CURRICULUM VITAE

Name:                  Roberto Testi

Birthdate:             March 20, 1957

Birthplace:            Rome, Italy

Citizenship:           Italian

Education:            M.D., 1982, University of Rome "La Sapienza"

e-mail:                 roberto.testi@uniroma2.it

Present positions

                  Chairman of Immunology, Dept of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”.

Professional experience

1982-1984    Resident, Clinical Immunology Dept., Institute of Internal Medicine, Univ. of Rome "La Sapienza"

1984-1986    Research Fellow, Lab. of Immunology, Dept. of                                                          Experimental Medicine, Univ. of Rome "La Sapienza"

1986-1987    Research Fellow in Pathology, Lab. of Immunobiology,                                                 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Boston (MA), USA

1988-1989    Research Fellow, Lab. of Immunobiology, Becton Dickinson

                  Monoclonal Center, Mountain View (CA), USA 

1988-1990    Research Associate, Cancer Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (CA), USA

1989-1992    Assistant Professor in Pathology, Dept. of Experimental                                                Medicine, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila          

1992-2000    Associate Professor in Pathology, Dept. of Experimental                                               Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata"

1994-2024    Founder and Director, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, University of Rome "Tor Vergata"

2000-date     Full Professor of Immunology, Dept. of Biomedicine and Prevention, School of Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata"

2015-2022    Founder and President, Fratagene Therapeutics srl, Rome.

Academic governance

1998-2001    member of the Cultural Commission of the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

2000-2003    member of the Scientific Observatory of the School of Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

2009-2011    member of the Research and Development Commission, School of Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

2010-2012    member of the Board, Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

2012-2015    member of Scientific Commission, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, School of Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

2015-2018    President of the Research Commission, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, School of Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

Selected Publications

A pilot phase 2 randomized trial to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of etravirine in Friedreich ataxia patients.

Paparella G, Stragà C, Pesenti N, Dal Molin V, Martorel GA, Merotto V, Genova C, Piazza A, Piccoli G, Panzeri E, Rufini A, Testi R, Martinuzzi A.

Children (Basel). 2024 Aug 9;11(8):958.

An RNA-seq study in Friedreich ataxia patients identified hsa-miR-148a-3p as a putative prognostic biomarker of the disease

Vancheri C, Quatrana A, Morini E, Mariotti C, Mongelli A, Fichera M, Rufini A, Condò I, Testi R, Novelli G, Malisan F, Amati F.

Hum Genomics. 2024 May 22;18(1):50.

Interferon Gamma Enhances Cytoprotective Pathways via Nrf2 and MnSOD Induction in Friedreich's Ataxia Cells.

Luffarelli R, Panarello L, Quatrana A, Tiano F, Fortuni S, Rufini A, Malisan F, Testi R, Condò I.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Aug 11;24(16):12687.

Drug Repositioning in Friedreich Ataxia.

Rufini A, Malisan F, Condò I, Testi R.

Front Neurosci. 2022 Feb 9;16:814445. eCollection 2022.

Hsa-miR223-3p circulating level is upregulated in Friedreich's ataxia and inversely associated with HCLS1 associated protein X-1, HAX-1.

Quatrana A, Morini E, Tiano F, Vancheri C, Panarello L, Romano S, Marcotulli C, Casali C, Mariotti C, Mongelli A, Fichera M, Rufini A, Condò I, Novelli G, Testi R, Amati F, Malisan F.

Hum Mol Genet. 2022 Jun 22;31(12):2010-2022.

Sensitivity of Neuroimaging Indicators in Monitoring the Effects of Interferon Gamma Treatment in Friedreich's Ataxia.

Vavla M, Arrigoni F, Toschi N, Peruzzo D, D'Angelo MG, Gandossini S, Russo A, Diella E, Tirelli S, Salati R, Rufini A, Condo I, Testi R, Martinuzzi A.

Front Neurosci. 2020 Oct 9;14:872. eCollection 2020.

Frataxin deficiency in Friedreich's ataxia is associated with reduced levels of HAX-1, a regulator of cardiomyocyte death and survival.

