Titoli di studio
28/01/2016 Dottorato di Ricerca in Scienze Chimiche, XXVIII ciclo, conseguito presso la macroarea di scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”. Titolo della tesi: “Progettazione e caratterizzazione di nanostrutture poliedriche di DNA attraverso tecniche di modellistica e dinamica molecolare classica”.
10/10/2012 Laurea Magistrale in Bioinformatica, conseguita con la votazione di 110/110 e lode presso la macroarea di scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”. Titolo della tesi: “Studio di dinamica molecolare classica in funzione della temperatura di una nanostruttura di DNA progettata per incorporare proteine: l’hairpin nanocage”.
24/05/2010 Laurea triennale in Biologia Umana, conseguita presso la macroarea di scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”. Titolo della tesi: “Costruzione di un database per la ricostruzione dei centri di gravità del cromosoma Y”.
Titoli
14/02/2022 Ricercatore di tipo B settore scientifico disciplinare BIO/11 (Biologia Molecolare), Dipartimento di Biologia della Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”.
01/02/2021 -31/01/2022 Titolare di assegno di ricerca presso il laboratorio del Prof. Mattia Falconi, Dipartimento di Biologia della Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, progetto: “Analisi computazionale delle interazioni del fitocomplesso Pelargonium sidoides-lattoferrina”.
01/01/2018 – 31/12/2020 Titolare di assegno di ricerca triennale della fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro presso il laboratorio del Prof. Alessandro Desideri, Dipartimento di Biologia della Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, progetto: “Computational prediction and experimental validation of microbiome-modifiers microRNAs for CRC prevention and treatment”.
24/10/2016 – 24/10/2017 Titolare di assegno di ricerca presso il laboratorio del Prof. Alessandro Desideri, Dipartimento di Biologia della Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, progetto: “Smart Campus - Analisi metagenomica per la standardizzazione di processi complessi che richiedono microrganismi”.
01/02/2016 – 14/10/2016 Titolare di borsa di studio “GARR Orio Carlini”, presso il laboratorio del Prof. Mattia Falconi, Dipartimento di Biologia della Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, progetto “Realizzazione di una risorsa computazionale per l’individuazione e la caratterizzazione di miRNA con valore diagnostico nella prevenzione dell’infarto miocardico acuto, basata sull’utilizzo di algoritmi di predizione dei target di miRNA e algoritmi di machine learning”.
Altri titoli
13/11/2020 Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale alle funzioni di professore universitario di seconda fascia nel settore concorsuale 05/E2 – Biologia Molecolare, conseguita in data 13/11/2020, periodo di validità 13/11/2020 ˗ 13/11/2029.
Attività didattica
A.A. 2021-2022 - oggi Docente titolare del corso Struttura e funzione delle macromolecole biologiche per il CdLM in BCMSB dell’Università di Roma Tor Vergata.
A.A. 2021-2022 - oggi Docente titolare del modulo Bioinformatics per il CdLM in Biotechnology dell’Università di Roma Tor Vergata.
A.A. dal 2016 – 2017 al 2020 – 2021 Professore a contratto presso la Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia dell’Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, per lo svolgimento del modulo di Bioinformatica (2 CFU) del corso integrato di “Biologia molecolare e metodologie bioinformatiche e chimiche”, corso di Laurea Magistrale in Biotecnologie Mediche dell’Università di Roma Tor Vergata.
06/2015 - oggi Cultore della materia per il corso di Bioinformatica strutturale del corso di Laurea Magistrale in Bioinformatica, Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”.
01/2013 - oggi Attività di tutoraggio per un numero medio di 2 laureandi per anno del corso di Laurea Magistrale in Bioinformatica e 1 laureando per anno per il corso di Laurea Triennale in Scienze Biologiche, Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”.
Partecipazione a progetti di ricerca
07/03/2013 – 04/04/2014 Collaboratore principale nell'ambito del 6th call PRACE Project “DNANANO - Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental characterization of a DNA nanocage family”. Per la realizzazione di questo progetto sono state assegnate 7 milioni di core hours sul cluster HPC CURIE-FN del GENCI@CEA ospitato in Francia.
10/03/2015 – 15/03/2016 Collaboratore principale nell'ambito del 10th call PRACE project “NANOCARGO – design of self-assembling DNA nano-cages provided with pH and temperature-controlled gates for the target-delivery of biomolecules”. Per la realizzazione di questo progetto sono state assegnate 21 milioni di core hours sul cluster HPC Fermi del CINECA ospitato in Italia, a Bologna.
01/08/2015 – 24/04/2016 Collaboratore principale nell'ambito del progetto Iscra “METANANO - Metadynamics study for the rational design of a DNA nanocarrier opening mechanism”. Per la realizzazione di questo progetto sono state assegnate 200.000 core hours sul cluster HPC Galileo del CINECA ospitato a Bologna.
03/04/2017 – 31/03/2018 Collaboratore principale nell'ambito del 10th call PRACE Project - “DNA VAULT – simulation of a DNA origami nanostructure able to control single molecule enzymatic activity”. Per la realizzazione di questo progetto sono state assegnate 15 milioni di core hours sul cluster HPC Marconi KNL (A2) del CINECA ospitato in Italia, a Bologna.
01/01/2019 – 31/12/2020 Collaboratore del progetto finanziato dalla regione Lazio "NEUROMICRO: costruzione di una banca dati per la classificazione del microbiota intestinale, attraverso sequenziamento ad alta processività, di pazienti affetti da Parkinson e taupatie, da utilizzare a fini diagnostici e prognostici"
04/10/2022 - oggi Collaboratore del progetto PNRR “Development and application of RNA-protein/ligand molecular docking and dynamics simulations for the identification of new drug candidates”, CN3, Centro Nazionale di Ricerca Sviluppo di terapia genica e farmaci con tecnologia a RNA, Spoke 7.
04/10/2022 - oggi Partner del progetto PNRR CN1, Centro Nazionale di Ricerca “Simulazioni, calcolo e analisi dei dati ad alte prestazioni”, Spoke 6 “Multiscale Modelling & Engineering Applications”. dynamics simulations for the identification of new drug candidates”.
18/09/2023 - oggi Partner del progetto: “Aptides for the prevention of Pseudomonas infections” Italian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation (FFC Ricerca). Call for Grant Applications Year 2023.
Partner nella unità 3 con la Prof. Daniela Billi del progetto PRIN: “Progetti di Ricerca di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - Bando 2022 Prot. 20224HJWMH: Extending the red limit of oxygenic photosynthesis: basic principles and implications for future applications
Direzione o partecipazione a comitati editoriali di riviste
07/02/2020 - oggi Membro del comitato editoriale di Journal of Nucleic Acids - Hindawi Publishing Corporation - nel ruolo di Academic Editor
11/02/2020 - oggi Membro del comitato editoriale della sezione Biomedical Nanotechnology di Frontiers in Nanotechnology - Frontiers Media SA - nel ruolo di Review Editor
11/08/2021 - oggi Membro del comitato editoriale della sezione Biological Modeling and Simulation di Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences- Frontiers Media SA - nel ruolo di Review Editor
Principali linee di ricerca
• 2013 – oggi
Progettazione di nanostrutture tridimensionali di DNA autoassemblanti per il trasporto di farmaci ed il targeting specifico di recettori cellulari.
