My general research interest is in investigating neurodevelopmental disorders in rare diseases, through genetically engineered mouse models.

In the last years  I’ve been focused on understanding the molecular basis of psychiatric and behavioral disorders reported  in DiGeorge Syndrome (22q11.2DS). In the lab, we individuated  brain developmental abnormalities probably underlying the neurological symptoms and  evaluated  innovative pharmacological strategies to rescue them.

These studies are now pointing to preclinical and clinical trials aiming to improve the psychiatric  and behavioral clinical signs, which have the major impact on the quality of life of the patients and their families.

In the past years my research activity was also involved in description of more general mechanisms of brain development, by getting inside the role of the transcription factor COUP-TF I . In the working group we addressed specific function of this brain master gene during neocortical and archicortical development as in adult neurogenesis, and we had the opportunity to find new correlations about hippocampal regions and  the “GPS” function of the brain.

Cioffi S, Flore G, Martucciello S, Bilio M, Turturo MG, Illingworth E. VEGFR3 modulates brain microvessel branching in a mouse model of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Life Sci Alliance. 2022 Oct 10;5(12):e202101308. doi: 10.26508/lsa.202101308. PMID: 36216515; PMCID: PMC9553901. Scopus: 2-s2.0-85139483719;  ISSN: 25751077

Lania G, Franzese M, Adachi N, Bilio M, Flore G, Russo A, D'Agostino E, Angelini C, Kelly RG, Baldini A. A phenotypic rescue approach identifies lineage regionalization defects in a mouse model of DiGeorge syndrome. Dis Model Mech. 2022 Sep 1;15(9):dmm049415. doi: 10.1242/dmm.049415. Epub 2022 Sep 27. PMID: 35946435. Scopus:2-s2.0-85139375270; ISSN: 17548411

Favicchia I* and Flore G*,Cioffi S, Lania G.,Baldin A.,Illingworth E.( *Equal Contributors) Pharmacological rescue of the brain cortex phenotype of Tbx1 mouse mutants: significance for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome .Front Mol Neurosci.2021 Sep 6; 14:663598. doi:10.3389/fnmol.2021.663598. eCollection 2021 ISSN :1662-5099; WOS:000764234600001; Scopus: 2-s2.0-85115130273

Cioffi S., Turturo MG., Martucciello S., Flore G., Baldini A.,   Illingworth E. (2019)Defining Vegfr3-Tbx1 interactions  in brain vascular development   Journal of Vascular Research , 2019 ISSN 1018-1172 ; WOS:000463529300105 3rd Joint Meeting of the European Society for Microcirculation (ESM) and the European Vascular Biology Organization (EVBO). Maastricht.

Parisot J* and Flore G*, Bertacchi M, Studer M.( *Equal Contributors)COUP-TFI mitotically regulates production and migration of dentate granule cells and modulates hippocampal Cxcr4 expression. Development. 2017 Jun 1;144(11):2045-2058. doi: 10.1242/dev.139949. Epub 2017 May 15.  ISSN 0950-1991; WOS:000402276800015; scopus: 2-s2.0-85020129316

Flore G,  Cioffi S, Bilio M, Illingworth E.  Cortical Development Requires Mesodermal Expression of Tbx1, a Gene Haploinsufficient in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Cereb. Cortex. 2017 Mar 1;27(3):2210-2225. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhw076.ISSN 1047-3211; WOS:000397636600041; Scopus: 2-s2.0-85009456121

Cioffi S., Turturo MG., Martucciello S.,  Flore G., Baldini A.,  Illingworth E. (2017).Vegfr3 overexpression partially rescues the brain vascular defects of Tbx1 mutants.  Journal of Vascular Research , 2017 ISSN 1018-1172; WOS:000402740200175 2nd Joint Meeting of the European Society for Microcirculation (ESM) and European Vascular Biology Organization (EVBO). Genève

Flore G, Di Ruberto G, Parisot J, Sannino S, Russo F, Illingworth EA, Studer M, De Leonibus E. Gradient COUP-TFI Expression Is Required for Functional Organization of the Hippocampal Septo-Temporal Longitudinal Axis. Cereb. Cortex. 2017 Feb 1;27(2):1629-1643. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhv336.ISSN 1047-3211 ; WOS:000397257600058; Scopus: 2-s2.0-85020124536