Tiano F, Amati F, Cherubini F, Morini E, Vancheri C, Maletta S, Fortuni S, Serio D, Quatrana A, Luffarelli R, Benini M, Alfedi G, Panarello L, Rufini A, Toschi N, Frontali M, Romano S, Marcotulli C, Casali C, Gioiosa S, Mariotti C, Mongelli A, Fichera M, Condò I, Novelli G, Testi R, Malisan F.

Hum Mol Genet. 2020 Feb 1;29(3):471-482.

Safety and efficacy of interferon γ in friedreich's ataxia.

Vavla M, D'Angelo MG, Arrigoni F, Toschi N, Peruzzo D, Gandossini S, Russo A, Diella E, Tirelli S, Salati R, Scarpazza P, Luffarelli R, Fortuni S, Rufini A, Condò I, Testi R, Martinuzzi A.

Mov Disord. 2020 Feb;35(2):370-371. Epub 2020 Jan 13.

SINEUP non-coding RNAs rescue defective frataxin expression and activity in a cellular model of Friedreich's Ataxia.

Bon C, Luffarelli R, Russo R, Fortuni S, Pierattini B, Santulli C, Fimiani C, Persichetti F, Cotella D, Mallamaci A, Santoro C, Carninci P, Espinoza S, Testi R, Zucchelli S, Condò I, Gustincich S.

Nucleic Acids Res. 2019 Nov 18;47(20):10728-10743.

Drug repositioning screening identifies etravirine as a potential therapeutic for friedreich's ataxia.

Alfedi G, Luffarelli R, Condò I, Pedini G, Mannucci L, Massaro DS, Benini M, Toschi N, Alaimo G, Panarello L, Pacini L, Fortuni S, Serio D, Malisan F, Testi R, Rufini A.

Mov Disord. 2019 Mar;34(3):323-334. Epub 2019 Jan 9.

Biophysical characterisation of the recombinant human frataxin precursor.

Castro IH, Ferrari A, Herrera MG, Noguera ME, Maso L, Benini M, Rufini A, Testi R, Costantini P, Santos J.

FEBS Open Bio. 2018 Jan 25;8(3):390-405. eCollection 2018 Mar.

E3 Ligase RNF126 Directly Ubiquitinates Frataxin, Promoting Its Degradation: Identification of a Potential Therapeutic Target for Friedreich Ataxia.

Benini M, Fortuni S, Condò I, Alfedi G, Malisan F, Toschi N, Serio D, Massaro DS, Arcuri G, Testi R, Rufini A.

Cell Rep. 2017 Feb 21;18(8):2007-2017.

GIFT-1, a phase IIa clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of IFNγ administration in FRDA patients.

Marcotulli C, Fortuni S, Arcuri G, Tomassini B, Leonardi L, Pierelli F, Testi R, Casali C.

Neurol Sci. 2016 Mar;37(3):361-4. Epub 2015 Nov 30. 

Analyzing the Effects of a G137V Mutation in the FXN Gene.

Faggianelli N, Puglisi R, Veneziano L, Romano S, Frontali M, Vannocci T, Fortuni S, Testi R, Pastore A.

Front Mol Neurosci. 2015 Nov 25; 8:66. eCollection 2015. 

Src inhibitors modulate frataxin protein levels.

Cherubini F, Serio D, Guccini I, Fortuni S, Arcuri G, Condò I, Rufini A, Moiz S, Camerini S, Crescenzi M, Testi R, Malisan F.

Hum Mol Genet. 2015 May 6. pii: ddv162. [Epub ahead of print]

Highly specific ubiquitin-competing molecules effectively promote frataxin accumulation and partially rescue the aconitase defect in Friedreich ataxia cells.

Rufini A, Cavallo F, Condò I, Fortuni S, De Martino G, Incani O, Di Venere A, Benini M, Massaro DS, Arcuri G, Serio D, Malisan F, Testi R.

Neurobiol Dis. 2015 Mar; 75:91-9. Epub 2014 Dec 27.

Autophagy induction extends lifespan and reduces lipid content in response to frataxin silencing in C. elegans.

Schiavi A, Torgovnick A, Kell A, Megalou E, Castelein N, Guccini I, Marzocchella L, Gelino S, Hansen M, Malisan F, Condò I, Bei R, Rea SL, Braeckman BP, Tavernarakis N, Testi R, Ventura N.

Exp Gerontol. 2013 Feb;48(2):191-201. Epub 2012 Dec 13. Erratum in: Exp Gerontol. 2013 Sep;48(9):1001.

Interferon gamma upregulates frataxin and corrects the functional deficits in a Friedreich ataxia model.

Tomassini B, Arcuri G, Fortuni S, Sandi C, Ezzatizadeh V, Casali C, Condò I, Malisan F, Al-Mahdawi S, Pook M, Testi R.

Hum Mol Genet. 2012 Jul 1;21(13):2855-61. Epub 2012 Mar 23.

Frataxin participates to the hypoxia-induced response in tumors.

Guccini I, Serio D, Condò I, Rufini A, Tomassini B, Mangiola A, Maira G, Anile C, Fina D, Pallone F, Mongiardi MP, Levi A, Ventura N, Testi R, Malisan F.

Cell Death Dis. 2011 Feb 24;2(1): e123.

Preventing the ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation of frataxin, the protein defective in Friedreich's ataxia.

Rufini A, Fortuni S, Arcuri G, Condò I, Serio D, Incani O, Malisan F, Ventura N, Testi R.

Hum Mol Genet. 2011 Apr 1;20(7):1253-61. 

Epub 2011 Jan 7.

A role for p53 in mitochondrial stress response control of longevity in C. elegans.

Torgovnick A, Schiavi A, Testi R, Ventura N.

Exp Gerontol. 2010 Aug;45(7-8):550-7. Epub 2010 Feb 19.

Molecular control of the cytosolic aconitase/IRP1 switch by extramitochondrial frataxin.

Condò I, Malisan F, Guccini I, Serio D, Rufini A, Testi R.

Hum Mol Genet. 2010 Apr 1;19(7):1221-9. Epub 2010 Jan 6.

p53/CEP-1 Increases or Decreases Lifespan, Depending on Level of Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Stress.

Ventura N, Rea SL, Schiavi A, Torgovnick A, Testi R, Johnson TE.

Aging Cell. 2009 Apr 22. [Epub ahead of print]

ATM kinase activity modulates Fas sensitivity through the regulation of FLIP in lymphoid cells.

Stagni V, di Bari MG, Cursi S, Condò I, Cencioni MT, Testi R, Lerenthal Y, Cundari E, Barilà D.

Blood. 2008 Jan 15;111(2):829-37. Epub 2007 Oct 11.

In vivo maturation of human frataxin.

Condò I, Ventura N, Malisan F, Rufini A, Tomassini B, Testi R.

Hum Mol Genet. 2007 Jul 1;16(13):1534-40. Epub 2007 Apr 27.

Long-lived C. elegans mitochondrial mutants as a model for human mitochondrial-associated diseases.

Ventura N, Rea SL, Testi R.

Exp Gerontol. 2006 Oct;41(10):974-91. Epub 2006 Sep 1. Review.

5-aminosalicylic acid enhances anchorage-independent colorectal cancer cell death.

Fina D, Franchi L, Caruso R, Peluso I, Naccari GC, Bellinvia S, Testi R, Pallone F, Monteleone G.

Eur J Cancer. 2006 Oct;42(15):2609-16. Epub 2006 Aug 17.

C. elegans as a model for Friedreich Ataxia.

Ventura N, Rea SL, Handerson ST, Condò I, Testi R, Johnson TE.

FASEB J. 2006 May;20(7):1029-30. No abstract available.

c-Abl acetylation by histone acetyltransferases regulates its nuclear-cytoplasmic localization.

di Bari MG, Ciuffini L, Mingardi M, Testi R, Soddu S, Barilà D.

EMBO Rep. 2006 Jul;7(7):727-33. Epub 2006 Apr 28.

Src kinase phosphorylates Caspase-8 on Tyr380: a novel mechanism of apoptosis suppression.

Cursi S, Rufini A, Stagni V, Condò I, Matafora V, Bachi A, Bonifazi AP, Coppola L, Superti-Furga G, Testi R, Barilà D.

EMBO J. 2006 May 3;25(9):1895-905. Epub 2006 Apr 13.

A pool of extramitochondrial frataxin that promotes cell survival.