Partecipazione al gruppo di ricerca guidato dal Prof. Alessandro Desideri durante il tirocinio di Laurea Magistrale, dottorato di ricerca e assegni di ricerca presso il Dipartimento di Biologia della Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”. Il progetto prevede il design e la validazione computazionale mediante tecniche di modellistica e dinamica molecolare di nanostrutture di DNA ottaedriche autoassemblanti ed in grado di cambiare conformazione, o penetrare all’interno di cellule, in seguito alla risposta ad eventi come aumento di temperatura, cambiamenti di pH o legame con specifici recettori di membrana. A tale scopo ci si è avvalsi della collaborazione con il gruppo della Prof.ssa Birgitta Knudsen (Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University), il gruppo della Prof.ssa Silvia Biocca (Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, università di Roma “Tor Vergata”) e del Prof. Jørgen Kjems (Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center - INANO-MBG, iNANO-huset, Aarhus University)
• 2018 – oggi
Computational prediction and experimental validation of microbiome-modifiers microRNAs for CRC prevention and treatment.
Svolgimento del progetto di ricerca AIRC triennale sotto la supervisione dal Prof. Alessandro Desideri presso il Dipartimento di Biologia della Macroarea di Scienze MM.FF.NN. dell’università di Roma “Tor Vergata”. Il progetto ha previsto la realizzazione di un nuovo sistema di predizione dei target di miRNA vegetali / genoma batterico usando metodiche di machine learning, unitamente al sequenziamento e all’identificazione di miRNA di noce a partire da esperimenti di RNAseq su Juglans regia, Juglans californica and Corylus avellana. I miRNA identificati sono stati testati in collaborazione con il gruppo della Prof.ssa Katia Aquilano (Dipartimento di Biologia, università di Roma “Tor Vergata”) su topi sottoposti a dieta HFD in condizioni di infiammazione intestinale per verificare l’efficacia dei miRNA stessi nel modulare la composizione del microbiota intestinale, verificandone gli esiti attraverso esperimenti di metagenomica, con lo scopo di ridurre il rischio di sviluppare il cancro colorettale. A partire dal sistema di predizione dei target ne è stata sviluppata una variante che ha portato alla collaborazione con il gruppo di ricerca della Dr.ssa Carla Montesano (Dipartimento di Biologia, università di Roma “Tor Vergata”) per verificare l’interazione tra miRNA vegetali e geni target umani.
• 2020 – oggi
Studi di docking molecolare e dinamica molecolare classica dell’interazione tra composti naturali, di sintesi e proteine dell’immunità innata con le glicoproteine di membrana del virus respiratorio sinciziale e del SARS-CoV-2.
Partecipazione al gruppo di ricerca guidato dal Prof. Mattia Falconi e in collaborazione con la Prof.ssa Karina Alves Toledo (Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Brazil), nell’ambito di un progetto volto allo studio dell’interazione della quercetina con la proteina F del virus respiratorio sinciziale umano. I dati ottenuti in questo progetto hanno permesso di identificare il probabile sito di legame della quercetina sulla proteina F, che in seguito all’interazione rimane bloccata in una conformazione tale da impedire l’adesione del virus alle cellule umane. In seguito allo scoppio della pandemia di SARS-CoV-2, sono state intraprese delle collaborazioni con il gruppo della Prof.ssa Elena Campione (Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”) e della Prof.ssa Piera Valenti (Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”) per lo studio dell’interazione tra lattoferrina bovina e la glicoproteina spike del SARS-CoV-2. Contemporaneamente è stato avviato uno screening virtuale delle possibili interazioni tra la glicoproteina spike e i composti naturali presenti nel database MolPort allo scopo di identificare delle sostanze di origine naturale che siano in grado di inibire l’adesione del virus alle cellule.
Produzione scientifica
Parametri bibliometrici al 08/02/2024:
• Numero di lavori su rivista peer-reviewed: 61
• Numero di citazioni (Scopus): 1134
• H-index (Scopus): 18
Tolve, L., Iannucci, A., Garofalo, L., Ninni, A., Capobianco Dondona, A., Ceciarini, I., et al. (2024). Whole mitochondrial genome sequencing provides new insights into the phylogeography of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE BIOLOGY, 171(1), 1-17 [10.1007/s00227-023-04325-x].
Iacovelli, F., Romeo, A., Lattanzio, P., Ammendola, S., Battistoni, A., La Frazia, S., et al. (2023). Deciphering the Broad Antimicrobial Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia Tea Tree Oil by Combining Experimental and Computational Investigations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 24(15), 1-19 [10.3390/ijms241512432].
Romeo, A., Cappelli, G., Iacovelli, F., Colizzi, V., Falconi, M. (2023). Computational and experimental validation of phthalocyanine and hypericin as effective SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitors. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS, 1-15 [10.1080/07391102.2023.2216276].
Romeo, A., Pellegrini, R., Gualtieri, M., Benassi, B., Santoro, M., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2023). Experimental and in silico evaluations of the possible molecular interaction between airborne particulate matter and SARS-CoV-2. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, 895, 165059 [10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165059].
Cosio, T., Costanza, G., Coniglione, F., Romeo, A., Iacovelli, F., Diluvio, L., et al. (2023). From In Silico Simulation between TGF-β Receptors and Quercetin to Clinical Insight of a Medical Device Containing Allium cepa: Its Efficacy and Tolerability on Post-Surgical Scars. LIFE, 13(8) [10.3390/life13081781].
Villani, V., Di Marco, G., Iacovelli, F., Pietrucci, D., Canini, A., Gismondi, A. (2023). Profile and potential bioactivity of the miRNome and metabolome expressed in Malva sylvestris L. leaf and flower. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY, 23(1) [10.1186/s12870-023-04434-1].
Romeo, A., Iacovelli, F., Scagnolari, C., Scordio, M., Frasca, F., Condò, R., et al. (2022). Potential Use of Tea Tree Oil as a Disinfectant Agent against Coronaviruses: A Combined Experimental and Simulation Study. MOLECULES, 27(12) [10.3390/molecules27123786].
Iacovelli, F., Costanza, G., Romeo, A., Cosio, T., Lanna, C., Bagnulo, A., et al. (2022). Interaction of Pelargonium sidoides Compounds with Lactoferrin and SARS-CoV-2: Insights from Molecular Simulations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 19(9) [10.3390/ijerph19095254].
Cutone, A., Rosa, L., Bonaccorsi di Patti, M.c., Iacovelli, F., Conte, M.p., Ianiro, G., et al. (2022). Lactoferrin Binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein Blocks Pseudoviral Entry and Relieves Iron Protein Dysregulation in Several In Vitro Models. PHARMACEUTICS, 14(10) [10.3390/pharmaceutics14102111].