De Cegli R., Iacobacci S., Flore G., Gambardella G., Mao L.,  Cutillo L.,   Lauria M., Klose J., Illingworth E., Banfi S., and Diego di Bernardo Reverse-engineering a mouse embryonic stem-cell specific transcriptional network reveals a new modulator of neuronal differentiation – Nucleic Acid Research, (2013) Jan. vol.41 ( 2) :711-726 doi: 10.1093/nar/gks1136. Epub 2012 Nov 23.PMID: 23180766 ISSN 0305-1048 ; WOS:000314121100011;Scopus: 2-s2.0-84875477980

Romano A.L., Parisot  J., Flore G., Studer M. (2012).REGULATION OF EMBRYONIC AND ADULT NEURAL STEM CELLS DURING MOUSE CORTICOGENESIS; INVITED SPEAKERS.: CELL JOURNAL (YAKHTEH)  2012 ,1,1; Vol 14 n.1 pag 18-18 ISSN  2228-5806

Flore G. ,  Sannino S., Russo F., Studer M., De Leonibus E. Dissociation between recent and remote memory: a lesson from mutant mice with dimorphic cortical regions .Genes,Brain and Behaviour  02/06/2011 vol 10  n.4  ISSN 1601-183X 13 th annual meeting IBANGS- International behavioural and neural genetic society“ Genes,Brain and Behaviour”, 10-14 May 2011, Rome

Alfano C.,  Viola L.,  Ik-Tsen Heng J., Pirozzi M., Clarkson M.,  Flore G., De Maio A., Schedl A.,  Guillemot F. and Studer M. COUP-TFI promotes  radial migration and proper morphology of callosal projection neurons by repressing Rnd2 expression  - Development  2011 Nov;138(21):4685-97 doi: 10.1242/dev.068031. Epub 2011 Sep 28.PMID: 21965613 ISSN 0950-1991; WOS:000296060100012; Scopus: 2-s2.0-80053951528

POSITIONS HELD:

2018-12-27 to present | Research Scientist  III level (Neurodevelopmental Pathologies and Pharmacological Trials) Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Adriano Buzzati Traverso", National Council of Research (CNR)- Department of Biochemical Science (DSB): Naples, Campania, IT

2017-05-22 to 2018-12-27 | Temporary Researcher at Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Adriano Buzzati Traverso", National Council of Research (CNR): Naples, Campania, IT. - Prof.Baldini A. Lab, Full Professor at Federico II University , Naples, IT ( Pharmacological Rescue in 22q11.2 DGS )

2010-01 to 2017-05-21 | Post-DOC and Research fellow at  Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Adriano Buzzati Traverso", National Council of Research (CNR): Naples, Campania, IT  - Prof. Elizabeth A. Illingworth  Lab, Full Professor at Università degli Studi di Salerno, IT ( Neural Development in 22q11.2 DGS)

2005-11-08 to 2009-12-31 | PhD student at Dr. Michèle Studer's Lab, ( Brain Development), Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine: Napoli, Campania, IT

2003-10-01 to 2005-06-30 | Fellow at Dr.E.I. Rugarli's Lab ( Neurodegeneration ) Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine: Napoli, Campania, IT

EDUCATION and QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

2021-04-13 to 2022-07-26 | Second Level Master Degree in Preclinical and Clinical Drug Development and post marketing surveillance (Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery) – 110/110 com Laude

University of Naples Federico II: Naples, Campania, IT

2020-01-16 to 2020-06-25 | Advanced Training Course in Design, Project Management and Reporting of European Community Funds for Public Administration . University of Cassino and Southern Lazio: Cassino, Lazio, IT  in join with PFORM-Advanced Management Training School and Funded by INPS- National Institute of Public Welfare

2005-11-08 to 2010-03-16 | PhD in Molecular Medicine - Human Genetics.  European School of Molecular Medicine: Milano, Lombardia, IT  in join with Università Federico II, Naples,IT  and Università Statale, Milan, IT)

2005-10-20 to 2005-10-26 | Advanced Training Course in Scientific and Technological Research Career Development (P.O.R. 2000-2006) Regione Campania: Naples, Campania, IT

1997-10-01 to 2002-12-18 | Master's Degree in Pharmacy - 14/S Class of Master's Degree in Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy (Department of Pharmacy School of Medicine and Surgery) University of Naples Federico II: Naples, Campania, IT.  110/110 cum Laude.

