Francesca DiCara

Francesca DiCara is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pediatrics at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on peroxisomes' role in innate immunity using Drosophila models. She holds a PhD from the University of Naples 'Federico II' and completed postdoctoral training at the Universities of Edinburgh, Alberta, and remained as a Research Associate at the latter until 2018.

• Education:
  • Laurea Magistrale (BSc + MSc), University of Naples 'Federico II'
  • PhD, University of Naples 'Federico II'

Her research investigates peroxisome-mediated immune signaling, particularly in macrophages and gut cells, exploring how peroxisome metabolic products influence Toll/IMD pathways (analogous to human Toll/TNF pathways). Key areas include peroxisome roles in inflammation, immunodeficiency, cancer, and diabetes. Current projects address peroxisome-dependent gene networks during infections and gut health maintenance.

Her work has been recognized with awards such as the 2016 Open European Peroxisome Meeting Presentation Award and the 2009 British Society of Cell Biology Travelling Award. She leads the Di Cara Lab, supported by grants from CIHR, NSERC, and others, and is recruiting students and technicians.

• Funding Sources:
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
  • Research Nova Scotia
  • Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute
  • Canada Research Chairs (Tier 2 in Human Immunology)

Lab activities include defining peroxisome roles in macrophage function, immune signaling pathways, and enteric immunity. Collaborations explore neurodegenerative diseases and rare disorders like Roifman syndrome through Drosophila models.