Ottaviani, A., Iacovelli, F., Welsch, J., Morozzo della Rocca, B., Desideri, A., Falconi, M., et al. (2022). Dimethylmyricacene: An In Vitro and In Silico Study of a Semisynthetic Non-Camptothecin Derivative Compound, Targeting Human DNA Topoisomerase 1B. CELLS, 11(21), 1-17 [10.3390/cells11213486].
Roglia, V., Potesta, M., Minchella, A., Bruno, S.p., Bernardini, R., Lettieri-Barbato, D., et al. (2022). Exogenous miRNAs from Moringa oleifera Lam. recover a dysregulated lipid metabolism. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES, 9, 1-15 [10.3389/fmolb.2022.1012359].
Frigerio, B., Luison, E., Desideri, A., Iacovelli, F., Camisaschi, C., Seregni, E.c., et al. (2021). Validity of Anti-PSMA ScFvD2B as a Theranostic Tool: A Narrative-Focused Review. BIOMEDICINES, 9(12), 1870 [10.3390/biomedicines9121870].
DI LALLO, G., Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., Frezza, D., D'Addabbo, P. (2021). Analysis of Four New Enterococcus faecalis Phages and Modeling of a Hyaluronidase Catalytic Domain from Saphexavirus. PHAGE, 2(3), 131-141 [10.1089/phage.2021.0003].
Caporali, S., Didona, B., Paradisi, M., Mauriello, A., Campione, E., Falconi, M., et al. (2021). Post zygotic, somatic, deletion in KERATIN 1 V1 domain generates structural alteration of the K1/K10 dimer, producing a monolateral palmar epidermolytic nevus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22(13), 1-16 [10.3390/ijms22136901].
Napoli, A., Iacovelli, F., Fagliarone, C., Pascarella, G., Falconi, M., Billi, D. (2021). Genome-Wide Identification and Bioinformatics Characterization of Superoxide Dismutases in the Desiccation-Tolerant Cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029. FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY, 12, 1-11 [10.3389/fmicb.2021.660050].
Ottaviani, A., Iacovelli, F., Fiorani, P., Desideri, A. (2021). Natural compounds as therapeutic agents: The case of human topoisomerase ib. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22(8), 1-17 [10.3390/ijms22084138].
Raniolo, S., Unida, V., Vindigni, G., Stolfi, C., Iacovelli, F., Desideri, A., et al. (2021). Combined and selective miR-21 silencing and doxorubicin delivery in cancer cells using tailored DNA nanostructures. CELL DEATH & DISEASE, 12(1) [10.1038/s41419-020-03339-3].
Romeo, A., Falconi, M., Desideri, A., Iacovelli, F. (2021). Reconstructing the Free Energy Profiles Describing the Switching Mechanism of a pH-Dependent DNA Nanodevice from ABMD Simulations. APPLIED SCIENCES, 11(9), 4052 [10.3390/app11094052].
Campione, E., Lanna, C., Cosio, T., Rosa, L., PIA CONTE, M., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2021). Lactoferrin as Antiviral Treatment in COVID-19 Management: Preliminary Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 18(20), 10985 [10.3390/ijerph182010985].
Campione, E., Gaziano, R., Doldo, E., Marino, D., Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2021). Antifungal effect of all-trans retinoic acid against aspergillus fumigatus in vitro and in a pulmonary aspergillosis in vivo model. ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY, 65(3) [10.1128/AAC.01874-20].
Napoli, A., Federico Iacovelli, F., Fagliarone, C., Pascarella, G., Falconi, M., Billi, D. (2021). Genome-wide identification and bioinformatics characterization of superoxide dismutases in the desiccation-tolerant cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029. FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY, 12 [10.3389/fmicb.2021.660050].
Vindigni, G., Raniolo, S., Iacovelli, F., Unida, V., Stolfi, C., Desideri, A., et al. (2021). Aptamer linked to DNA nanostructures diverts its traffic inside cancer cells and improves its therapeutic efficacy. PHARMACEUTICS, 13(10).
Soren, B.c., Dasari, J.b., Ottaviani, A., Messina, B., Andreotti, G., Romeo, A., et al. (2021). In vitro and in silico characterization of an antimalarial compound with antitumor activity targeting human DNA topoisomerase IB. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22(14), 7455 [10.3390/ijms22147455].
Campione, E., Lanna, C., Cosio, T., Rosa, L., Conte, M.p., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2021). Lactoferrin Against SARS-CoV-2: In Vitro and In Silico Evidences. FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY, 12, 666600 [10.3389/fphar.2021.666600].
Tortosa, V., Di Patti, M., Iacovelli, F., Pasquadibisceglie, A., Falconi, M., Musci, G., et al. (2020). Dynamical behavior of the human ferroportin homologue from bdellovibrio bacteriovorus: Insight into the ligand recognition mechanism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 21(18), 1-13 [10.3390/ijms21186785].
Soren, B.c., Dasari, J.b., Ottaviani, A., Iacovelli, F., Fiorani, P. (2020). Topoisomerase IB: a relaxing enzyme for stressed DNA. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE, 3(1), 18-25 [10.20517/cdr.2019.106].
Turchi, R., Tortolici, F., Guidobaldi, G., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Rufini, S., et al. (2020). Frataxin deficiency induces lipid accumulation and affects thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. CELL DEATH & DISEASE, 11(1), 51 [10.1038/s41419-020-2253-2].
Raniolo, S., Iacovelli, F., Unida, V., Desideri, A., Biocca, S. (2020). In Silico and In Cell Analysis of Openable DNA Nanocages for miRNA Silencing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 21(1), 61 [10.3390/ijms21010061].
Romeo, A., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M. (2020). Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein prefusion conformation: virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations applied to the identification of potential fusion inhibitors. VIRUS RESEARCH, 286, 198068 [10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198068].
Lopes, B., da Costa, M.f., de Genova Ribeiro, A., Lima, C.s., Caruso, I.p., de Araujo, G.c., et al. (2020). Quercetin pentaacetate inhibits in vitro human respiratory syncytial virus adhesion. VIRUS RESEARCH, 276, 197805 [10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197805].
Minutolo, A., Potestà, M., Roglia, V., Cirilli, M., Iacovelli, F., Cerva, C., et al. (2020). Plant microRNAs from Moringa oleifera Regulate Immune Response and HIV Infection. FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY, 11, 1-14 [10.3389/fphar.2020.620038].
Raniolo, S., Croce, S., Thomsen, R.p., Okholm, A.h., Unida, V., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2019). Cellular uptake of covalent and non-covalent DNA nanostructures with different sizes and geometries. NANOSCALE, 11(22), 10808-10818 [10.1039/c9nr02006c].
Palombo, R., Caporali, S., Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., Morozzo Della Rocca, B., Lo Surdo, A., et al. (2019). Luteolin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside inhibits cellular energy production interacting with HEK2 in keratinocytes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 20(11), 2689 [10.3390/ijms20112689].
Iacovelli, F., Cabungcal Hernandez, K., Desideri, A., Falconi, M. (2019). Probing the Functional Topology of a pH-Dependent Triple Helix DNA Nanoswitch Family through Gaussian Accelerated MD Simulation. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING, 59(6), 2746-2752 [10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00133].
