Flavia Pichiorri's Biography

Flavia Pichiorri, Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University

The primary focus of my research has been elucidating the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in multiple myeloma (MM) development. Specifically in this project we plan to characterize the functional role of circulating miRNAs free or encapsulated in small lipid drafts (exosome) in cell-cell communication and to identify differentially expressed peripheral blood biomarkers in MM patients at diagnosis. My long term goal is to provide the molecular basis to accurately risk stratify MM patients at diagnosis, thus advising on the best course of medical treatment. This will include the understanding of the functional relationship between circulating miRNAs and cytokines in vitro and directly in the patients setting and a deeper understanding of the miRNA structure and localization, setting the stage for developing a novel diagnostic tool and small RNA based therapy.My research program has been greatly facilitated by the development of next generation technologies for miRNome and proteome analysis, both available here at The Ohio State University. These technologies have already allowed direct assessment of circulating miRNAs in MM patients as possible new non-invasive molecular marker for high and low risk MM disease and response to the therapy. As a post-doctoral fellow and research scientist in Dr. Carlo M. Croce’s laboratory, I was the first to show that miRNAs are involved in the malignant transformation of plasma cells (PCs) and that miRNA-dependent deregulation of critical genes contribute to MM pathogenesis.. I also showed that recurrent molecular aberrations, such as p53 mutation/deletion, could affect the miRNA expression and therapeutic response in MM cells. I am a young scientist who has built a good record through scientific publications. I have nearly 40 peer-reviewed publications in major scientific journals, notably first authored and senior or co-senior authored papers published in Journal of Proteomics, Journal of Experimental Medicine, Cancer Cell, Blood, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and many others. The current application builds logically on my prior work extending the knowledge of the role of circulating miRNAs as possible new players in MM pathogenesis and as new diagnostic biomarkers for disease progression. I have a demonstrated a record of high relevance publications in the field of Multiple Myeloma, and my scientific record has prepared me to lead the proposed project. I am also an extremely hard working, diligent, and self-motivated person with talent, creativity, and a friendly and approachable personality.