Editorial Board

Editors-in-Chief

Gian Luigi Mariottini
University of Genova (retired), Research Fellow Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences
Genova, Italy

E-mail: Gian.Luigi.Mariottini@unige.it | ORCID

MSc and MD, qualified to the practice of both Biologist and Physician professions. Member of the Italian Society for Experimental Biology (SIBS). Since 1987 he dealt with biological and environmental research, toxicology, ecotoxicology and cell cultures, studying in particular the extracts from marine organisms. In the past he carried out research on neuroblastoma at the Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital of Genova, and was member of the “Solidarity, Projects and Resources for Africa” (SpeRA) University Board. To date he retired from  the Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV) of  the University of Genova, where in the past he was member of examination boards and was planner, tutor and teacher of technical courses about the knowledge of the chemical and biological laboratory, cell culture methods and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). He was involved in several national and international research projects and working groups, is Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor, member of the Editorial Board and reviewer for several international scientific journals, Guest Editor for special issues of journals and books, and author of  more than 170 publications, among which papers in extenso, books, and conference abstracts.

E-mail: antonella.marinogammazza@unipa.it | ORCID

Antonella Marino Gammazza is Full Professor of Human Anatomy at the University of Palermo, where she teaches human anatomy in many courses of the School of Medicine. In 2005, she completed her degree in Biological Sciences. In 2009, she earned a PhD in the Science of Physical Activity, with a study focusing on the role of stress proteins in cellular senescence. Her research interests include cell biology and differentiation, tissue homeostasis, organ regeneration, cell stress and chaperones, nanovesicles, and bioinformatics. Her experience over 18 years in research activities results in more than 120 scientific publications in international journals with an impact factor (h-index 40), several book chapters, and conference abstracts. Prof. Marino Gammazza has enriched her research through national and international collaborations, being involved in several research projects and working groups. She is a member of the Editorial Board and reviewer for several international scientific journals as well as a Guest Editor for special issues of journals. Moreover, she is a member of the Cell Stress Society International, the Italian Society of Anatomy and Histology, and the Italian Society of Experimental Biology.

Associate Editors

Francesca Arfuso, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy

E-mail: farfuso@unime.it | ORCID

Francesca Arfuso, BSci, Phd, Senior Researcher - 07/MVET-01 - MVET-01/B (Veterinary Physiology), is qualified to the practice of both biologist and veterinary physiologist. Member of the Italian Society for Experimental Biology (SIBS) since 2015, she dealt with biological, veterinarian and physiological research, studying, in particular, the physiological responses of mammals and fish to several stressors factors including environmental challenges. Furthermore, she investigated the response of mammals to pregnancy, lactation and neonatal period as well as the stress response to transport and exercise with particular focus on immunological status of athlete horse. To date she is working at the Department of Veterinary Sciences of University of Messina and she obtained the achievement of the National Scientific Qualification for the functions of I level Professor (Full Professor), call no. 553/2021 as amended by directorial decree no. 589/2021 for the Competition Sector 07 / H1 - VETERINARY ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY for the period between 06/06/2023 and 06/06/2034. She was involved in several national and international research projects and working groups and she is Associate Editor, member of the Editorial Board and reviewer for several international scientific journals, Guest Editor for special issues of journals, and author of more than 170 publications, among which papers in extenso, and conference abstracts.

Matteo Bozzo, Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

E-mail: matteo.bozzo@unige.it | ORCID

Matteo Bozzo holds an M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and a Ph.D in Experimental Medicine. His master's thesis initiated his research on cephalochordates, focusing on their development to elucidate the evolution of the vertebrate body plan, particularly the nervous system. This research provided insights into the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of cephalochordate larvae, including the identification of vertebrate-like glial cells within this invertebrate group. His recent work explores the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and other emerging pollutants on the nervous systems of cephalochordates and various marine invertebrates. After earning his Ph.D. in 2021, he joined the University of Genoa’s Department of Experimental Medicine as a Research Fellow, where he investigated the characterization of NK cells in cancer patients. Since 2023, he has been a Researcher in Comparative Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Developmental Biology at the University of Genoa’s Department of Earth, Environment, and Life Sciences. His current research encompasses three primary areas: the eco-evo-devo (ecological evolutionary developmental biology) of chordates, utilizing zebrafish as a model to study developmental and neurodegenerative disorders, and examining the innate immune system's response to cancer. Dr. Bozzo has enriched his research through international collaborations and several months abroad as a visiting scientist, working with scholars from France (CNRS) and the Czech Republic (AVCR), as demonstrated by his publication record. He is an active member of the Italian Society of Developmental and Cell Biology (GEI-SIBSC), the European Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology, and the International Society of Developmental Biologists.