Vollono, L., Falconi, M., Gaziano, R., Iacovelli, F., Dika, E., Terracciano, C., et al. (2019). Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders. NUTRIENTS, 11, 1-25 [10.3390/nu11092169].
Gaziano, R., Campione, E., Iacovelli, F., Pistoia, E.s., Marino, D., Milani, M., et al. (2019). Antimicrobial properties of the medicinal plant Cardiospermum halicacabum L: New evidence and future perspectives. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES, 23(16), 7135-7143 [10.26355/eurrev_201908_18759].
Aquilano, K., Ceci, V., Gismondi, A., De Stefano, S., Iacovelli, F., Faraonio, R., et al. (2019). Adipocyte metabolism is improved by TNF receptor-targeting small RNAs identified from dried nuts. COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY, 2(1), 317 [10.1038/s42003-019-0563-7].
Aquilano, K., Ceci, V., Gismondi, A., De Stefano, S., Iacovelli, F., Faraonio, R., et al. (2019). Adipocyte metabolism is improved by TNF receptor-targeting small RNAs identified from dried nuts. COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY, 2(1), 317 [10.1038/s42003-019-0563-7].
Ottaviani, A., Iacovelli, F., Idili, A., Falconi, M., Ricci, F., Desideri, A. (2018). Engineering a responsive DNA triple helix into an octahedral DNA nanostructure for a reversible opening/closing switching mechanism: a computational and experimental integrated study. NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH, 46(19), 9951-9959 [10.1093/nar/gky857].
Satta, A., Mezzanzanica, D., Caroli, F., Frigerio, B., Di Nicola, M., Kontermann, R.e., et al. (2018). Design, selection and optimization of an anti-TRAIL-R2/anti-CD3 bispecific antibody able to educate T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. MABS, 10(7), 1084-1097 [10.1080/19420862.2018.1494105].
Gaziano, R., Campione, E., Iacovelli, F., Marino, D., Pica, F., Di Francesco, P., et al. (2018). Antifungal activity of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Sapindaceae) against Trichophyton rubrum occurs through molecular interaction with fungal Hsp90. DRUG DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY, 12, 2185-2193 [10.2147/DDDT.S155610].
Menduti, G., Biamino, E., Vittorini, R., Vesco, S., Puccinelli, M.p., Porta, F., et al. (2018). Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency: The combination of a novel ALDH5A1 gene mutation and a missense SNP strongly affects SSADH enzyme activity and stability. MOLECULAR GENETICS AND METABOLISM, 124(3), 210-215 [10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.05.006].
Raniolo, S., Vindigni, G., Ottaviani, A., Unida, V., Iacovelli, F., Manetto, A., et al. (2018). Selective targeting and degradation of doxorubicin-loaded folate-functionalized DNA nanocages. NANOMEDICINE, 14(4), 1181-1190 [10.1016/j.nano.2018.02.002].
Takarada, J.e., Guedes, A., Correa, R.s., Silveira-Lacerda, E., Castelli, S., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2017). Ru/Fe bimetallic complexes: Synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity and study of their interactions with DNA/HSA and human topoisomerase IB. ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS, 636, 28-41 [10.1016/j.abb.2017.10.015].
Iacovelli, F., Tucci, F., Macari, G., Falconi, M. (2017). Multiple molecular dynamics simulations of human LOX-1 and Trp150Ala mutant reveal the structural determinants causing the full deactivation of the receptor. PROTEINS, 85(10), 1902-1912 [10.1002/prot.25344].
Iacovelli, F., Idili, A., Benincasa, A., Mariottini, D., Ottaviani, A., Falconi, M., et al. (2017). Simulative and experimental characterization of a pH-dependent clamp-like DNA triple-helix nanoswitch. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, 139(15), 5321-5329 [10.1021/jacs.6b11470].
Leo, S., Capo, C.r., Ciminelli, B.m., Iacovelli, F., Menduti, G., Funghini, S., et al. (2017). SSADH deficiency in an Italian family: a novel ALDH5A1 gene mutation affecting the succinic semialdehyde substrate binding site. METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE, 32(5), 1383-1388 [10.1007/s11011-017-0058-5].
Hu, G., He, L., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M. (2017). Intrinsic Dynamics Analysis of a DNA Octahedron by Elastic Network Model. MOLECULES, 22(1), 145 [10.3390/molecules22010145].
Ferese, R., Albano, V., Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., Campopiano, R., Scala, S., et al. (2017). Structural modeling of altered CLCN1 conformation following a novel mutation in a patient affected by autosomal dominant myotonia congenita (Thomsen disease). ARCHIVES ITALIENNES DE BIOLOGIE, 155(4), 275-278 [10.12871/000398292017410].
Cardamone, F., Iacovelli, F., Chillemi, G., Falconi, M., Desideri, A. (2017). A molecular dynamics simulation study decodes the early stage of the disassembly process abolishing the human SAMHD1 function. JOURNAL OF COMPUTER-AIDED MOLECULAR DESIGN, 31(5), 497-505 [10.1007/s10822-017-0014-9].
Cardamone, F., Pizzi, S., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Desideri, A. (2017). Virtual Screening for the Development of Dual-Inhibitors Targeting Topoisomerase IB and Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1. CURRENT DRUG TARGETS, 18, 544-555 [10.2174/1389450116666150727114742].
Franch, O., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Juul, S., Ottaviani, A., Benvenuti, C., et al. (2016). DNA hairpins promote temperature controlled cargo encapsulation in a truncated octahedral nanocage structure family. NANOSCALE, 8(27), 13333-13341 [10.1039/c6nr01806h].
Alves, C., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Cardamone, F., MOROZZO DELLA ROCCA, B., de Oliveira, C., et al. (2016). A Simple and Fast Semiautomatic Procedure for the Atomistic Modeling of Complex DNA Polyhedra. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING, 56(5), 941-949 [10.1021/acs.jcim.5b00586].
Bozzo, F., Salvatori, I., Iacovelli, F., Mirra, A., Rossi, S., Cozzolino, M., et al. (2016). Structural insights into the multi-determinant aggregation of TDP-43 in motor neuron-like cells. NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE, 94, 63-72 [10.1016/j.nbd.2016.06.006].
Novelletto, A., Testa, L., Iacovelli, F., Blasi, P., Garofalo, L., Mingozzi, T., et al. (2016). Polymorphism in mitochondrial coding regions of mediterranean loggerhead turtles: Evolutionary relevance and structural effects. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY, 89(6), 473-486 [10.1086/688679].
Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Knudsen, B., Desideri, A. (2016). Comparative simulative analysis of single and double stranded truncated octahedral DNA nanocages. RSC ADVANCES, 6(42), 35160-35166 [10.1039/c5ra27591a].
Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M. (2015). Decoding the conformation-linked functional properties of nucleic acids by the use of computational tools. THE FEBS JOURNAL, 282(17), 3298-310-3310 [10.1111/febs.13315].
Biocca, S., Iacovelli, F., Matarazzo, S., Vindigni, G., Oteri, F., Desideri, A., et al. (2015). Molecular mechanism of statin-mediated LOX-1 inhibition. CELL CYCLE, 14(10), 1583-1595 [10.1080/15384101.2015.1026486].
