Maria Prencipe

Dr. Maria Prencipe is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Ireland. She is an accomplished cancer biologist specializing in prostate and breast cancer, with a focus on mechanisms of resistance to hormone therapy. Her research integrates molecular mechanisms with translational applications, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve patient outcomes.

Education:

• PhD in Cancer Biology, University College Dublin
• Degree in Biology (major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), L’Aquila University, Italy

Research Interests:

Dr. Prencipe's research centers on understanding and overcoming resistance to hormone therapy in breast and prostate cancer. She investigates the role of transcription factors like the Androgen Receptor (AR) and Serum Response Factor (SRF) in driving resistance and progression. Her work combines in vitro studies with patient-derived data to validate potential therapeutic targets.

Scientific Awards:

• EACR Young Scientist Award (2017)
• Irish Cancer Society Researcher of the Year (2016)
• St. Luke's Young Investigator Award (2014)

Grants and Funding:

• Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Starting Investigator Research Award (SIRG) - "Targeting co-regulators of the Androgen Receptor as a novel therapeutic approach for prostate and breast cancer" (2019-2023)
• The Caroline Foundation Fellowship (2018)
• Irish Cancer Society Research Fellowship (2012-2017)

Teaching and Supervision:

Dr. Prencipe is actively involved in teaching and mentoring. She supervises PhD students and contributes to modules such as Genomic Instability, Clinical Biomarkers, Cancer Epigenetics, and Endocrine Diseases at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.