Researcher
Link Campus University - Rome
Dr. Pia Montanucci is a researcher at Link Campus University, Department of Life Sciences, Health, and Health Professions (scientific-disciplinary sector BIOS-10/A, Cellular and Applied Biology), at the Città di Castello campus. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences (110/110 with honors), a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and a Specialization in Food Science (50/50 with honors). She is qualified to serve as an associate professor in the competitive sectors 05/F1 (Applied Biology) and 06/N1 (Healthcare Professions and Applied Medical Technologies).
Her research focuses on regenerative medicine, cellular and molecular therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D), biomaterials engineering, and immunomodulation. Among her key translational achievements are her participation in the development and clinical validation of an immuno-isolation technology using microencapsulation of human pancreatic islets, which led to a Phase I pilot clinical trial in humans; the development of a method for isolating stromal stem cells from the umbilical cord (hUCMS); the characterization of endocrine precursors (hIPC/hIDC). She has also contributed to the identification of paracrine immunomodulatory mechanisms mediated by IDO1 and HLA-G5, the development of microcapsules for the release of monoclonal antibodies (G3C), and the creation of beta-like spheroids derived from hiPSCs and coated with elastin-like recombinamers (ELR).
As the author of 38 publications in international journals and co-inventor of two patents, she has participated in national and European research projects, including the Horizon 2020 ELASTISLET project.
Curriculum VitaeOFFICE HOURS
The professor is available to receive the students at the end of the lessons. However, the students may also request an appointment by email.