Dr. Gianluca Sigismondo | Biochemistry | Inspirational Scientist Visionary Award

Dr. Gianluca Sigismondo, German Cancer Research Center, Germany

Gianluca Sigismondo is a Group Leader in the Department of Neuropathology at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), where he leads the “Translational Proteomics and Epigenetics” group. He received his PhD from the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) and Milan University in 2015, with a thesis focused on using a combined ChIP-proteomics approach to analyze the dynamic profile of the modificome and interactome at cis-regulatory regions of inflammatory genes. Prior to his current role, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Scientist at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, specializing in proteomics related to DNA damage repair and chromatin biology. His research contributions include developing advanced proteomics strategies for investigating chromatin-associated proteins, identifying novel cancer biomarkers, and co-developing innovative proteomics tools, such as protease-resistant streptavidin beads. His work has led to multiple publications in high-impact journals and has contributed to the advancement of proteomic methods for studying DNA repair, gene regulation, and epigenetic modifications.

Professional Profile 🎓

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Summary of Suitability for Inspirational Scientist Visionary Award 🌍

Dr. Gianluca Sigismondo is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Inspirational Scientist Visionary Award due to his pioneering work in translational proteomics and epigenetics. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of DNA damage repair mechanisms, cancer biology, and inflammatory responses. Notably, his innovative development of techniques like ChIP-SICAP and protease-resistant streptavidin beads (prS) has enhanced the sensitivity and utility of proteomic studies. With numerous high-impact publications and a strong interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Sigismondo has made substantial contributions to both fundamental science and therapeutic applications. His leadership as a group leader at Heidelberg University Hospital exemplifies his ability to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists, making him an exemplary visionary in the scientific community.

Education 📚

PhD in Experimental Oncology
- Institution: European Institute of Oncology (IEO) and Milan University
- Completion Date: March 15, 2015
- Thesis: “Combined ChIP-proteomics approach for the dynamic profile of the modificome and interactome at cis-regulatory regions of inflammatory genes”
- Supervisor: Dr. Tiziana Bonaldi
Master’s Degree in Medical Biotechnology (Cum Laude)
- Institution: IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy
- Completion Date: September 2010
- Thesis: “Apolipoprotein A-I amyloidosis, from the evidence of a misfolding propensity to the development of an in vitro expression system”
Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology (110/110)
- Institution: Giovanni Paolo II Oncological Centre, Lecce, Italy
- Completion Date: October 2008
- Thesis: “Proteomic longitudinal study of patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer treated with Erlotinib”

Work Experience 💼

Group Leader
- Role: Translational Proteomics and Epigenetics
- Institution: Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Dates: Since March 2023
Postdoctoral Scientist
- Division: Proteomics of Stem Cell and Cancer
- Institution: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Dates: March 2016 – February 2023
Visitor Scientist
- Division: Genome Biology Unit
- Institution: European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
- Dates: September 2015 – February 2016

Awards and Recognition 🏅

2022: Recipient of the DKFZ Innovation Award for groundbreaking contributions to chromatin-directed proteomics strategies.
2021: Recognized as a Top Contributor in Translational Proteomics at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).
2020: Proteomics Research Excellence Award by the European Proteomics Association (EuPA) for the development and application of prS beads in proteomic pipelines.
2015: Awarded Best PhD Dissertation at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) for the thesis: “Combined ChIP-proteomics approach for the dynamic profile of the modificome and interactome at cis-regulatory regions of inflammatory genes.”
2010: Graduated cum laude in Medical Biotechnology, recognized for academic excellence and contributions to research on Apolipoprotein A-I amyloidosis.

Research Skills 🔬

Proteomics and Epigenetics: Expertise in cutting-edge techniques like ChIP-SICAP, hPTM analysis, and chromatin-directed proteomics for DNA damage repair studies.
Molecular and Cellular Biology: Skilled in setting up and validating cell-based models for studying genomic loci-specific DNA double-strand breaks and their impact on chromatin remodeling.
Technology Development: Co-developed protease-resistant streptavidin beads (prS), enhancing sensitivity and reproducibility in proteomics pipelines.
Bioinformatics: Proficient in analyzing large-scale proteomics and epigenomics datasets, utilizing advanced bioinformatics tools for data interpretation and visualization.
Project Leadership: Successfully led cross-disciplinary collaborations, producing high-impact publications and fostering innovative research outputs.
Microscopy and Imaging: Experienced in advanced imaging techniques to study tissue-specific transcription factor interactions and chromatin dynamics.
Scientific Writing and Communication: Authored several high-impact peer-reviewed publications (e.g., PMID: 36629267, 32400114, 27773674), with skills in grant writing, research proposals, and presentations at international conferences.