Condò I, Ventura N, Malisan F, Tomassini B, Testi R.

J Biol Chem. 2006 Jun 16;281(24):16750-6. Epub 2006 Apr 11.

9-O-acetyl GD3 protects tumor cells from apoptosis.

Kniep B, Kniep E, Ozkucur N, Barz S, Bachmann M, Malisan F, Testi R, Rieber EP.

Int J Cancer. 2006 Jul 1;119(1):67-73.

Ceramide catabolism critically controls survival of human dendritic cells.

Franchi L, Malisan F, Tomassini B, Testi R.

J Leukoc Biol. 2006 Jan;79(1):166-72. Epub 2005 Oct 21.

Silencing of SH-PTP2 defines a crucial role in the inactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor by 5-aminosalicylic acid in colon cancer cells.

Monteleone G, Franchi L, Fina D, Caruso R, Vavassori P, Monteleone I, Calabrese E, Naccari GC, Bellinvia S, Testi R, Pallone F.

Cell Death Differ. 2006 Feb;13(2):202-11.

The ganglioside GD3 as the Greek goddess Hecate: several faces turned towards as many directions.

Malisan F, Testi R.

IUBMB Life. 2005 Jul;57(7):477-82. Review.

Reduced expression of frataxin extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Ventura N, Rea S, Henderson ST, Condo I, Johnson TE, Testi R.

Aging Cell. 2005 Apr;4(2):109-12.

Differential regulation of apoptotic cell death in senescent human cells.

Hampel B, Malisan F, Niederegger H, Testi R, Jansen-Dürr P.

Exp Gerontol. 2004 Nov-Dec;39(11-12):1713-21.

Calnexin suppresses GD3 synthase-induced apoptosis.

Tomassini B, Malisan F, Franchi L, Nicolò C, Calvo GB, Saito T, Testi R.

FASEB J. 2004 Oct;18(13):1553-5. Epub 2004 Aug 19.

Mitochondrial lipids as apoptosis regulators.

Malisan F, Testi R.

Curr Med Chem. 2003 Aug;10(16):1573-80. Review.

A caspaselike activity is triggered by LPS and is required for survival of human dendritic cells.

Franchi L, Condò I, Tomassini B, Nicolò C, Testi R.

Blood. 2003 Oct 15;102(8):2910-5. Epub 2003 Jun 26.

Caspase-dependent cleavage of c-Abl contributes to apoptosis.

Barilà D, Rufini A, Condò I, Ventura N, Dorey K, Superti-Furga G, Testi R.

Mol Cell Biol. 2003 Apr;23(8):2790-9.

GD3 ganglioside and apoptosis.

Malisan F, Testi R.

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2002 Dec 30;1585(2-3):179-87. Review.

Acetylation suppresses the proapoptotic activity of GD3 ganglioside.

Malisan F, Franchi L, Tomassini B, Ventura N, Condò I, Rippo MR, Rufini A, Liberati L, Nachtigall C, Kniep B, Testi R.

J Exp Med. 2002 Dec 16;196(12):1535-41.

GD3 in cellular ageing and apoptosis.

Malisan F, Testi R.

Exp Gerontol. 2002 Oct-Nov;37(10-11):1273-82. Review.

Disialoganglioside GD3 is released by microglia and induces oligodendrocyte apoptosis.

Simon BM, Malisan F, Testi R, Nicotera P, Leist M.

Cell Death Differ. 2002 Jul;9(7):758-67.

Lipid signaling in CD95-mediated apoptosis.

Rufini A, Testi R.

Subcell Biochem. 2002; 36:285-308. Review. No abstract available.

Mitochondria as sensors of sphingolipids.

Tomassini B, Testi R.

Biochimie. 2002 Feb-Mar;84(2-3):123-9. Review.

UVB-induced apoptosis of human dendritic cells: contribution by caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways.

Nicolò C, Tomassini B, Rippo MR, Testi R.

Blood. 2001 Mar 15;97(6):1803-8.

Intracellular mediators of programmed cell death initiated at the cell surface receptor Fas.

Condo I, Testi R.

Transpl Int. 2000;13 Suppl 1:S3-6. Review.

GD3 ganglioside directly targets mitochondria in a bcl-2-controlled fashion.

