The SINTER Study examines bone strength, influenced by genetics, aging, and lifestyle. Osteoporosis, linked to low bone mass and high fracture risk, worsens with age
Gene: Basic unit of inheritance passed from parent to child
Craft: Skill and experience
GeneCraft.nl comprises the expertise and experience of the Genomics Medicine team at the Department of Internal Medicine in Erasmus MC. Our group is committed to transforming genomic discoveries into tangible clinical solutions for individuals vulnerable to common complex disorders with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system.
Lines of research
Translational Genomics
Translational Genomics, where cutting-edge genetic research meets practical healthcare solutions. Our focus includes personalized treatments, genomics-assisted decision-making, and integrating clinical and population-based studies. We aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance disease understanding, and develop targeted interventions.
Deep (musculo) skeletal phenotyping
Our research enhances musculoskeletal health by analyzing bone density, body composition, muscle strength, and spinal alignment. We improve fracture risk prediction and develop interventions through advanced analytical tools, including machine learning, applied to Big Data from population and patient cohorts, integrating genetics, environment, and lifestyle for better health outcomes.
Projects
Niccolò Pellegrini
Visiting Research
I am a visiting PhD researcher from Italy. I obtained my BSc in Biology at Sapienza University of Rome and later completed my MSc in Human Nutrition at Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, where I began my PhD in 2023.
Previously, I worked on a project exploring the bone–vascular axis in type 2 diabetes, investigating the interplay between inflammation, bone-derived molecules, and Wnt signaling in carotid plaques from individuals with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The focus of my current research, in collaboration with the team here at Erasmus MC, is to investigate the relationship between ANGPTL3 and bone health, specifically its association with lipidomic markers, bone mineral density, and fracture risk. The goal is to assess whether specific lipid profiles and circulating levels of ANGPTL3 are associated with an altered risk of developing fractures and reduced bone mineral density over time.
Favorite
“I enjoy playing tennis, going fishing, watching a good movie (especially sci-fi) and spending time in the kitchen trying out new recipes.”
- Increased bone inflammation in type 2 diabetes and obesity correlates with Wnt signaling downregulation and reduced bone strength. Leanza G, Faraj M, Cannata F, Viola V, Pellegrini N, Tramontana F, Pedone C, Vadalà G,
Piccoli A, Strollo R, Zalfa F, Civitelli R, Maccarrone M, Papalia R, Napoli N. *bioRxiv*. 2024 Sep 26. doi: 10.1101/2024.09.26.615119
- The endocannabinoid anandamide activates pro-resolving pathways in human primary macrophages by engaging both CB2 and GPR18 receptors. Leuti A, Fava M, Forte G, Pellegrini N, Oddi S, Scipioni L, Gomez EA, Dalli J, Maccarrone M.
FASEB J. 2024 May
31;38(10):e23675. doi: 10.1096/fj.202301325R. PMID: 38801406.
- Bone canonical Wnt signaling is downregulated in type 2 diabetes and
associates with higher advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) content and reduced bone
strength. Leanza G, Cannata F, Faraj M, Pedone C, Viola V, Tramontana F, Pellegrini N, Vadalà G, Piccoli A, Strollo R, Zalfa F, Beeve AT, Scheller EL, Tang SY, Civitelli R, Maccarrone M, Papalia
R, Napoli N. Elife. 2024 Apr 10;12:RP90437. doi: 10.7554/eLife.90437. PMID: 38598270;
PMCID: PMC11006415.
- Simulated Microgravity Affects Pro-Resolving Properties of Primary Human Monocytes. Cells. Leuti A, Fava M, Pellegrini N, Forte G, Fanti F, Della Valle F, De Dominicis N, Sergi M,
Maccarrone M. 2024 Jan 3;13(1):100. doi: 10.3390/cells13010100. PMID:
38201304; PMCID: PMC10778078.
- Epidemiology and risk factors of type 1 diabetes. Pellegrini, N., Leanza, G., & Pozzilli, P. (2023). Il Diabete, 35(3). https://doi.org/10.30682/ildia2303b
- Role of Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators
in Neuropathic Pain. Front Pharmacol. Leuti A, Fava M, Pellegrini N, Maccarrone M. 2021 Aug 11; 12:717993. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.717993. PMID: 34456731; PMCID: PMC8385637.
2024
Travel Grant YoSID – Italian Diabetes Society
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