Miriam Bazzicalupo, Department of Science Operations, Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom

E-mail: m.bazzicalupo@kew.org | ORCID

Miriam Bazzicalupo graduated in Biological Monitoring and has a doctorate in Sciences and Technologies for the Environment and Territory obtained at the University of Genoa (Italy) in 2021. Her research interests mainly concern conservation and valorisation of plants, with particular focus on the Orchidaceae family. In particular, the main research areas include the study of reproductive biology, the study of micromorphological and phytochemical characteristics, study of plant-fungi and plant-pollinator symbiotic interactions, optimization of in vitro and ex vitro propagation protocols, study of traditional uses for of conservation and valorization. To conduct such studies, she therefore has experience in field monitoring and laboratory activities that require microscopy techniques, obtaining plant extracts and their characterization and evaluation of biological activities. After obtaining her PhD, she worked as a researcher within the LIFEOrchids Project, and in 2023 obtained the position of laboratory technician at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK), where she collaborates on several projects requiring the cultivation of bryophytes and vascular plants, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria/yeasts. She is currently the scientific advisor of the RIHAB Project (Bando Simbiosi, Pompeiana) and an active member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission -Orchid Specialist Group- In situ Conservation.

Davide Di Paola, Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Evironmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.

E-mail: davide.dipaola@unime.it | ORCID

Davide Di Paola is a researcher in Ecology at the Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences of the University of Messina. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Biology and Experimental Medicine and has authored over 30 scientific publications, with research interests focused on aquatic ecotoxicology, environmental risk assessment, and the impact of emerging contaminants on marine organisms. He serves as a Review Editor for several peer-reviewed journals and as a Guest Editor for special issues. Dr. Di Paola has been actively involved in national and international scientific collaborations and field research projects.

Filippo Macaluso, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), Section of Human Anatomy, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.

E-mail: filippo.macaluso@unipa.it | ORCID

Paola Malaspina, Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.

E-mail: paola.malaspina@unige.it | ORCID

Paola Malaspina is a researcher in general botany (BIOS-01/A) at the Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences of the University of Genoa. She obtained her PhD in Applied Botany to Agriculture and the Environment at the University of Genoa discussing a thesis on "Biomonitoring of air pollution in coastal environments by lichen transplants". Initially, her research concerned the study of lichens biology. Regarding biomonitoring studies, she investigated how in complex environments characterized by different sources of stress, of natural and anthropogenic origin, the applicability of lichen biomonitoring techniques may be compromised by the co-presence of these stress factors. She also investigated how the different chemical composition of lichen species may influence their elements uptake and thus may affect the comparability of the results and the reliability of the interpretation in biomonitoring studies. In recent years, she studied the biological role of lichen substances and secondary metabolites of plants, with particular attention to their ability to inhibit melanogenesis. Her current research concerns the anatomical and micro-morphological characterization of plant organs and tissues and the study of phytochemical and biological properties of plant extracts and secondary metabolites from plants and lichens, and essential oils from aromatic plants. Particularly, she studies the recovery and enhance of by-products from the agri-food sector and the aromatic plants chain for the reuse of secondary metabolites with possible applications in health and agriculture sectors.

Giuliana Mannino, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “KORE”, Enna, Italy

E-mail: giuliana.mannino@unikore.it | ORCID

Giuliana Mannino, BSci, Phd, Associate Professor - 05/BIOS-06 – BIOS-06/A (Physiology), is qualified to the practice of biologist and is specialized in Clinical Biochemistry. Member of the Italian Society for Experimental Biology (SIBS) since 2023, she focused her scientific interest in studying functional properties of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue. In these studies, various strategies of isolation and expansion of these cells have been optimized and, by means of different experimental protocols, their ability to differentiate into cell types typical of the mesodermal lineage (chondrocytes, osteocytes, adipocytes) was investigated. Subsequently, further differentiation protocols were adopted, being able to transdifferentiate adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells towards ectodermal elements (neurons, glial cells). Additional experiments are mainly addressed to obtain in vitro models of aging, where effects of oxidative stress and natural extracts have been tested. She is Editorial board member as Review Editor for Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, Guest Editor for special issues for three MDPI journals (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Biomedicines, Cells) and for Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. She is also ordinary member of the Italian Society of Physiology and of the “Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Neuromorfologia” (GISN).

