PROJECT
SUPERVISORS

Project Supervisor

Tiziana Bonaldi

Background

I am Tiziana Bonaldi, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology at the University of Milan and a Senior Group Leader at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan. Since 2008, I’ve led the "Epi-proteomics and Gene Expression Regulation in Cancer" research group at IEO. My scientific journey began with a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Dibit, the San Raffaele Institute in Milan. Driven by curiosity, I moved to Munich for my first postdoc at LMU in Axel Imhof's lab, where I developed mass spectrometry methods to study the histone code. This sparked a deeper interest in proteomics, leading me to join Matthias Mann’s group at the MPI of Biochemistry in Martinsried for my second postdoc, enhancing my skills in quantitative proteomics. 

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In 2007, I received the "Armenise-Harvard Career Development Award," and in 2010, the "Inner Wheel Award for Women" for my scientific contributions. These honors were humbling and motivating, pushing me to try and pursue excellence in the field of chromatin proteomics. Completing my tenure track in 2014, I was appointed Senior Group Leader at IEO and later Associate Professor at the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM). In 2021, I became an Assistant Professor at the University of Milan, where I teach applied biology and proteomics, sharing my knowledge with the next generation of scientists.

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Research

At IEO, I lead a dynamic team of 10-12 students and post-docs, from eager undergraduates to seasoned senior researchers. Our group is dedicated to exploring the molecular mechanisms driving adaptive responses in cancer, focusing on the epigenetic regulation of gene expression through mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics. We delve into the intricate world of chromatin composition and modifications, not just on histones but beyond. We've pioneered technological innovations in chromatin proteomics and made significant discoveries, examining these mechanisms in pre-clinical models and primary cancer patient samples.

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Our contributions in protein methylation in cancer are notable. We are uncovering pivotal roles of various epigenetic enzymes, such as LSD1 and PRMT1, in cancer onset, progression, and response to therapy across different types. Our work in epi-proteomics has positioned our group as a pioneer in this field, a journey that continues with further investigations. Together, we strive to push the boundaries of cancer epigenetics research, aiming to make contributions that may translate into better therapies and outcomes for patients.

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Publications

Vai A, Noberini R, Ghirardi C, Rodrigues de Paula D, Carminati M, Pallavi R, Araújo N, Varga-Weisz P, Bonaldi T. Improved Mass Spectrometry-Based Methods Reveal Abundant Propionylation and Tissue-Specific Histone Propionylation Profiles. Mol Cell Proteomics. 2024 Jun 11;23(7):100799. doi: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100799.

Nicosia L, Boffo FL, Ceccacci E, Conforti F, Pallavicini I, Bedin F, Ravasio R, Massignani E, Somervaille TCP, Minucci S, Bonaldi T. Oncogene. 2022 Feb;41(6):878-894. doi: 10.1038/s41388-021-02123-7.

Musiani D, Giambruno R, Massignani E, Ippolito MR, Maniaci M, Jammula S, Manganaro D, Cuomo A, Nicosia L, Pasini D, Bonaldi T. Cell Rep. 2020 Jan 28;30(4):1208-1222.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.061.

Noberini R, Restellini C, Savoia EO, Raimondi F, Ghiani L, Jodice MG, Bertalot G, Bonizzi G, Capra M, Maffini FA, Tagliabue M, Ansarin M, Lupia M, Giordano M, Osti D, Pelicci G, Chiocca S, Bonaldi T. Cancers (Basel). 2019 May 24;11(5):723. doi: 10.3390/cancers11050723.

Noberini R, Osti D, Miccolo C, Richichi C, Lupia M, Corleone G, Hong SP, Colombo P, Pollo B, Fornasari L, Pruneri G, Magnani L, Cavallaro U, Chiocca S, Minucci S, Pelicci G, Bonaldi T. Nucleic Acids Res. 2018 May 4;46(8):3817-3832. doi: 10.1093/nar/gky224.