Paola Pontieri

Paola Pontieri is a Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR), part of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), working at the Naples branch (UOS Napoli). She has established herself as a leading expert in food-grade sorghum research and mitochondrial biology, with work spanning agricultural science, food technology, and biomedical applications.

Education:

• PhD in Applied Biological Sciences at the University of Naples Federico II (2007)
• Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Naples Federico II

Dr. Pontieri's research program focuses on two primary areas: food-grade sorghum as a functional food source and mitochondrial ribosomal proteins in relation to neurodegenerative diseases. Her sorghum work encompasses the entire value chain from cultivation to food product development, with particular emphasis on white food-grade varieties suitable for celiac patients. She has conducted extensive analyses of sorghum's nutritional composition, protein content, antioxidant properties, and practical applications. Her mitochondrial research investigates connections between mitochondrial ribosomal proteins and diseases like Alzheimer's using yeast and nematode models, with a specific focus on tellurite resistance mechanisms.

Analysis of Dr. Pontieri's publication record shows a consistent focus on sorghum as a food resource with Mediterranean adaptability, expanding over time to include connections between mitochondrial function and human health. Her recent work (2024-2025) demonstrates continued innovation in sorghum applications, including animal nutrition, while maintaining her dual research focus that bridges agricultural science with biomedical research.

Research Projects:

• ISFAAGF - Development of a sorghum agri-food chain for gluten-free products
• Celi.Net - Characterization of gluten-free crops including food-grade sorghum
• Distretto Campania Bioscience - Functional flours and baked goods for celiac patients
• NutrAge - CNR-DISBA project focused on nutrition and aging

Dr. Pontieri has served as Scientific Responsible for multiple research projects funded by regional and national initiatives, demonstrating leadership in coordinating interdisciplinary teams. Her work has practical applications in developing sustainable food systems and addressing nutritional challenges, with significant collaborations across Italy and internationally. Her laboratory focuses on characterizing sorghum proteins and bioactive compounds, establishing protocols for nutritional analysis of Mediterranean-grown varieties, and investigating mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms.