I am a scientist driven by curiosity about how proteins shape life at the molecular level. My research focuses on understanding the structural plasticity of proteins: how they fold, misfold, assemble, and sometimes transition into alternative states that can profoundly influence cellular function.

 

Throughout my career, I have been particularly interested in proteins that do not follow the classical “one structure–one function” paradigm. Many proteins are dynamic, polymorphic, and capable of adopting multiple conformations depending on their environment. In my group, we study metamorphic proteins that defy AI-based structural prediction methods, trying to bring fundamental understanding into: i) how this structural versatility enables biological regulation providing specific functional outcomes, and ii) how, under certain conditions, it contributes to disease - especially neurodegenerative disorders - characterized by protein misfolding and aggregation.

 

Using a combination of biophysical and structural techniques, we investigate proteins across their different states: soluble, intrinsically disordered, prionoid state, phase-separated, and aggregated. Our goal is to bridge molecular-level insight with biological consequence, uncovering the mechanisms that connect protein structure to health and pathology. This insight is pivotal for pioneering tools in biomedicine and biotechnology.

 

Beyond the lab, I am passionate about scientific communication and mentoring young researchers. I believe that advancing science requires not only rigorous experimentation but also collaboration, openness, and the ability to explain complex ideas clearly. Training future generations in critical thinking is essential for the advancement of knowledge, but also for building a better society.