Sestina Falcone

Sestina Falcone is a permanent Researcher at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), currently affiliated with the Institute of Myology in Paris since 2013. Her scientific journey includes a PhD and HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) in France, postdoctoral research in Milan (2000-2008), and academic positions focused on skeletal muscle physiology and aging.

• Education: PhD, HDR (Habilitation to Direct Research)

Her research centers on skeletal muscle homeostasis, aging-related atrophy, and translational approaches to neuromuscular diseases. A key discovery identified CAVβ1E/GDF5 as a critical axis for muscle preservation in age-related atrophy, with therapeutic implications validated in mice and humans. Current projects aim to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying neuromuscular pathologies.

Her publications span mitochondrial imaging, centronuclear myopathy, dystrophinopathies, and muscle regeneration. These works intersect calcium channel dynamics, cytoskeletal organization, and gene expression regulation in muscle cells.

• Scientific Awards: Three patents filed for neuromuscular therapeutic strategies based on GDF5 signaling

She works within the team led by France Piétri-Rouxel at the Institute of Myology, focusing on fundamental and translational studies of skeletal muscle physiology.