Qualifications:

2005-06-28 to present | National Suitability as Executive Pharmacist . Regione Umbria: Perugia, Umbria, IT

2003-07-27 to present | National Suitability as Professional Pharmacist (State Exams Office) University of Naples Federico II: Naples, Campania, IT

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES:

• 2022|SIGU XX Congress (Italian Society of Human Genetics )Trieste , IT
• 2019|3^rd Joint Meeting of the European Society for Microcirculation (ESM) and the European Vascular Biology Organization (EVBO). Maastricht, Netherlands
• 2017| 2nd Joint Meeting of the European Society for Microcirculation (ESM) and European Vascular Biology Organization (EVBO).Genéve , Switzerland.
• 2017| Cardiovascular Development Meeting 2017. Padova, IT
• 2016| Newcastle Cardiovascular Development Meeting ,Newcastle, England
• 2016|ABCD Meeting Salerno , IT
• 2014| 9th FENS forum of Neuroscience, Milano, IT
• 2014|ABCD Congress: “Stem Cells, development and regenerative Medicine”, Salerno 6-7 Giugno 2014
• 2012| 1st Copenhagen Bioscence Conferences “The stem cell niche-development and disease”Copenhagen, Denmark.
• 2011| XVI Convention Telethon, Riva del Garda, IT
• 2011| 13 th annual meeting IBANGS- International behavioural and neural genetic society“ Genes,Brain and Behaviour”,Rome
• 2011|ABCD 2011 Congress, Ravenna, IT
• 2007|Meeting Adult Neurogenesis-Max Planck Institute for molecular cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
• 2007|ABCD Congress , Rome, IT
• 2007| Telethon Convention, Salsomaggiore Terme, IT
• 2006| Federation of Life sciences -FISV meeting 2006- Gene Regulation and signaling in neural development. Riva del Garda. IT
• 2005|Second Meeting on the Molecular Mechanism of Neurodegeneration, , Milano , IT
• 2005| Telethon Convention, Salsomaggiore Terme, IT

FUNDINGS-Part of:

Fondation LEDUCQ, 15CVD01 ( PI and European Coordinator Prof. Baldini) 01/01/2016 - 31/12/2020- extension to 2022: "22q11.2 deletion syndrome: Novel approaches to understand cardiopharyngeal pathogenesis", approx. US$900.000 for the Unit.

Jerome Lejeune Fondation: Vitamin B12 treatment of mouse models of DiGeroge syndrome: is it effective for the brain phenotype.( PI Elizabeth Illingworth)  Period of award,  01-02-2018 – 31-01-2020.                                                                                                                   Total Costs: Euros 40,000

MIUR PRIN 20179J2P9J 2017-2019 (Prof. Baldini Unit Coordinator), 2017-2019: “Unraveling cardiac progenitor biology: in vivo mechanistic insights and significance for congenital heart disease” (approx. €300.000 to Unit)

Telethon Foundation GGP14211 (Prof. Baldini P.I.), 2015-2018: "Phenotypic rescue of the DiGeorge syndrome phenotype in mouse models" (€341.600).

AIRC IG-17529 (Italian Association for Cancer Research), Prof. Baldini P.I. "p53-Tbx1 interaction in development and cell differentiation". 2016 - 2019, total funded: € 228.000

Telethon Project GGP14211 , 2015-2018: Telethon Foundation "Phenotypic rescue of the DiGeorge syndrome phenotype in mouse models" 22/5/2017- 21/05/2019; ( Prof. E.A. Illingworth P.I)  Total funded : 341.600,00 euro

Ministry of Health RF-2011- 02347197 (Prof. Baldini P.I.) "Epidrugs and cardiac differentiation: relevance for the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome" (2014-2017, approx €292.609).

EU-FP7 CardioGeNet Program (Prof. Baldini P.I. and Coordinator) 2009-2013: “Definition of a genetic network involved in congenital heart disease” (Approx. €600.000 to Unit).

MIUR (Italian Ministry of University and Research) PON 01_02342, 2011-2015. Prof. Baldini, Scientific Coordinator. “Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering: Novel approaches to damaged tissue repair”. (approx €1.000.000 to Unit).

