hCMEC/D3 during post-oxygen and glucose deprivation damage.  Toxicol Lett.  15; 274:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.04.003.
  6. Milani C, Farina F, Botto L, Massimino L, Lonati E, Donzelli E, Ballarini E, Crippa L, Marmiroli P, Bulbarelli A, Palestini P. Systemic Exposure to Air Pollution Induces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mouse Brain, Contributing to Neurodegeneration Onset. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(10):E3699. Published 2020 May 24. doi:10.3390/ijms21103699
  7. Comunian S, Dongo D, Milani C, Palestini P.   Air Pollution and Covid-19: The Role of Particulate Matter in the Spread and Increase of Covid-19’s Morbidity and Mortality. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun 22;17(12):4487. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17124487.

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Elisabetta Donzelli
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