Rippo MR, Malisan F, Ravagnan L, Tomassini B, Condo I, Costantini P, Susin SA, Rufini A, Todaro M, Kroemer G, Testi R.

FASEB J. 2000 Oct;14(13):2047-54.

Lipopolysaccharide induces jun N-terminal kinase activation in macrophages by a novel Cdc42/Rac-independent pathway involving sequential activation of protein kinase C zeta and phosphatidylcholine-dependent phospholipase C.

Procyk KJ, Rippo MR, Testi R, Hofmann F, Parker PJ, Baccarini M.

Blood. 2000 Oct 1;96(7):2592-8.

Primary macrophages infected by human immunodeficiency virus trigger CD95-mediated apoptosis of uninfected astrocytes.

Aquaro S, Panti S, Caroleo MC, Balestra E, Cenci A, Forbici F, Ippolito G, Mastino A, Testi R, Mollace V, Caliò R, Perno CF.

J Leukoc Biol. 2000 Sep;68(3):429-35.

Distinct mechanisms target stress and extracellular signal-activated kinase 1 and Jun N-terminal kinase during infection of macrophages with Salmonella.

Procyk KJ, Rippo MR, Testi R, Hoffmann F, Parker PJ, Baccarini M.

J Immunol. 1999 Nov 1;163(9):4924-30.

Lipid signaling in CD95-mediated apoptosis.

Malisan F, Testi R.

FEBS Lett. 1999 Jun 4;452(1-2):100-3. Review.

Fas/Fas ligand-driven T cell apoptosis as a consequence of ineffective thyroid immunoprivilege in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Stassi G, Todaro M, Bucchieri F, Stoppacciaro A, Farina F, Zummo G, Testi R, De Maria R.

J Immunol. 1999 Jan 1;162(1):263-7.

Caspases mediate retinoic acid-induced degradation of the acute promyelocytic leukemia PML/RARalpha fusion protein.

Nervi C, Ferrara FF, Fanelli M, Rippo MR, Tomassini B, Ferrucci PF, Ruthardt M, Gelmetti V, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Diverio D, Grignani F, Pelicci PG, Testi R.

Blood. 1998 Oct 1;92(7):2244-51.

Fas-FasL interactions: a common pathogenetic mechanism in organ-specific autoimmunity.

De Maria R, Testi R.

Immunol Today. 1998 Mar;19(3):121-5. Review.

Acidic sphingomyelinase (ASM) is necessary for fas-induced GD3 ganglioside accumulation and efficient apoptosis of lymphoid cells.

De Maria R, Rippo MR, Schuchman EH, Testi R.

J Exp Med. 1998 Mar 16;187(6):897-902.

Nitric oxide primes pancreatic beta cells for Fas-mediated destruction in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Stassi G, De Maria R, Trucco G, Rudert W, Testi R, Galluzzo A, Giordano C, Trucco M.

J Exp Med. 1997 Oct 20;186(8):1193-200.

Requirement for GD3 ganglioside in CD95- and ceramide-induced apoptosis.

De Maria R, Lenti L, Malisan F, d'Agostino F, Tomassini B, Zeuner A, Rippo MR, Testi R.

Science. 1997 Sep 12;277(5332):1652-5. Erratum in: Science 1998 Apr 17;280(5362):363.

Potential involvement of Fas and its ligand in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Giordano C, Stassi G, De Maria R, Todaro M, Richiusa P, Papoff G, Ruberti G, Bagnasco M, Testi R, Galluzzo A.

Science. 1997 Feb 14;275(5302):960-3.        

Fas-induced changes in cdc2 and cdk2 kinase activity are not sufficient for triggering apoptosis in HUT-78 cells.

De Luca A, De Maria R, Baldi A, Trotta R, Facchiano F, Giordano A, Testi R, Condorelli G.

J Cell Biochem. 1997 Mar 15;64(4):579-85. 

The interaction of sperm cells with exogenous DNA: a role of CD4 and major histocompatibility complex class II molecules.

Lavitrano M, Maione B, Forte E, Francolini M, Sperandio S, Testi R, Spadafora C.

Exp Cell Res. 1997 May 25;233(1):56-62. 

Sphingomyelin breakdown and cell fate.

