Francesco Cappello

Francesco Cappello is a Full Professor in the Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics at the University of Palermo, Italy, where he also serves as Vice-Rector for Student Life. His office is located in the Human Anatomy and Histology Building, where he maintains regular office hours for students. Professor Cappello teaches across multiple departments including Medicine and Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, and Sciences of Motor and Sport Activities.

Professor Cappello's research program centers on molecular chaperones, particularly Heat Shock Protein 60 (Hsp60), and their roles in various physiological and pathological conditions. He has developed the concept of the "muco-microbiotic layer" as a novel morphofunctional structure and investigates how probiotics and nanovesicles might target this layer in disease conditions. His work spans multiple systems including the digestive system, skeletal muscle, neuroendocrine system, and respiratory system, exploring Hsp60's potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Analysis of Professor Cappello's recent publications reveals a comprehensive exploration of Hsp60 across multiple disease contexts. His 2025 publications demonstrate particular interest in the relationship between Hsp60 and skeletal muscle diseases, digestive system pathologies, and the neuroendocrine system. He is also pioneering connections between molecular chaperones and artificial intelligence applications in biomedical research, while investigating the therapeutic potential of probiotics like Lactobacillus fermentum LF31 in modulating inflammatory pathways and muscle atrophy.

Professor Cappello has maintained consistent teaching responsibilities across multiple academic years, instructing Human Anatomy II in Medicine and Surgery programs, Elements of Anatomy in Biomedical Engineering specializations, and Human Morphology courses in Motor and Sport Sciences. His teaching spans both foundational anatomy and specialized applications across various health science disciplines, reflecting his broad expertise in anatomical sciences.