Iacovelli, F., Alves, C., Falconi, M., Oteri, F., de Oliveira, C., Desideri, A. (2014). Influence of the single-strand linker composition on the structural/dynamical properties of a truncated octahedral DNA nano-cage family. BIOPOLYMERS, 101(10), 992-999 [10.1002/bip.22475].
Biocca, S., Arcangeli, T., Tagliaferri, E., Testa, B., Vindigni, G., Oteri, F., et al. (2013). Simulative and experimental investigation on the cleavage site that generates the soluble human LOX-1. ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS, 540(1-2), 9-18 [10.1016/j.abb.2013.10.001].
Juul, S., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Kragh, S., Christensen, B., Frøhlich, R., et al. (2013). Temperature-controlled encapsulation and release of an active enzyme in the cavity of a self-assembled DNA nanocage. ACS NANO, 7(11), 9724-9734 [10.1021/nn4030543].
Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., Desideri, A. (2013). A structural modeling approach for the understanding of initiation and elongation of ALS-linked superoxide dismutase fibrils. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MODELING, 19(9), 3695-3704 [10.1007/s00894-013-1896-7].
Qualifications
28/01/2016 Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences, XXVIII cycle, obtained at the macroarea of sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata". Thesis title: "Design and characterization of polyhedral DNA nanostructures through modeling techniques and classical molecular dynamics".
10/10/2012 Master's Degree in Bioinformatics, obtained with a grade of 110/110 laude at the macro-area of sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata". Thesis title: "Study of classical molecular dynamics as a function of temperature of a DNA nanostructure designed to incorporate proteins: the hairpin nanocage".
24/05/2010 Bachelor's degree in Human Biology, obtained at the macro-area of sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata". Thesis title: "Construction of a database for the reconstruction of the centers of gravity of the Y chromosome".
Titles
14/02/2022 Assistant Professor BIO/11 (Molecular Biology), Department of Biology of the Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata".
01/02/2021 -31/01/2022 Holder of a research grant at the laboratory of Prof. Mattia Falconi, Department of Biology of the Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata", project: "Computational analysis of the interactions of the Pelargonium sidoides-lactoferrin phytocomplex".
01/01/2018 – 31/12/2020 Holder of a three-year research grant of the AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research at the laboratory of Prof. Alessandro Desideri, Department of Biology of the Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata", project: "Computational prediction and experimental validation of microbiome-modifiers microRNAs for CRC prevention and treatment".
24/10/2016 – 24/10/2017 Holder of a research grant at the laboratory of Prof. Alessandro Desideri, Department of Biology of the Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata", project: "Smart Campus - Metagenomic analysis for the standardization of complex processes requiring microorganisms".
01/02/2016 – 14/10/2016 Holder of the "GARR Orio Carlini" scholarship, at the laboratory of Prof. Mattia Falconi, Department of Biology of the Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata", project "Realization of a computational resource for the identification and characterization of miRNAs with diagnostic value in the prevention of acute myocardial infarction, based on the use of miRNA target prediction algorithms and machine learning algorithms".
Other titles
13/11/2020 National Scientific Qualification for the functions of associate professor in the recruitment sector 05/E2 – Molecular Biology, obtained on 13/11/2020, period of validity 13/11/2020 ˗13/11/2029.
Teaching activities
A.Y. 2021-2022 - currently Lecturer of the course Structure and function of biological macromolecules for the Master's Degree in BCMSB of the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
A.Y. 2021-2022 - currently Professor of the Bioinformatics module for the Master's Degree in Biotechnology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
A.Y. from 2016 – 2017 to 2020 – 2021 Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata", for the Bioinformatics module (2 CFU) of the integrated course of "Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics and Chemical Methodologies", Master's Degree in Medical Biotechnology of the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
06/2015 - Today Subject Expert for the course of Structural Bioinformatics of the Master's Degree Course in Bioinformatics, Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata".
01/2013 - Today Tutoring activities for an average number of 2 undergraduates per year of the Master's Degree in Bioinformatics and 1 graduating student per year for the Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences, Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata".
Participation in research projects
07/03/2013 – 04/04/2014 Principal collaborator in the framework of the 6th PRACE call Project "DNANANO - Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental characterization of a DNA nanocage family". For the implementation of this project, 7 million core hours were allocated on the HPC CURIE-FN cluster of GENCI@CEA hosted in France.
10/03/2015 – 15/03/2016 Principal collaborator in the framework of the 10th PRACE call project "NANOCARGO – design of self-assembling DNA nano-cages provided with pH and temperature-controlled gates for the target-delivery of biomolecules". For the realization of this project, 21 million core hours were assigned on the Fermi HPC cluster of CINECA hosted in Italy, in Bologna.
01/08/2015 – 24/04/2016 Principal collaborator in the Iscra project "METANANO - Metadynamics study for the rational design of a DNA nanocarrier opening mechanism". For the realization of this project, 200,000 core hours were assigned on the Galileo HPC cluster of CINECA hosted in Bologna.
03/04/2017 – 31/03/2018 Principal collaborator in the framework of the 10th call PRACE Project - "DNA VAULT – simulation of a DNA origami nanostructure able to control single molecule enzymatic activity". For the realization of this project, 15 million core hours have been assigned on the Marconi KNL (A2) HPC cluster of CINECA hosted in Italy, in Bologna.
01/01/2019 – 31/12/2020 Collaborator of the project funded by the Lazio region "NEUROMICRO: construction of a database for the classification of the intestinal microbiota, through high-throughput sequencing, of patients suffering from Parkinson's and tauopathies, to be used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes"
04/10/2022 - Today Collaborator of the PNRR project "Development and application of RNA-protein/ligand molecular docking and dynamics simulations for the identification of new drug candidates", CN3, National Research Center for the Development of Gene Therapy and Drugs with RNA Technology, Spoke 7.
04/10/2022 - Today Partner of the PNRR CN1 project, National Research Center "High Performance Simulations, Computing and Data Analysis", Spoke 6 "Multiscale Modelling & Engineering Applications". dynamics simulations for the identification of new drug candidates".
18/09/2023 - today Project partner: "Aptides for the prevention of Pseudomonas infections" Italian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation (FFC Ricerca). Call for Grant Applications Year 2023.
Partner in unit 3 with Prof. Daniela Billi of the PRIN project: "Research Projects of Relevant National Interest - Call 2022 Prot. 20224HJWMH: Extending the red limit of oxygenic photosynthesis: basic principles and implications for future applications
Editorship or participation in editorial boards of journals
07/02/2020 - Today Member of the editorial board of Journal of Nucleic Acids - Hindawi Publishing Corporation - in the role of Academic Editor
11/02/2020 - Today Member of the editorial board of the Biomedical Nanotechnology section of Frontiers in Nanotechnology - Frontiers Media SA - in the role of Review Editor
11/08/2021 - Today Member of the editorial board of the Biological Modeling and Simulation section of Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences - Frontiers Media SA - in the role of Review Editor
Main lines of research
• 2013 – today
Design of three-dimensional self-assembling DNA nanostructures for drug delivery and specific targeting of cell receptors.
