The lab: Marine group
Lab's research themes:
The Van Den Bosch Lab focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those affecting motor neurons, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Our research aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms that lead to the degeneration of motor neurons, exploring factors like protein misfolding, mitochondrial dysfunction, and RNA metabolism. By identifying the cellular pathways that drive disease progression, we work to uncover new therapeutic targets. A major goal of our research is to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical applications, translating our findings into potential treatments for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.
Merits of the lab:
Our lab is internationally recognized for its innovative contributions to motor neuron disease research, particularly in ALS and FTD. By leveraging a combination of genetic, cellular, and animal models, we gain comprehensive insights into the disease mechanisms. One of our lab's strengths is our ability to integrate molecular biology with cutting-edge disease models, enabling us to study neurodegeneration in a highly controlled environment. We collaborate with leading institutions and clinical partners to ensure that our discoveries can be rapidly translated into therapeutic strategies. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to tackle these complex diseases from multiple angles, making us a leader in the field.
Why do we train medical doctors in our team?
Training medical doctors is essential for advancing patient-centered research in motor neuron diseases. Their clinical expertise helps guide our research towards the most urgent unmet medical needs, ensuring that our work remains relevant to patients. By collaborating with doctors, we foster a two-way exchange of knowledge: doctors gain a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases, while our lab benefits from their practical insights into disease progression and treatment. This collaboration accelerates the translation of our research into clinical trials and therapeutic development, improving the outlook for patients with ALS and related disorders.
The position
Meet Marcello!
Biosketch
Marcello Giunta was born in Catania (Italy) where he continued his studies until graduating in medicine, in 2017. He then moved to Brescia to start the residency programme in Neurology, during which he was mainly focused on neurodegenerative disorders. In 2022 he obtained the title of neurologist defending a thesis relating to an innovative neuroimaging analysis multimodal in Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Interested in preclinical basic research, he followed a fellowship in Prof. Shaw’s laboratory at King’s College, taking part in projects related to the role of new potential modifiers in ALS. Marcello is currently a PhD Student in The Van Den Bosch’s lab at KU, Leuven.
University awarding the PhD
Marcello is enrolled in the KU Leuven doctoral programme.
I decided to become a physician because…
I have always believed there is nothing more rewarding than helping others and, as a doctor, I have the opportunity to make this my job. I also had the opportunity to directly experience the discomfort caused by neurological diseases and their current incurability. This is the reason why I decided to give my contribution and take part in their defeat.
But also, I wanted to become a scientist because…
As medical doctors, we have the advantage of knowing not only diseases but, more importantly, patients and the development of diseases on them. This gives us a privileged point of view to guide the research and to choose the aspects that deserve more to be focused on to improve patients’ lives. So the scientist, behind the doctor, could reach astonishing achievements.
What I am working on?
Currently, I am working on iPSCs, cells derived from patients carrying pathogenetic mutations, to define potential modifiers of disease history. More in detail, I am focused on RNA-related toxicity in FTLD. I am also starting to handle an animal model of FTLD, in particular zebrafish, to prove the potential beneficial effects of some molecules in vivo.
Why is this important to me as a medical doctor?
As a doctor, I have the role of acting as a bridge between basic research and the patients who will benefit from it. I have the responsibility to give answers to their question and, therefore, to translate the results of the research into the real-world dimension.
Who am I besides a future physician-scientist?
Besides work and study, I really love reading but, above all music. Indeed, I am a violinist and, as much as I can, I try to leverage this passion to have great times with friends, doing music together.