Testi R.

Trends Biochem Sci. 1996 Dec;21(12):468-71. Review.

Ceramide inhibits antigen uptake and presentation by dendritic cells.

Sallusto F, Nicolò C, De Maria R, Corinti S, Testi R.

J Exp Med. 1996 Dec 1;184(6):2411-6.

Stimulated human lamina propria T cells manifest enhanced Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Boirivant M, Pica R, DeMaria R, Testi R, Pallone F, Strober W.

J Clin Invest. 1996 Dec 1;98(11):2616-22.

Cell-associated ceramide in HIV-1-infected subjects.

De Simone C, Cifone MG, Alesse E, Steinberg SM, Di Marzio L, Moretti S, Famularo G, Boschini A, Testi R.

AIDS. 1996 Jun;10(6):675-6. No abstract available.

Functional expression of Fas and Fas ligand on human gut lamina propria T lymphocytes. A potential role for the acidic sphingomyelinase pathway in normal immunoregulation.

De Maria R, Boirivant M, Cifone MG, Roncaioli P, Hahne M, Tschopp J, Pallone F, Santoni A, Testi R.

J Clin Invest. 1996 Jan 15;97(2):316-22.

Ceramide, AIDS and long-term survivors.

De Simone C, Grazia Cifone M, Roncaioli P, Moretti S, Famularo G, Alesse E, Boschini A, Testi R.

Immunol Today. 1996 Jan;17(1):48. No abstract available.

Fas/Apo-1 (CD95) receptor lacking the intracytoplasmic signaling domain protects tumor cells from Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Cascino I, Papoff G, De Maria R, Testi R, Ruberti G.

J Immunol. 1996 Jan 1;156(1):13-7.

Multiple pathways originate at the Fas/APO-1 (CD95) receptor: sequential involvement of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C and acidic sphingomyelinase in the propagation of the apoptotic signal.

Cifone MG, Roncaioli P, De Maria R, Camarda G, Santoni A, Ruberti G, Testi R.

EMBO J. 1995 Dec 1;14(23):5859-68.

Defective expression of the apoptosis-inducing CD95 (Fas/APO-1) molecule on T and B cells in IDDM.

Giordano C, De Maria R, Stassi G, Todaro M, Richiusa P, Giordano M, Testi R, Galluzzo A.

Diabetologia. 1995 Dec;38(12):1449-54.

Role of CD69 in NO production by human monocytes.

Testi R, Cifone MG, Santoni A.

Res Immunol. 1995 Nov-Dec;146(9):682-3. Review. No abstract available.

Diacylglycerol lipase activation and 5-lipoxygenase activation and translocation following TCR/CD3 triggering in T cells.

Cifone MG, Cironi L, Santoni A, Testi R.

Eur J Immunol. 1995 Apr;25(4):1080-6.

Persistent in vivo activation and transient anergy to TCR/CD3 stimulation of normal human intestinal lymphocytes.

DeMaria R, Fais S, Testi R.

Adv Exp Med Biol. 1995;371A:43-6. 

Triggering of human monocyte activation through CD69, a member of the natural killer cell gene complex family of signal transducing receptors.

De Maria R, Cifone MG, Trotta R, Rippo MR, Festuccia C, Santoni A, Testi R.

J Exp Med. 1994 Nov 1;180(5):1999-2004.

The CD69 receptor: a multipurpose cell-surface trigger for hematopoietic cells.

Testi R, D'Ambrosio D, De Maria R, Santoni A.

Immunol Today. 1994 Oct;15(10):479-83. Review.

Apoptotic signaling through CD95 (Fas/Apo-1) activates an acidic sphingomyelinase.

Cifone MG, De Maria R, Roncaioli P, Rippo MR, Azuma M, Lanier LL, Santoni A, Testi R.

J Exp Med. 1994 Oct 1;180(4):1547-52.

Involvement of p21ras activation in T cell CD69 expression.

D'Ambrosio D, Cantrell DA, Frati L, Santoni A, Testi R.

Eur J Immunol. 1994 Mar;24(3):616-20.

Continuous in vivo activation and transient hyporesponsiveness to TcR/CD3 triggering of human gut lamina propria lymphocytes.