MIUR " Quality FareBio: Stem Cell Reprogramming Laboratory” 2011-2013. Prof. Baldini Responsabile Unità IGB-CNR (approx €120.000 to Unit)

MIUR PRIN 2009J7F5WA (Prof. Baldini Responsabile Unità), 2011-2013: “Tbx1: Functional Mechanisms and interactions with chromatin” (approx. €150.000).

Telethon Foundation GGP11029 (Prof. Baldini P.I.), 2011-2014: “Phenotypic variability and gene haploinsufficiency” (Approx. €330.000).

MIUR (Italian Ministry of University and Research) PON 03PE_00060-7, 2013-2015. Unità IGB-CNR. “Preclinical development of new therapies and innovative strategies for the production of molecules with pharmacological action” (approx. €450.000).

Project n. S04006 AIRM  (S04006TELA- TELB) "Identification Of Genes Causing Schizophrenia--Related Behavior In A Mouse Model Of Del22q11 Syndrome" (Prof. E.A. Illingworth, P.I);  01/01/2010- 30/11/2012

Telethon Foundation-  FIRB Project “ Gene expression profiling  of neural development and differentiation  “(FIRB) n. TMSP27FIRG ( PI Dr. Michele Studer) 2005-2006

Telethon Foundation Project TERP08MDAB , “Hereditary Spastic paraplegia- Complicated Form” (E.I. Rugarli ,PI)2003-2005

FUNDINGS-Self:

Salary awards:

15/03/2021 : Public selection call - one year scholarship for  II level Master Degree in "Preclinical and Clinical Drug Development and Post-marketing surveillance " Federico II University , Department of Pharmacy - School of Medicine and Surgery, Naples –IT

02/05/2017:  Public selection call -one year salary award as  Temporary Researcher (TD)  pursuant to article 23 of the D.P.R. 12/2/91 n.171 referred to in the Notice n. ICB-TD-24/2017, prot. 0000444 of 02/03/2017, published in the Italian Official Gazette IV Special Series n. 13 of 02/17/2017 for position T.D. , Researcher profile, level III . Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, “Adriano Buzzati Traverso", National Council of Research (CNR)- Department of Biochemical Science(DSB): Naples, Campania, IT

8/11/2005: Public selection call –Four year  scholarship awarded by the SEMM Doctoral School - III Cycle in agreement with the University of Naples Federico II (XXI Doctoral Cycle) and the University of Milan attended at the TIGEM - Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine ,Naples, IT

20/10/2005 :Public selection call for  Integrated Higher Education Path "Career development path in Scientific and Technological Research" Issued by: Campania Region, P.O.R. 2000-2006 : "Promotion of female participation in the labor market" code 13 Axis III Measure 3.14 Action E.2.1, IT

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Projects –  Part of

Title: "Pathogenetical studies on mouse models of DiGeorge Syndrome”

Start date:  2022 End date: 2027 Authorization N. 28/2022-PR

Head researcher : Antonio Baldini, Experimental Executor: Antonio Baldini and Gemma Flore

Title: “ T-box TFs role  in neural and cardiac development”

Start date:  2016 End date: 2022 Authorization N. 257/2016-PR

Head researcher: Antonio Baldini Experimental Executor: Antonio Baldini and Gemma Flore

DISTINCTIONS:

Cash prizes:  

28/06/2008: € 1500,00 (third prize ) 14th N. Pascale International Scientific Prize for new projects:

Title: Bernacchia A* and  Flore G*; Eshes S., Martinelli P., Langer T and Rugarli E.I. “Paraplegin deficiency in mitochondria causes neurodegeneration without general respiratory impairment”. (*equal contribution)

18/11/2005:  € 3550,00 P.O.R. Voucher conferred by the Campania Region, to be used in transversal Professional Training Courses

Non-cash prizes:

25/10/2006: Best Poster Competition (II prize) conferred by Scientific Committee at  Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine Scientific Retreat 2006- Perugia.IT

Professional  Organizations  Membership:

SINS – Italian Society of Neurosciences

FENS- Federation of European Neuroscience Societies

ALBA Network

SIDRI- Italian Society of PhD

NBG - Neapolitan Brain Group

ESC - European Society of Cardiology

FOFI- Professional Association of Pharmacists, Naples, IT:   19/2/2007- 2011  Scientific Committee member for Quality in Pharmacy