Participation in the research group led by Prof. Alessandro Desideri during the Master's Degree internship, PhD and research grants at the Department of Biology of the Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata". The project involves the design and computational validation by modeling and molecular dynamics techniques of self-assembling octahedral DNA nanostructures capable of changing conformation, or penetrating inside cells, following the response to events such as temperature increase, pH changes or binding to specific membrane receptors. To this end, we collaborated with the group of Prof. Birgitta Knudsen (Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University), the group of Prof. Silvia Biocca (Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata") and Prof. Jørgen Kjems (Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center - INANO-MBG, iNANO-huset, Aarhus University)
• 2018 – today
Computational prediction and experimental validation of microbiome-modifiers microRNAs for CRC prevention and treatment.
Carrying out the three-year AIRC research project under the supervision of Prof. Alessandro Desideri at the Department of Biology of the Macroarea of Sciences MM.FF.NN. of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata". The project involved the development of a new system for predicting plant miRNA/bacterial genome targets using machine learning methods, together with sequencing and identification of walnut miRNAs from RNAseq experiments on Juglans regia, Juglans californica and Corylus avellana. The identified miRNAs were tested in collaboration with the group of Prof. Katia Aquilano (Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata") on mice subjected to HFD diet in conditions of intestinal inflammation to verify the efficacy of the miRNAs themselves in modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, verifying the results through metagenomic experiments, with the aim of reducing the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Starting from the target prediction system, a variant was developed that led to the collaboration with the research group of Dr. Carla Montesano (Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata") to verify the interaction between plant miRNAs and human target genes.
• 2020 – today
Molecular docking studies and classical molecular dynamics of the interaction between natural, synthetic compounds and innate immunity proteins with respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2 membrane glycoproteins.
Participation in the research group led by Prof. Mattia Falconi and in collaboration with Prof. Karina Alves Toledo (Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Brazil), in the framework of a project aimed at studying the interaction of quercetin with the F protein of the human respiratory syncytial virus. The data obtained in this project made it possible to identify the probable binding site of quercetin on the F protein, which after the interaction remains stuck in a conformation that prevents the adhesion of the virus to human cells. Following the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, collaborations were undertaken with the group of Prof. Elena Campione (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata") and Prof. Piera Valenti (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "La Sapienza") for the study of the interaction between bovine lactoferrin and the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. At the same time, a virtual screening of possible interactions between the spike glycoprotein and natural compounds in the MolPort database was started in order to identify substances of natural origin that are able to inhibit the adhesion of the virus to cells.
Research products
Bibliometric parameters as of 08/02/2024:
• Number of peer-reviewed journal papers: 61
• Number of citations (Scopus): 1134
• H-index (Scopus): 18
Tolve, L., Iannucci, A., Garofalo, L., Ninni, A., Capobianco Dondona, A., Ceciarini, I., et al. (2024). Whole mitochondrial genome sequencing provides new insights into the phylogeography of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE BIOLOGY, 171(1), 1-17 [10.1007/s00227-023-04325-x].
Iacovelli, F., Romeo, A., Lattanzio, P., Ammendola, S., Battistoni, A., La Frazia, S., et al. (2023). Deciphering the Broad Antimicrobial Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia Tea Tree Oil by Combining Experimental and Computational Investigations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 24(15), 1-19 [10.3390/ijms241512432].
Romeo, A., Cappelli, G., Iacovelli, F., Colizzi, V., Falconi, M. (2023). Computational and experimental validation of phthalocyanine and hypericin as effective SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitors. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS, 1-15 [10.1080/07391102.2023.2216276].
Romeo, A., Pellegrini, R., Gualtieri, M., Benassi, B., Santoro, M., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2023). Experimental and in silico evaluations of the possible molecular interaction between airborne particulate matter and SARS-CoV-2. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, 895, 165059 [10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165059].
Cosio, T., Costanza, G., Coniglione, F., Romeo, A., Iacovelli, F., Diluvio, L., et al. (2023). From In Silico Simulation between TGF-β Receptors and Quercetin to Clinical Insight of a Medical Device Containing Allium cepa: Its Efficacy and Tolerability on Post-Surgical Scars. LIFE, 13(8) [10.3390/life13081781].
Villani, V., Di Marco, G., Iacovelli, F., Pietrucci, D., Canini, A., Gismondi, A. (2023). Profile and potential bioactivity of the miRNome and metabolome expressed in Malva sylvestris L. leaf and flower. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY, 23(1) [10.1186/s12870-023-04434-1].
Romeo, A., Iacovelli, F., Scagnolari, C., Scordio, M., Frasca, F., Condò, R., et al. (2022). Potential Use of Tea Tree Oil as a Disinfectant Agent against Coronaviruses: A Combined Experimental and Simulation Study. MOLECULES, 27(12) [10.3390/molecules27123786].
Iacovelli, F., Costanza, G., Romeo, A., Cosio, T., Lanna, C., Bagnulo, A., et al. (2022). Interaction of Pelargonium sidoides Compounds with Lactoferrin and SARS-CoV-2: Insights from Molecular Simulations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 19(9) [10.3390/ijerph19095254].
Cutone, A., Rosa, L., Bonaccorsi di Patti, M.c., Iacovelli, F., Conte, M.p., Ianiro, G., et al. (2022). Lactoferrin Binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein Blocks Pseudoviral Entry and Relieves Iron Protein Dysregulation in Several In Vitro Models. PHARMACEUTICS, 14(10) [10.3390/pharmaceutics14102111].
Ottaviani, A., Iacovelli, F., Welsch, J., Morozzo della Rocca, B., Desideri, A., Falconi, M., et al. (2022). Dimethylmyricacene: An In Vitro and In Silico Study of a Semisynthetic Non-Camptothecin Derivative Compound, Targeting Human DNA Topoisomerase 1B. CELLS, 11(21), 1-17 [10.3390/cells11213486].
Roglia, V., Potesta, M., Minchella, A., Bruno, S.p., Bernardini, R., Lettieri-Barbato, D., et al. (2022). Exogenous miRNAs from Moringa oleifera Lam. recover a dysregulated lipid metabolism. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES, 9, 1-15 [10.3389/fmolb.2022.1012359].
Frigerio, B., Luison, E., Desideri, A., Iacovelli, F., Camisaschi, C., Seregni, E.c., et al. (2021). Validity of Anti-PSMA ScFvD2B as a Theranostic Tool: A Narrative-Focused Review. BIOMEDICINES, 9(12), 1870 [10.3390/biomedicines9121870].
DI LALLO, G., Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., Frezza, D., D'Addabbo, P. (2021). Analysis of Four New Enterococcus faecalis Phages and Modeling of a Hyaluronidase Catalytic Domain from Saphexavirus. PHAGE, 2(3), 131-141 [10.1089/phage.2021.0003].
Caporali, S., Didona, B., Paradisi, M., Mauriello, A., Campione, E., Falconi, M., et al. (2021). Post zygotic, somatic, deletion in KERATIN 1 V1 domain generates structural alteration of the K1/K10 dimer, producing a monolateral palmar epidermolytic nevus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22(13), 1-16 [10.3390/ijms22136901].