Simona Manuguerra, Laboratory of Marine Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Department of Earth and Sea Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.

E-mail: simona.manuguerra@unipa.it | ORCID

During her research activities, Simona Manuguerra has gained experience on animal welfare, stress and effects on the quality of fish products. In particular, she has participated in national and international research projects where she carried out studies on marine organisms using in vitro and in vivo model systems, adopting a molecular biochemical approach to investigate the effect of environmental factors on cellular and molecular responses, in order to assess the effects of contaminants on the quality and welfare of marine organisms. She has also gained experience in research activities related  to the application of procedures and technologies aimed at enhancing and promoting circular economy paths in blue supply chains through the valorization of by-products for the extraction of molecules with high biological value, such as peptides, fatty acids, antioxidants, bioactive metabolites, with advanced techniques such as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), and their use of these resources in other industrial sectors such as animal feed, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. She was Guest Editor Assistant for the journal MDPI - "Water", section "Water, Agriculture and Aquaculture" Special Issue "Aquatic Ecotoxicology: A Tool for Monitoring the Effects of Anthropogenic Chemical Contamination on Fisheries and Aquaculture”. Since 2021 she has been Associate Editor of the Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale.

Manuela Mauro, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy

E-mail: manuela.mauro01@unipa.it | ORCID

Since December 2024, Manuela Mauro has been a tenure-track researcher (RTT) in Zoology (05/BIOS-03) at the University of Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF). Previously, she was a type A researcher (RTDA), and in July 2023, she obtained the National Scientific Qualification for Associate Professor in Zoology and Anthropology (05/B1). She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences (2012) and a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences (2014), both with full marks and honors. Her research follows a multidisciplinary approach, contributing to biodiversity assessment, the study of environmental and anthropogenic stressors on aquatic organisms, bioacoustics, and the characterization of marine bioactive molecules with biomedical applications. She is currently the scientific coordinator of the SONORA project, which investigates the impact of underwater noise on aquatic ecosystems. At the University of Palermo, she teaches “Animal Biology,” “Stress Responses in Aquatic Organisms,” and “Applied Zoology” in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. She has lectured in doctoral courses on marine invertebrates and bioactive molecules. She has supervised numerous Master’s and PhD theses at the University of Palermo and the Universitat Politècnica de València. Her international experience includes fellowships in Spain and the UK, focusing on predictive numerical models and technical standards for biodiversity conservation. She has contributed to innovative projects such as BYTHOS, SMILING, and the academic spin-off MedChemBioSicily, of which she is a founding member. Her research quality has been recognized with awards at the Italian Society of Experimental Biology (SIBS) Congresses (2021, 2022). She has been a speaker, chair, and invited lecturer at national and international events, including the 97th SIBS Congress (2025, Palermo), the 5th World Ecoacoustics Congress (Madrid, 2024), and the XIII Ibérico de Acústica Congress (2024). She serves on departmental committees and is a member of the Italian Society of Experimental Biology.

Carmen Rizzo, National Institute of Biology, Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Messina, Italy

E-mail: carmen.rizzo@szn.it | ORCID

Carmen Rizzo obtained a Master Degree in Biology and Ecology of the Coastal Marine Environment at the University of Messina in July 2009, followed by Ph.D.  in “Environmental Sciences: Marine Environment and its Resources (XXV cycle) at the University of Messina in April 2013. She has been a permanent Researcher at Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre since 2009. Her research activity is focused on the study of marine microbial communities from temperate and extreme environments (marine hydrothermal vents, polar and deep-sea environments). Particular attention is paid to the study of prokaryotic populations associated with marine invertebrates and vertebrates. The research activities currently carried out cover different areas of bioprospecting mainly aimed at the isolation of bioactive molecule-producing microorganisms with specific functions useful in industrial and non-industrial fields. In the field of microbial ecology, she investigates the functional and diversity profiles of bacterial communities in relation to different contaminants. Additional research lines include the study of luminous bacterial communities in deep environments, functionalised membranes for the chemical monitoring and the use of fish waste and discards for the extraction of high-value biomolecules. She spent several research periods abroad, actively collaborates with researchers from Greece (HCMR), Portugal (CCMAR), Norway (NIBIO), Germany (KIT), Poland (IOPAN). She is Associated Researcher at the National Research Council, Institute of Polar Sciences, and she is currently involved in national and international research projects. She is an Associate Editor, member of the Editorial Board and reviewer for several international scientific journals, Guest Editor for several special issues, and author of more than 60 publications in ISI journals, as well as several book chapters and conference abstracts (h index 19).

Antonietta Santoro, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy

E-mail: ansantoro@unisa.it | ORCID

Antonietta Santoro is Associate Professor of Human Anatomy at the University of Salerno, Italy. She holds a master’s degree in Biological Sciences with honors and a PhD in Animal Sciences. Her research primarily focuses on the morphological and functional effects of environmental toxicants—including endocrine-disruptors and micro/nanoplastics—on the central nervous system and immune system. She also investigates the pathophysiological roles of the endocannabinoid system with particular emphasis on neuroendocrine and male reproductive functions. She has coordinated several national projects, including the PRIN PNRR 2022 "PLASTAMINATION", investigating the toxicological impact of bioplastics. Prof. Santoro is Co-Head of the Translational Medicine and Nanotechnology Laboratory and Director of the SHIELD Observatory on the effects of environmental pollutants on human health, disease prevention and environmental legislation. Until now, She has published over 55 peer-reviewed articles, four book chapters and more than 100 abstract for National and International Congress. Her editorial roles include board member, and guest editor for high-impact journals and research projects evaluator for the Italian Ministry of Research (MUR). She has significant teaching and supervisory experience in anatomy and biomedical sciences. Her multidisciplinary expertise spans molecular and cellular anatomy, molecular toxicology, and translational research, with a continuous commitment to academic mentorship and scientific dissemination.

Laura Tomasello, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy; Advanced Technologies Network Center (ATEN Center), University of Palermo, Italy

E-mail: laura.tomasello@unipa.it | ORCID

Luca Ventura, Division of Pathology, San Salvatore Hospital, L’Aquila, Italy

E-mail: lventura@asl1abruzzo.it | ORCID 

Luca Ventura is Senior Pathologist at San Salvatore Hospital in L’Aquila, Italy. He graduated in Medicine and Surgery at the University of L’Aquila (1992) and became specialist in Anatomic Pathology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata (1997). In 2024, he earned a PhD in Experimental Medicine with a thesis on decalcification protocols in experimental studies. He has served as a contract lecturer at the Universities of L’Aquila, Pisa, Rome Catholic, Catanzaro, and Naples “Federico II”. He has taught across medical, biomedical, and archaeological degree programs, supervised over 20 graduate theses, and participated in postgraduate programs and master’s courses. He was the founder and current Coordinator of the Italian Paleopathology Group (GIPaleo) of the Italian Society of Pathology (SIAPEC-IAP), as well as the Medical Expert of the Sacred Lipsanotheca in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of L’Aquila. His research includes diagnostic histopathology, tumor pathology, paleopathology, and the history of medicine. He has authored over 470 scientific publications and participated in national and international collaborations across Europe, Africa, and South America. His interdisciplinary research in paleopathology includes advanced studies on ancient diseases, bioarchaeology, and scientific investigations of relics.

Chiara Zichittella, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Section of Biochemistry, University of Palermo, Italy

E-mail: chiara.zichittella@unipa.it | ORCID

Dr. Chiara Zichittella is a young postdoctoral researcher at AIRC (Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro). She is currently working in the Biochemistry section of the Department of Biomedicine Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostic (Bi.N.D.) at the University of Palermo, Italy. Her research project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which long non-coding H19 (lncH19) controls drug response and apoptosis in colon cancer (CRC) models to verify its potential role as a predictive and prognostic marker for CRC treatment. Dr. Chiara Zichittella graduated with top honors in medical biotechnology and molecular medicine from the University of Palermo in 2019. After her Master's degree, she won a postgraduate research fellowship in the Biology and Genetics section of the Bi.N.D. to study hypoxia-induced non-coding RNA in CRC. In 2024, she completed her Ph.D in Experimental Oncology and Surgery at the University of Palermo. Her doctoral studies have been focused on in vitro and in vivo models investigating the role of lncH19 and its intragenic microRNAs, miR-675-5p, and miR-675-3p, in CRC chemoresistance and tumor progression, as well as biochemical mechanisms of induced cell death in different tumor cell lines. Overall, Dr. Zichittella’s research activity is mainly focused on Oncology, specifically on the subarea of basic and translational research. She was involved in numerous research projects, authored several scientific articles, reviews, and conference abstracts, and has won numerous scientific awards for her presentations at national meetings. She is also a member of several scientific societies, including the Italian Society for Experimental Biology (SIBS) and the Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SIB). She is a reviewer for several international scientific journals. Finally, Dr. Zichittella is actively involved in volunteer and lay dissemination activities to non-expert audiences, interacting closely with young people while participating in numerous AIRC initiatives or events such as SHARPER's Night (SHAring Researchers’ Passion for Education and Rights).