De Maria R, Fais S, Silvestri M, Frati L, Pallone F, Santoni A, Testi R.

Eur J Immunol. 1993 Dec;23(12):3104-8.

Transcriptional regulation of interleukin-2 gene expression by CD69-generated signals.

D'Ambrosio D, Trotta R, Vacca A, Frati L, Santoni A, Gulino A, Testi R.

Eur J Immunol. 1993 Nov;23(11):2993-7.

Preferential involvement of a phospholipase A2-dependent pathway in CD69-mediated platelet activation.

Testi R, Pulcinelli FM, Cifone MG, Botti D, Del Grosso E, Riondino S, Frati L, Gazzaniga PP, Santoni A.

J Immunol. 1992 May 1;148(9):2867-71.

CD69 is expressed on platelets and mediates platelet activation and aggregation.

Testi R, Pulcinelli F, Frati L, Gazzaniga PP, Santoni A.

J Exp Med. 1990 Sep 1;172(3):701-7.

Membrane anchoring of a human IgG Fc receptor (CD16) determined by a single amino acid.

Lanier LL, Cwirla S, Yu G, Testi R, Phillips JH.

Science. 1989 Dec 22;246(4937):1611-3.

T cell activation via Leu-23 (CD69).

Testi R, Phillips JH, Lanier LL.

J Immunol. 1989 Aug 15;143(4):1123-8.

Identity of Leu-19 (CD56) leukocyte differentiation antigen and neural cell adhesion molecule.

Lanier LL, Testi R, Bindl J, Phillips JH.

J Exp Med. 1989 Jun 1;169(6):2233-8.

Membrane anchoring and spontaneous release of CD16 (FcR III) by natural killer cells and granulocytes.

Lanier LL, Phillips JH, Testi R.

Eur J Immunol. 1989 Apr;19(4):775-8.

Leu 23 induction as an early marker of functional CD3/T cell antigen receptor triggering. Requirement for receptor cross-linking, prolonged elevation of intracellular [Ca++] and stimulation of protein kinase C.

Testi R, Phillips JH, Lanier LL.

J Immunol. 1989 Mar 15;142(6):1854-60.

Functional expression of CD28 on T cell antigen receptor gamma/delta-bearing T lymphocytes.

Testi R, Lanier LL.

Eur J Immunol. 1989 Jan;19(1):185-8.

CD3Ti+ human thymocyte-derived clones displaying a differential response to activation via CD3Ti and CD2.

Testi R, Alcover A, Spagnoli G, Reinherz EL, Acuto O.

Cell Immunol. 1989 Sep;122(2):350-64.

Laminin synthesis by NK cells and modulation of its expression by TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate).

Morrone S, Scarpa S, Punturieri A, Testi R, Gismondi A, Santoni G, Piccoli M, Frati L, Modesti A, Santoni A.

Exp Cell Res. 1989 Jun;182(2):543-9. 

Constitutive expression of a phosphorylated activation antigen (Leu 23) by CD3bright human thymocytes.

Testi R, Phillips JH, Lanier LL.

J Immunol. 1988 Oct 15;141(8):2557-63.

Structural and serological heterogeneity of gamma/delta T cell antigen receptor expression in thymus and peripheral blood.

Lanier LL, Ruitenberg J, Bolhuis RL, Borst J, Phillips JH, Testi R.

Eur J Immunol. 1988 Dec;18(12):1985-92.

Proliferative effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and calcium ionophores on human large granular lymphocytes (LGL).

Procopio A, Gismondi A, Paolini R, Morrone S, Testi R, Piccoli M, Frati L, Herberman RB, Santoni A.

Cell Immunol. 1988 Apr 15;113(1):70-81. 

Sequential metabolic events and morphological changes during in vivo large granular lymphocyte activation and proliferation.

Testi R, Galli MC, Piccoli M, Herberman RB, Frati L, Santoni A.

Cell Immunol. 1986 Oct 1;102(1):78-88. 

Lack of specific cell mediated immunity to cytomegalovirus in people at risk for AIDS.

Sirianni MC, Testi R, Bonomo G, Aiuti F, Morrone A.

AIDS Res. 1983-1984;1(2):99-105. 

