MARIA PATRIZIA SOMMA

Cell cycle course. Lectures will be held every Monday and Wednesady from 2.0 to 4 p.m., in Serra 2 classroom, CU022 building

EDUCATION AND POSITIONS
- 1986: Degree in Biological Sciences, University “La Sapienza”, Rome, with the score of 110/110 and honor
- 1991: Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, University “La Sapienza”, Rome
- April-May 1991: Research contract, Prof. Richard Lathe, AFRC-Centre for Genome Research, Edinburgh (UK)
- 1992-1996: Post-doctoral research fellow at CNR Center of Evolutionary Genetics, Rome
- 1996-2001: CNR Research Scientist (5-year position ex-art.36 CNR) at CNR Center of Evolutionary Genetics, Rome
- Since August 2001: CNR Research Scientist (Permanent position) at Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology, Rome
SCIENTIFIC PROFILE
1983-1986: Role of non-histone protein in chromosome condensation.
1987-1991: Regulation of eukaryotic transcription.
From 1991: Genetic control of cell division
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of mitosis requires the identification and characterization of genes/proteins involved in this process. The simplicity of Drosophila development, the sophisticated Drosophila genetics and the ease of RNA interference (RNAi) in fly tissue culture cells offer unique possibilities for obtaining insight into the mitotic process. As most of the Drosophila mitotic genes are highly conserved, the results of this research help to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cell division in vertebrates including humans. MPS is using classic Drosophila genetics and RNAi to identify and characterize genes/proteins involved in mitotic process. An RNAi-based screen performed in her laboratory has led to the identification of several proteins required for spindle assembly, MT dynamics and chromosome segregation. Surprisingly, many of these proteins have turned out to be moonlighting proteins because they are also involved in other cellular processes such as splicing, transcription and nucleolar assembly. MPS has great expertise in analysis of cytological preparations both from Drosophila tissues and from Drosophila and human culture cells. MPS is a member of the ‘Associazione Genetica Italiana (AGI) and serves as peer reviewer for several scientific Journals.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Identification of genes required for mitotic spindle assembly in Drosophila and human cell
- Genetic control of chromosome segregation
- Identification of genes involved in kinetochore assembly and function