Marie Curie Actions: Inspiring Researchers - Imdea

iochemical reactions take place in cells that change one kindof stimulus, or signal, into another very rapidly. These reactionsare often carried out by enzymes. Dr Catalucci uses protein andenzyme analysis together with computer-based modelling andin vivo models to see what is going on in the heart.His recent research focused on the signals involved in theinsulin/IGF-1 pathway. This pathway routes signals that regulatethe physiological contraction of the heart and is crucial for celldivision and growth, gene and protein synthesis, and cell death.Damage to this is a major cause of heart failure. Dr Cataluccilooked specifi cally at the importance of this pathway and smallRNA molecules (microRNAs) in modulating heart function; paststudies have shown that microRNAs, whose signal controls proteinproduction, are involved in the regulation of cardiac development.Dr Catalucci’s studies in the US and Italy shed light on whatcan happen when there is intervention within this pathway. Theresults led him to believe that correct cardiac function may bere-established if appropriate molecules can be developed.‘So far, results from my studies have provided strong potentialfor the development of novel therapeutic approaches that havealso resulted in patent applications, thus highlighting the very highrelevance that scientifi c research can have,’ says Dr Catalucci.Creating a common research groundThanks to a Marie Curie Fellowship, Dr Catalucci was able tocomplete his postdoctoral training in the USA after obtaining hisdoctorate from the University of Rome in Italy. Working at theUniversity of California in San Diego, under the supervision ofDr Kenneth Chien, his postdoc research in cardiology providedhim with the invaluable technical expertise that made his currentresearch possible. The learning was by no means one way:he managed and coordinated the lab while, at the same time,tutoring students in laboratory techniques.‘I gained extensive experience with several in vitro and in vivotechniques used in molecular cardiology, including cellular andmolecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and bioinformaticsamongst others,’ he explains.Supported by a community of leading experts in cardiologyand biomedicine, the post also offered him the opportunity to114