Stefania Crispi

Dr. Stefania Crispi is a senior researcher and Technologist Director at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), part of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), where she leads the Gene Expression and Molecular Genetics Laboratory in Naples. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as a prominent researcher in molecular genetics, cancer biology, and neurodegenerative diseases. Her work bridges laboratory research with potential therapeutic applications, particularly focusing on natural compounds and their mechanisms of action.

Dr. Crispi earned her Degree in Biological Sciences with top honors (110/110) from the University of Naples 'Federico II' in 1987, followed by post-laurea training at the Department of Genetics. She completed her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Genetics (1989-1994) and a post-doctoral fellowship (1995-1997), also at the University of Naples. In 2005, she obtained a second-level Master's degree in Phytotherapy from the University of Siena, which significantly shaped her research trajectory toward natural compounds and their therapeutic potential.

Her research interests focus on understanding molecular mechanisms in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on how bioactive natural compounds like curcumin, polyphenols, and crocins can modulate cellular pathways. She investigates how these compounds interact with cellular targets to prevent oxidative stress, regulate apoptosis, and influence gut-brain axis communication. Her work often explores the therapeutic potential of combining natural compounds with conventional treatments to enhance efficacy while reducing side effects, particularly in cancer therapy and neurodegenerative conditions like Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear research trajectory focusing on the molecular mechanisms of natural compounds in disease contexts. Her work demonstrates increasing sophistication in connecting gut microbiota, dietary bioactives, and neurological outcomes, with growing emphasis on nanoparticle delivery systems to improve bioavailability of therapeutic compounds. The research shows a consistent pattern of moving from basic molecular mechanisms toward translational applications, with particular strength in cancer research and neuroprotection.

Dr. Crispi maintains active collaborations with numerous researchers across Italy, including Raffaele Calogero at the University of Turin, Gustavo Mita at the Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Alfonso Baldi and Nadia Diano at the Second University of Naples, and Vania Broccoli at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan. Her laboratory serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research connecting molecular biology, pharmacology, and clinical applications.