Dept. of Biotechnology and Biosciences of University of Milano-Bicocca

Can you describe yourself?

Most of cnidarians which present polyp
phase during their life cycle count at least
families or genera involved in coral
reef framework

I am a post-doctoral researcher and a technician at the Dept. of Biotechnology and Biosciences of University of Milano-Bicocca. I am a marine biologist mainly interested in the ecology and biology of the coral reef systems and their inhabitants. In particular, my colleagues and I study different aspects of the health status and stress conditions of the reef-building scleractinian corals (Cnidaria, Anthozoa), performing most of our research analysing the corals living in the Maldivian water.

Are there many corals in Italy?

This research is made possible by the presence of the MaRHE Center, a marine research field station of the University of Milano Bicocca, located in Maghodhoo Island (Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives), which is equipped of laboratories, diving center and rooms for students and researchers.

Can you describe your work?

My current research activities are mainly focusing on the assessment of the scleractinian coral health and physiological condition, analyzing the impact of different stress factors, which induce coral bleaching and mortality and coral diseases. For this aim, I lead many field investigations and experimental researches using morphological and visual census accompanied by a molecular and biochemical approach. In particular, I am focusing on the expression and the modulation of the Heat shock proteins (Hsps) and antioxidant systems, such as Heme-oxygenase (HO-1) and Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), as useful and accurate biomarkers to detect anomalies before visible signs of stress appear evident.

How does Enzo help you achieve this?

In order to develop this diagnostic tool, I analyze by Western Blot analysis the expression of these cellular stress molecular biomarkers in different coral species subjected to different stressors using the Enzo Life Sciences antibodies, which perfectly work with these animals. In particular, the anti-Hsp60 monoclonal antibody, the anti-Hsp70 monoclonal antibody, the anti-HO-1 monoclonal antibody, the anti-MnSOD polyclonal antibody and the secondary antibodies anti-mouse represent the important tools needed to carry out my research.

Picture courtesy of the lab: Many more pictures and description of this research can be found on their website