Honorary Editors

Renzo Antolini, University of Trento (retired), Trento, Italy - renzo.antolini@unitn.it
Massimo Cocchi, University of Bologna (deceased), Bologna, Italy - massimo.cocchi@unibo.it
Marco Giammanco, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy - marco.giammanco@unipa.it
Luigi Pane, University of Genova (retired), Genova, Italy - pane@unige.it
Emma Rabino Massa, University of Torino (retired), Torino, Italy - emma.rabino@unito.it

Editorial Board

James Anthony, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
Saeme Asgari, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Han Bao, MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory of Michigan State University, USA
Emilia Bellone, University of Genoa, Italy
Maria Grazia Bridelli, University of Parma, Italy
Dario Cantino, University of Turin, Italy
Francesco Cappello, University of Palermo, Italy
David Caramelli, University of Firenze, Italy
Giuseppe Caramia, G. Salesi Hospital, Ancona, Italy
Emilio Carbone, University of Turin, Italy
Giuseppe Cicero, University of Palermo, Italy
Brunetto Chiarelli, University of Florence, Italy
Pierluigi Consolo, University of Messina, Italy
Amelia De Lucia, University "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
Danila Di Majo, University of Palermo, Italy
Luciano Fadiga, University of Ferrara, Italy
Caterina Faggio, University of Messina, Italy
Vittorio Farina, University of Sassari, Italy
Sara Ferrando, University of Genoa, Italy
William Galanter, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA
Lorenzo Gallus, University of Genoa, Italy
Valerio Gennaro, ISDE Doctors for Environment, Genova, Italy
Darren Grice, Institute for Glycomics and School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
Stefania Grimaudo, University of Palermo, Italy
Millie Hughes-Fulford, University of San Francisco, USA
Inaya Hajj Hussein, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, USA
Danial Kahrizi, Biotechnology Department, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Zineb Lakache, Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Natural Substances, École Normale Supérieur Bachir El Ibrahimi, Kouba, Algeria
Gaetano Leto, University of Palermo, Italy
Mansoor A. Malik, Howard University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
Diptarup Mallick, Barasat Government College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India 
Herbert Ryan Marini, University of Messina, Italy
Angela Marino, University of Messina, Italy
Neville A. Marsh, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Bruno Masala, University of Sassari, Italy
Alejandro M.S. Mayer, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, USA
Concetta Maria Messina, Department of Earth and Sea Sciences, University of Palermo, Italy
Vincenzo Mitolo, University "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
Amir Sasan Mozaffari Nejad, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
Werner E.G. Muller, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Giuseppe Murdaca, University of Genoa, Italy
Giuseppe Palumbo, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
Gian Luigi Panattoni, University of Turin, Italy
Antonella Pantaleo, University of Sassari, Italy
Massimo Pregnolato, University of Pavia, Italy
Patrizia Proia, University of Palermo, Italy
Mark R. Rasenick, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA
Angela Maria Rizzo, University of Milan, Italy
Giacomo Rizzolatti, University of Parma, Italy
Aldo Rustioni, University of North Carolina, USA
Salvatore Sapienza, University of Catania, Italy
Federica Scalia, “Kore” University of Enna, Enna, Italy
Pietro Scotto Di Vettimo, University of Naples, Italy
Vinicio Serino, University of Siena, Italy
Giovanni Tomasello, Università di Palermo, Italy
Lynne Christine Weaver, University of Western Ontario, Canada
Ming Wei, Griffith University, Australia
Mario Wiesendanger, University of Friburg, Switzerland