Napoli, A., Iacovelli, F., Fagliarone, C., Pascarella, G., Falconi, M., Billi, D. (2021). Genome-Wide Identification and Bioinformatics Characterization of Superoxide Dismutases in the Desiccation-Tolerant Cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029. FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY, 12, 1-11 [10.3389/fmicb.2021.660050].
Ottaviani, A., Iacovelli, F., Fiorani, P., Desideri, A. (2021). Natural compounds as therapeutic agents: The case of human topoisomerase ib. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22(8), 1-17 [10.3390/ijms22084138].
Raniolo, S., Unida, V., Vindigni, G., Stolfi, C., Iacovelli, F., Desideri, A., et al. (2021). Combined and selective miR-21 silencing and doxorubicin delivery in cancer cells using tailored DNA nanostructures. CELL DEATH & DISEASE, 12(1) [10.1038/s41419-020-03339-3].
Romeo, A., Falconi, M., Desideri, A., Iacovelli, F. (2021). Reconstructing the Free Energy Profiles Describing the Switching Mechanism of a pH-Dependent DNA Nanodevice from ABMD Simulations. APPLIED SCIENCES, 11(9), 4052 [10.3390/app11094052].
Campione, E., Lanna, C., Cosio, T., Rosa, L., PIA CONTE, M., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2021). Lactoferrin as Antiviral Treatment in COVID-19 Management: Preliminary Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 18(20), 10985 [10.3390/ijerph182010985].
Campione, E., Gaziano, R., Doldo, E., Marino, D., Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2021). Antifungal effect of all-trans retinoic acid against aspergillus fumigatus in vitro and in a pulmonary aspergillosis in vivo model. ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY, 65(3) [10.1128/AAC.01874-20].
Napoli, A., Federico Iacovelli, F., Fagliarone, C., Pascarella, G., Falconi, M., Billi, D. (2021). Genome-wide identification and bioinformatics characterization of superoxide dismutases in the desiccation-tolerant cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029. FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY, 12 [10.3389/fmicb.2021.660050].
Vindigni, G., Raniolo, S., Iacovelli, F., Unida, V., Stolfi, C., Desideri, A., et al. (2021). Aptamer linked to DNA nanostructures diverts its traffic inside cancer cells and improves its therapeutic efficacy. PHARMACEUTICS, 13(10).
Soren, B.c., Dasari, J.b., Ottaviani, A., Messina, B., Andreotti, G., Romeo, A., et al. (2021). In vitro and in silico characterization of an antimalarial compound with antitumor activity targeting human DNA topoisomerase IB. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22(14), 7455 [10.3390/ijms22147455].
Campione, E., Lanna, C., Cosio, T., Rosa, L., Conte, M.p., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2021). Lactoferrin Against SARS-CoV-2: In Vitro and In Silico Evidences. FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY, 12, 666600 [10.3389/fphar.2021.666600].
Tortosa, V., Di Patti, M., Iacovelli, F., Pasquadibisceglie, A., Falconi, M., Musci, G., et al. (2020). Dynamical behavior of the human ferroportin homologue from bdellovibrio bacteriovorus: Insight into the ligand recognition mechanism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 21(18), 1-13 [10.3390/ijms21186785].
Soren, B.c., Dasari, J.b., Ottaviani, A., Iacovelli, F., Fiorani, P. (2020). Topoisomerase IB: a relaxing enzyme for stressed DNA. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE, 3(1), 18-25 [10.20517/cdr.2019.106].
Turchi, R., Tortolici, F., Guidobaldi, G., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Rufini, S., et al. (2020). Frataxin deficiency induces lipid accumulation and affects thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. CELL DEATH & DISEASE, 11(1), 51 [10.1038/s41419-020-2253-2].
Raniolo, S., Iacovelli, F., Unida, V., Desideri, A., Biocca, S. (2020). In Silico and In Cell Analysis of Openable DNA Nanocages for miRNA Silencing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 21(1), 61 [10.3390/ijms21010061].
Romeo, A., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M. (2020). Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein prefusion conformation: virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations applied to the identification of potential fusion inhibitors. VIRUS RESEARCH, 286, 198068 [10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198068].
Lopes, B., da Costa, M.f., de Genova Ribeiro, A., Lima, C.s., Caruso, I.p., de Araujo, G.c., et al. (2020). Quercetin pentaacetate inhibits in vitro human respiratory syncytial virus adhesion. VIRUS RESEARCH, 276, 197805 [10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197805].
Minutolo, A., Potestà, M., Roglia, V., Cirilli, M., Iacovelli, F., Cerva, C., et al. (2020). Plant microRNAs from Moringa oleifera Regulate Immune Response and HIV Infection. FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY, 11, 1-14 [10.3389/fphar.2020.620038].
Raniolo, S., Croce, S., Thomsen, R.p., Okholm, A.h., Unida, V., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2019). Cellular uptake of covalent and non-covalent DNA nanostructures with different sizes and geometries. NANOSCALE, 11(22), 10808-10818 [10.1039/c9nr02006c].
Palombo, R., Caporali, S., Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., Morozzo Della Rocca, B., Lo Surdo, A., et al. (2019). Luteolin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside inhibits cellular energy production interacting with HEK2 in keratinocytes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 20(11), 2689 [10.3390/ijms20112689].
Iacovelli, F., Cabungcal Hernandez, K., Desideri, A., Falconi, M. (2019). Probing the Functional Topology of a pH-Dependent Triple Helix DNA Nanoswitch Family through Gaussian Accelerated MD Simulation. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING, 59(6), 2746-2752 [10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00133].
Vollono, L., Falconi, M., Gaziano, R., Iacovelli, F., Dika, E., Terracciano, C., et al. (2019). Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders. NUTRIENTS, 11, 1-25 [10.3390/nu11092169].
Gaziano, R., Campione, E., Iacovelli, F., Pistoia, E.s., Marino, D., Milani, M., et al. (2019). Antimicrobial properties of the medicinal plant Cardiospermum halicacabum L: New evidence and future perspectives. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES, 23(16), 7135-7143 [10.26355/eurrev_201908_18759].
Aquilano, K., Ceci, V., Gismondi, A., De Stefano, S., Iacovelli, F., Faraonio, R., et al. (2019). Adipocyte metabolism is improved by TNF receptor-targeting small RNAs identified from dried nuts. COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY, 2(1), 317 [10.1038/s42003-019-0563-7].
Aquilano, K., Ceci, V., Gismondi, A., De Stefano, S., Iacovelli, F., Faraonio, R., et al. (2019). Adipocyte metabolism is improved by TNF receptor-targeting small RNAs identified from dried nuts. COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY, 2(1), 317 [10.1038/s42003-019-0563-7].
Ottaviani, A., Iacovelli, F., Idili, A., Falconi, M., Ricci, F., Desideri, A. (2018). Engineering a responsive DNA triple helix into an octahedral DNA nanostructure for a reversible opening/closing switching mechanism: a computational and experimental integrated study. NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH, 46(19), 9951-9959 [10.1093/nar/gky857].