In vitro enhancement of bone marrow natural killer cells after incubation with thymopoietin32-36 (TP-5).

Fiorilli M, Sirianni MC, Sorrentino V, Testi R, Aiuti F.

Thymus. 1983 Sep;5(5-6):375-82.

How international are medical journals?

Testi R.

The Lancet. 1982 Dec 25, 320 (8313) P1473.

Patents

Testi R., Incani O., Compositions and methods for treating Friedreich's ataxia, 2014, US Patent 8,807,749

Testi R., Tomassini B. Methods for treating Friedreich's ataxia with interferon gamma, 2014, US Patent 8,815,230

Testi R., Tomassini B. Methods for treating Friedreich's ataxia with interferon gamma, 2014, EU Patent 2,611,457

Testi R. Frataxin Mutants, 2015, US Patent 9,217,019 

Testi R. Frataxin Mutants, 2015, EU Patent, 2,598,525

Testi R. Frataxin Mutants, 2017, US Patent 9,944,906

Testi R., Incani O., Rufini A., De Martino G. Compositions and methods for treating Friedreich's ataxia, 2019, US Patent 10,442,779

Rufini A., Alfedi G., Testi R. Methods for treating Friedreich's ataxia with etravirine, 2019, US Patent 10,426,775

Lecturing activity

Prof. Testi received >100 invitations to serve as speaker, session chairman, keynote lecturer as well to give scientific seminars, at national and international meetings and locations, on topics related to lymphocyte and dendritic cell activation and differentiation, to molecular mechanisms governing programmed cell death and to the pathogenesis and treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Scientific revision

Journals: Science, Nature Immunology, Nature Cell Biology, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Immunolgy Today, Trends in Immunology, FASEB Journal, EMBO Journal, Cancer Research, Oncogene, Journal of Immunology, European Journal of Immunology, International Immunology, Journal of Immunological Methods, Journal of Leukocyte Biology, Cell Death and Differentiation, Gut, Gastroenterology, BBA, Journal of Cell Science, Human Molecular Genetics, Movement Disorders

Funding Agencies: European Commission, Human Frontier Science Program Organization, Dutch Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK, Associazione Italiana Ricerca sul Cancro, Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, Ataxia UK, Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance USA, Ataxia Ireland.

Consulting, Board memberships

2006-2008 Consulting expert for Sterne, Kessler, Golstein and Fox LLP, Attorneys at Law, Washington DC, USA.

2009-2015 Advisory Board Member at HansaBiomed OU.

Awards

Winner of the “Il Golfo d’Oro”, XVI edition, Citta’ del Vasto 1998. For the studies on programmed cell death of tumors.

Funding

National Agencies

1990-2000    Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

1992-2008    Associazione Italiana Ricerca sul Cancro

1992-2006    Ministero Universita’ e Ricerca (PRIN, FIRB programs)

1997-1999    Telethon

1997-2001    Istituto Superiore di Sanita’

1996-2009    Agenzia Spaziale Italiana

2006-2009    Telethon

2011-2014    Telethon

International Agencies

1994-1998    European Commission, III framework Program

1997-2001    European Commission, IV framework Program

2000-2004    European Commission, V framework Program (Coordinator)

1999-2000    Families of Spinal Muscolar Atrophy (USA)

2005-2006    National Ataxia Foundation (USA)

2003-2007    European Commission, VI framework Program

2006-2009    Association Française de l'Ataxie de Friedreich (France)

2007-2013    Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (USA)

2007-2013    Ataxia UK (UK)

2010-2011    National Ataxia Foundation (USA)

2011-2014    Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (USA)

2012-2015    European Research Council, Advanced Grant

2015-2017    European Research Council, Proof-of-Concept Grant

Teaching

Medical School

1994-2000    Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

2001-date     Immunology and Immunopathology, School of Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

PhD Programs

1996-2004    Professor, Immunology, PhD in Immunology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”

1999-2005    Coordinator, PhD in Physiopathology of Programmed Cell Death,                                    University of Rome “Tor Vergata” 

2002-2004    Professor, Physiopathology of cell death, PhD in Biotechnology,                                      Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla (Spain)

2007-2020    Vice-Coordinator, PhD in Immunology and Biotechnology, University                               of Rome “Tor Vergata”