Lorena Pochini

Lorena Pochini is an Associate Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST). She is also affiliated with the CNR's Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM) and coordinates several undergraduate and graduate programs in Biology and Biotechnology. Her academic profile reflects sustained excellence in research, teaching, and academic leadership.

• Associate Professor, University of Calabria (2020–present)
• Coordinator, Degree Programs in Biology and Health Biotechnology
• Member, Doctoral Faculty in Life Sciences and Technology
• Research Associate, IBIOM-CNR (2023–present)
• Speaker, Research Hub 'Inclusive health & well-being', EUPeace Project

Her research focuses on membrane transporters, particularly the SLC family, including OCTN1, ASCT2, and LAT1. These proteins play critical roles in nutrient uptake, cancer metabolism, drug interactions, and human diseases. She investigates their expression, purification, functional reconstitution in proteoliposomes, and structure-function relationships using biochemical and molecular techniques.

Her recent publications span topics such as acetylcholine transport via OCTN1 in cancer cells, carnitine trafficking in fertility, heavy metal effects on transporters, and the role of SLC transporters in polyamine and amino acid homeostasis. These works reflect a strong trend toward understanding transporter roles in pathophysiology and drug development, frequently published in high-impact journals like International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Frontiers, and Nature Communications.

Lorena Pochini has supervised over 50 thesis projects and five PhD dissertations. She has served on numerous examination and degree committees and contributed to national training programs and master’s courses in food safety and biotechnology. Her leadership extends to EU projects and academic governance.

She is actively involved in research labs focused on membrane biochemistry and transporter biology, contributing to national and international collaborations. Her work integrates molecular biology, enzymology, and systems physiology to advance understanding of human health and disease mechanisms.