Satta, A., Mezzanzanica, D., Caroli, F., Frigerio, B., Di Nicola, M., Kontermann, R.e., et al. (2018). Design, selection and optimization of an anti-TRAIL-R2/anti-CD3 bispecific antibody able to educate T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. MABS, 10(7), 1084-1097 [10.1080/19420862.2018.1494105].
Gaziano, R., Campione, E., Iacovelli, F., Marino, D., Pica, F., Di Francesco, P., et al. (2018). Antifungal activity of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Sapindaceae) against Trichophyton rubrum occurs through molecular interaction with fungal Hsp90. DRUG DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY, 12, 2185-2193 [10.2147/DDDT.S155610].
Menduti, G., Biamino, E., Vittorini, R., Vesco, S., Puccinelli, M.p., Porta, F., et al. (2018). Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency: The combination of a novel ALDH5A1 gene mutation and a missense SNP strongly affects SSADH enzyme activity and stability. MOLECULAR GENETICS AND METABOLISM, 124(3), 210-215 [10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.05.006].
Raniolo, S., Vindigni, G., Ottaviani, A., Unida, V., Iacovelli, F., Manetto, A., et al. (2018). Selective targeting and degradation of doxorubicin-loaded folate-functionalized DNA nanocages. NANOMEDICINE, 14(4), 1181-1190 [10.1016/j.nano.2018.02.002].
Takarada, J.e., Guedes, A., Correa, R.s., Silveira-Lacerda, E., Castelli, S., Iacovelli, F., et al. (2017). Ru/Fe bimetallic complexes: Synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity and study of their interactions with DNA/HSA and human topoisomerase IB. ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS, 636, 28-41 [10.1016/j.abb.2017.10.015].
Iacovelli, F., Tucci, F., Macari, G., Falconi, M. (2017). Multiple molecular dynamics simulations of human LOX-1 and Trp150Ala mutant reveal the structural determinants causing the full deactivation of the receptor. PROTEINS, 85(10), 1902-1912 [10.1002/prot.25344].
Iacovelli, F., Idili, A., Benincasa, A., Mariottini, D., Ottaviani, A., Falconi, M., et al. (2017). Simulative and experimental characterization of a pH-dependent clamp-like DNA triple-helix nanoswitch. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, 139(15), 5321-5329 [10.1021/jacs.6b11470].
Leo, S., Capo, C.r., Ciminelli, B.m., Iacovelli, F., Menduti, G., Funghini, S., et al. (2017). SSADH deficiency in an Italian family: a novel ALDH5A1 gene mutation affecting the succinic semialdehyde substrate binding site. METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE, 32(5), 1383-1388 [10.1007/s11011-017-0058-5].
Hu, G., He, L., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M. (2017). Intrinsic Dynamics Analysis of a DNA Octahedron by Elastic Network Model. MOLECULES, 22(1), 145 [10.3390/molecules22010145].
Ferese, R., Albano, V., Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., Campopiano, R., Scala, S., et al. (2017). Structural modeling of altered CLCN1 conformation following a novel mutation in a patient affected by autosomal dominant myotonia congenita (Thomsen disease). ARCHIVES ITALIENNES DE BIOLOGIE, 155(4), 275-278 [10.12871/000398292017410].
Cardamone, F., Iacovelli, F., Chillemi, G., Falconi, M., Desideri, A. (2017). A molecular dynamics simulation study decodes the early stage of the disassembly process abolishing the human SAMHD1 function. JOURNAL OF COMPUTER-AIDED MOLECULAR DESIGN, 31(5), 497-505 [10.1007/s10822-017-0014-9].
Cardamone, F., Pizzi, S., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Desideri, A. (2017). Virtual Screening for the Development of Dual-Inhibitors Targeting Topoisomerase IB and Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1. CURRENT DRUG TARGETS, 18, 544-555 [10.2174/1389450116666150727114742].
Franch, O., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Juul, S., Ottaviani, A., Benvenuti, C., et al. (2016). DNA hairpins promote temperature controlled cargo encapsulation in a truncated octahedral nanocage structure family. NANOSCALE, 8(27), 13333-13341 [10.1039/c6nr01806h].
Alves, C., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Cardamone, F., MOROZZO DELLA ROCCA, B., de Oliveira, C., et al. (2016). A Simple and Fast Semiautomatic Procedure for the Atomistic Modeling of Complex DNA Polyhedra. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING, 56(5), 941-949 [10.1021/acs.jcim.5b00586].
Bozzo, F., Salvatori, I., Iacovelli, F., Mirra, A., Rossi, S., Cozzolino, M., et al. (2016). Structural insights into the multi-determinant aggregation of TDP-43 in motor neuron-like cells. NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE, 94, 63-72 [10.1016/j.nbd.2016.06.006].
Novelletto, A., Testa, L., Iacovelli, F., Blasi, P., Garofalo, L., Mingozzi, T., et al. (2016). Polymorphism in mitochondrial coding regions of mediterranean loggerhead turtles: Evolutionary relevance and structural effects. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY, 89(6), 473-486 [10.1086/688679].
Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Knudsen, B., Desideri, A. (2016). Comparative simulative analysis of single and double stranded truncated octahedral DNA nanocages. RSC ADVANCES, 6(42), 35160-35166 [10.1039/c5ra27591a].
Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M. (2015). Decoding the conformation-linked functional properties of nucleic acids by the use of computational tools. THE FEBS JOURNAL, 282(17), 3298-310-3310 [10.1111/febs.13315].
Biocca, S., Iacovelli, F., Matarazzo, S., Vindigni, G., Oteri, F., Desideri, A., et al. (2015). Molecular mechanism of statin-mediated LOX-1 inhibition. CELL CYCLE, 14(10), 1583-1595 [10.1080/15384101.2015.1026486].
Iacovelli, F., Alves, C., Falconi, M., Oteri, F., de Oliveira, C., Desideri, A. (2014). Influence of the single-strand linker composition on the structural/dynamical properties of a truncated octahedral DNA nano-cage family. BIOPOLYMERS, 101(10), 992-999 [10.1002/bip.22475].
Biocca, S., Arcangeli, T., Tagliaferri, E., Testa, B., Vindigni, G., Oteri, F., et al. (2013). Simulative and experimental investigation on the cleavage site that generates the soluble human LOX-1. ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS, 540(1-2), 9-18 [10.1016/j.abb.2013.10.001].
Juul, S., Iacovelli, F., Falconi, M., Kragh, S., Christensen, B., Frøhlich, R., et al. (2013). Temperature-controlled encapsulation and release of an active enzyme in the cavity of a self-assembled DNA nanocage. ACS NANO, 7(11), 9724-9734 [10.1021/nn4030543].
Falconi, M., Iacovelli, F., Desideri, A. (2013). A structural modeling approach for the understanding of initiation and elongation of ALS-linked superoxide dismutase fibrils. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MODELING, 19(9), 3695-3704 [10.1007/s00894-013-1896-7].