Gerardo G. Piroli

Gerardo G. Piroli is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. His research focuses on protein succination in the context of mitochondrial diseases such as Leigh syndrome, with a particular interest in how metabolic stress impacts cellular function.

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Buenos Aires School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry
• Postdoctoral Training, The Rockefeller University and University of Buenos Aires
• B.Sc. in Biochemist and Pharmacist, University of Buenos Aires School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry

Dr. Piroli's research centers on the irreversible post-translational modification of proteins known as succination, which occurs when fumarate reacts with cysteine residues. His work has shown that the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is a key target of succination in the brain of the Ndufs4 KO mouse model of Leigh syndrome, potentially exacerbating mitochondrial dysfunction. He is currently exploring therapeutic interventions such as antioxidants and alternative electron carriers to reduce succination and improve outcomes in mitochondrial disorders.

His recent publications highlight trends in mitochondrial and metabolic stress, protein modifications, neurodegeneration, and endocrine regulation. Research spans from fundamental biochemistry to disease models, including diabetes, cancer, and stress-related neuropsychiatric conditions.

Scientific contributions include:

• Identification of tubulin as a novel succinated protein
• Linking mitochondrial stress to ER stress in adipocytes
• Exploring fumarase deficiency in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Investigating insulin resistance in hippocampal function

Dr. Piroli is actively involved in teaching medical and graduate students, covering pharmacology, physiology, and biochemical basis of disease. He leads small group discussions and lectures on topics including antimicrobials, metabolic integration, signal transduction, and the HPA axis. While no formal advisees are listed, his lab work under Dr. Norma Frizzell suggests mentorship of junior researchers. He has not received publicly listed awards, but his sustained publication record and interdisciplinary research indicate significant scientific impact.

His work is conducted within the Basic Science Building at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where he contributes to a collaborative environment focused on understanding the molecular basis of metabolic and neurological diseases.