Professor
Dept. STEBICEF, University of Palermo, Italy
Prof. Fabiana Geraci, Dept. STEBICEF, University of Palermo. Italy.
Fabiana.geraci@unipa.it
I have started to investigate the extracellular Hsp70 roles. In fact, I have demonstrated that mesoangioblasts release this protein in the extracellular environment. In particular, I have focused my attention on extracellular vesicles released by mesoangioblasts, and their role in cell-to-cell communication. For the first time, I have demonstrated that membrane vesicles and not exosomes are involved in Hsp70 release. We have also proved that some of the Hsp70 is inserted as a transmembrane protein within extracellular vesicles. This protein by interacting with TLR 2/4 on mesoangioblast plasma membrane activates the PI3K/NF-kB pathway, responsible for MMP2 and MMP9 increased synthesis. The two metalloproteinases stimulate cell migration and invasiveness.
Actually I am interested in the role of Hsp70 within vesicles in the regulation of immune system cells, and in the induction of angiogenesis.
I am also interested in studying extracellular vesicles as biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis.