Tiziana Raia
Nettuno,RM
Profilo professionale
Medical Biotechnologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow with multidisciplinary expertise in epigenetics, microRNA biology, cancer immunology, neurodegeneration, and translational medicine. Experienced in advanced molecular biology, multi-omics approaches, extracellular vesicle research, and BBB in vitro modeling. My work integrates clinical sample analysis, mechanistic studies, and biomarker discovery, with a strong focus on patient-centered precision medicine.
I have conducted research across international institutions (France, USA), contributed to PNRR, PRIN, and NASA-affiliated projects, and authored peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Certified both as Biologist and Biomedical Laboratory Technician, I combine a solid diagnostic background with strong scientific communication skills, grant writing, and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.
My research is currently centered on the regulatory role of microRNAs and DNA methylation in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and on identifying molecular drivers of tumor–immune interactions.
Panoramica
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Esperienza lavorativa
Research fellowship
La Sapienza, University of Rome
Rome
11.2025 - 02.2026
- Research fellowship (PNRR-funded contract) - “Biomarcatori circolanti per la medicina di precisione” (PNRR Mission 4 – Next Generation EU, ICE 11/2025) - La Sapienza, University of Rome - Dept. of Experimental Medicine.
Research fellowship
San Raffaele Telematic University of Rome
Rome
11.2024 - 10.2025
- Research fellowship PRIN (Prot. P2022EN2YP) - MEDS-02/A - “Multi-omics analysis for the characterization of patients with glycemic alterations due to glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid excess” - San Raffaele Telematic University of Rome.
Research fellowship
La Sapienza, University of Rome
Rome
11.2023 - 10.2024
- Research fellowship (AR-B2) - MED/04 - “Defining the biological role of endocrine disruptors (ED) in breast cancer development and progression” - La Sapienza, University of Rome - Dept. of Experimental Medicine.
Internship
A.O. Sant’Andrea
Rome
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Internship at A.O. Sant’Andrea - Via Cassia, 721 – 00189 Rome Cytopathology, Histopathology and Molecular Biology Laboratory
- During this internship, I actively participated in routine diagnostic and research activities across cytopathology, histopathology, and molecular biology units. I acquired hands-on experience in:
- Sample processing and preparation (e.g., tissue fixation, paraffin embedding, sectioning, and staining)
- Microscopic evaluation of cytological and histological specimens
- Molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA), PCR setup, and electrophoresis.
- Adherence to laboratory safety and quality control protocols
- Drawing up technical documentation.
- This experience strengthened my technical skills and deepened my understanding of translational pathology, diagnostic workflows, and the integration of molecular assays in clinical settings.
Internship
San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital
Rome
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Internship at San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital - Via Cassia, 600 – 00189 Rome Clinical Pathology laboratory
- During this training period, I gained practical exposure to the analytical phases of clinical diagnostics. I was involved in:
- Handling and preanalytical processing of biological samples (e.g., blood, urine, and other body fluids)
- Operating and monitoring automated analyzers for haematological, biochemical, and immunoassay testing
- Performing manual techniques (e.g., slide preparation, microscopic analysis, and differential counts)
- Interpreting laboratory data in correlation with clinical information under supervision
- This experience enhanced my ability to work in a high-throughput clinical setting, strengthened my familiarity with diagnostic instrumentation, and fostered a strong understanding of laboratory workflow efficiency and accuracy.
Intern
San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital
Rome
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Gained practical exposure to the analytical phases of clinical diagnostics.
- Involved in handling and preanalytical processing of biological samples (e.g., blood, urine, and other body fluids).
- Operating and monitoring automated analyzers for haematological, biochemical, and immunoassay testing.
- Performing manual techniques (e.g., slide preparation, microscopic analysis, and differential counts).
- Interpreting laboratory data in correlation with clinical information under supervision.
- Clinical Pathology laboratory.
- This experience enhanced my ability to work in a high-throughput clinical setting, strengthened my familiarity with diagnostic instrumentation, and fostered a strong understanding of laboratory workflow efficiency and accuracy.
Internship
San Filippo Neri Hospital
Rome
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Internship at the San Filippo Neri Hospital - Via Giovanni Martinotti, 20 – 00135 Rome Microbiology laboratory
- This internship allowed me to develop practical skills in clinical microbiology by assisting with the detection and identification of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. My activities included:
- Culturing and isolating microorganisms from clinical specimens using selective media.
- Performing Gram staining and biochemical identification tests
- Participating in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (e.g., disk diffusion method).
- Supporting the interpretation of microbiological results in clinical context under supervision.
Intern
San Filippo Neri Hospital
Rome
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Developed practical skills in clinical microbiology by assisting with the detection and identification of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens.
- Culturing and isolating microorganisms from clinical specimens using selective media.
- Performing Gram staining and biochemical identification tests.
- Participating in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (e.g., disk diffusion method).
- Supporting the interpretation of microbiological results in clinical context under supervision.
- Microbiology laboratory.
Istruzione
PhD - Human Biology and Medical Genetics
La Sapienza, University of Rome
Rome05.2024
Certificate Program - Biodiversity - Manager della Biodiversità
European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EiiS)
Rome05.2024
Visiting student - SAM effects on a human in vitro BBB model
Université d’Artois
Lens04.2023
Visiting student - OVOSPACE project
EVMS
Norfolk11.2022
Advanced course - Molecular features of nutrition: from nutrigenomics to functional nutrition
Camerino University (UNICAM)
09.2022
Master’s degree - Medical Biotechnology & Bioengineering
La Sapienza, University of Rome
Rome07.2020
Bachelor’s degree - biomedical laboratory Technician
La Sapienza, University of Rome
Rome11.2017
Competenze
- Communication Skills:
- I possess strong communication skills developed through my experience working in laboratory teams
- Organizational Management Skills:
- Proficient in the planning and execution of research projects and in organization of laboratory work in clinical practice
- Professional Skills:
- Good knowledge of good laboratory practices and research project workflow
- Experience in Immunohistochemistry; Microtome; Proficient with cell lines, primary cell cultures, co-cultures; DNA, RNA, and protein extraction; DNA methylation analysis - Bisulfite treatment - Bacterial cloning with competent cells - Transient transfection - Sanger Sequencing; Next Generation Sequencing; Endpoint PCR; Agarose Electrophoresis; Real-time PCR; Digital PCR; Western Blotting; Immunofluorescence; FACS; miR-Array PCR; nCounter; Extracellular vesicles isolation - Ultracentrifugation
- Computer Skills: Microsoft Office tools; Basic knowledge of Python and R studio
- Driving License: Category B
- Problem solving
LANGUAGES
Main: Italian
Other languages
English: TEXT UNDERSTANDING - Listening: C1, Reading: C1, Interaction: C1, SPEAKING - Speaking: C1, WRITING - Writing: C1
French: TEXT UNDERSTANDING - Listening: A1, Reading: A1, Interaction: A1, SPEAKING - Speaking: A1, WRITING - Writing: A1
Levels: A1/2; Base level - B1/2 Medium level-C1/2 Advanced level Common European Languages reference.
AWARDS
- Qualification to the Biologist profession – Salento University (June 2021), - SIB participation grant at the 2nd International Conference on Neuroprotection by Drugs, Nutraceuticals and Physical Activity, - BEST POSTER AWARD at the 4th European Summer School on Nutrigenomics (UNICAM) virtual edition, 21st-25th June 2021, - BLSD certificate attests, - Mentoring Grant – La Sapienza University (2022/2023), - Mentoring Grant – UTSR (2024/2025)
PUBLICATIONS
- Fuso, A.; Raia, T.; Orticello, M.; Lucarelli, M. (2020). The complex interplay between DNA methylation and miRNAs in gene expression regulation. Biochimie, 173, 12-16. DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.02.006
- Raia T. and Fuso A. (2020) The relevance of epigenetics in the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. Organisms, 4(1): 11-14; DOI: 10.13133/2532-5876/16956
- Miglione, A., Raucci, R., , Amato, J. Marzano, S., Pagano, B., Raia T., Lucarelli, M., Fuso, F., Cinti, S. (2022) Printed electrochemical strip for the detection of miRNA-29a: a possible biomarker related to Alzheimer’s disease. Analytical Chemistry, 94(45): 15558–15563; DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03542
- Raia T.; Armeli F.; Cavallaro A. R.; Ferraguti G.; Businaro R.; Lucarelli M. and Fuso A. (2023) Perinatal S-adenosylmethionine supplementation represses PSEN1 expression via CpG and non- CpG methylation in adult TgCR8D AD mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(14), Article 11675; DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411675
- Orticello, M., Cavallaro, R. A., , Antinori, D., Raia, T., Lucarelli, M., Fuso. (2024) Amyloidogenesis and Neuroinflammation are modulated by reduced menaquinone 7 (MK7R) via DNA methylation in SK-N-BE neuroblastoma cell line. Cells, 13(1), Article 58; DOI: 10.3390/cells13010058
- Raia, T.; Cavallaro, R.A.; Diniz Ferreira Borges, L.; Cinti, S., Bizzarri, M., Ferrer, I., Lucarelli, M., Fuso, A. (2025) One-carbon metabolism modulates miR-29a - DNA methylation crosstalk in Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Dement., 21:e70703; DOI: 10.1002/alz.70703
- Catanzaro G.; Pediconi N.; Brunetti M.; Spinello Z.; Raia T.; Nicoleta F.P.; Avena P.; Casaburi I.; Besharat Z.M.; Po A.; Cirillo G.; Iemma F.; Ferretti E. Delivery of miR-139-5p from responsive human serum albumin nanoparticles boosts doxorubicin biological effects on triple negative breast cancer cells. Accepted for publication – Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces - 2025
- Bimonte, V.M., Catanzaro, G., Spinello, Z., Raia, T., Po, A., Citarella, A., Ventura, L., Mardente, S., Crescioli, C., Ferretti E., Migliaccio S. Bisphenol A impairs endothelial cells homeostasis through the G-protein coupled receptor 30 pathway activation. Resubmitted after revision – Scientific Reports – 2025
- Bibliometric indicators: - H-index (Scopus): 4 - Total citations (Scopus): 89 - Scopus Author ID: 57215050603 - ORCID: 0000-0002-6449-5554
- - 4th European Summer School on Nutrigenomics (UNICAM) - Virtual edition, 21st-25th June 2021 Poster presentation: “miR-29a affects the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease through one carbon - metabolism.” Best Poster Award
- - 4th BraYn Conference - Pisa, Italy, 20th-22nd October 2021 Poster presentation: “miR-29a is modulated by one carbon metabolism and involved in neurodegeneration”.
- - 2nd International Conference on Neuroprotection by Drugs, Nutraceuticals, and Physical Activity, 9th-10th December 2021 Poster presentation: “S-adenosylmethionine supplementation exerts neuroprotection through miR-29a modulation and DNA methylation”. SIB Award
- - FENS Forum 2022, Parigi Expo Porte de Versailles, Pavillon 7, 9th-13th July Poster presentation: “PSEN1 expression is repressed in adult TgCR8D AD mice via perinatal S-adenosylmethionine supplementation affecting on CpG and non-CpG methylation.”
- - XV Convegno ISS, Viale Regina Elena, 299 17th-18th November 2022 IL CONTRIBUTO DEI CENTRI PER I DISTURBI COGNITIVI E LE DEMENZE NELLAGESTIONE INTEGRATA DEI PAZIENTI Invited speaker: “La metilazione del gene PSEN1 nella malattia di Alzheimer: implicazioni nellosviluppo di biomarcatori circolanti e strategie terapeutiche.”
- - SEISC: Franco-Belgian-British Multinational Meeting on Blood-Brain InterfaceMarch 22-24, 2023 - ARRAS, France Poster presentation: “S-adenosylmethionine effects on the human in vitro BBB model: protective role in Alzheimer’s disease”.
- - 1st Epigenetics Society (ES) International Meeting: Epigenetics of Disease and Development Conference Centre “Roma Eventi – Fontana di Trevi”; Piazza della Pilotta, 4 – Rome, Italy October 12-14, 2023
- - XVI Convegno ISS, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 16th-17th November 2023 IL CONTRIBUTO DEI CENTRI PER I DISTURBI COGNITIVI E LE DEMENZE NELLAGESTIONE INTEGRATA DEI PAZIENTI. Poster presentation: “The cross-talk between miR-29a and DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s Disease”.
TEACHING
- Academic Year: 2022/2023 Second Level Master “Stress, sport, nutrizione: nuovi approcci diagnostici e terapeutici per Wellness, fitness, prevenzione e riabilitazione cod. 16120 La Sapienza University, Via Formaci di Quinto, 64, 00191 - Rome
- Academic Year: 2020/2021 Teaching assistance to the laboratory medicine course of the master’s degree in medicine and surgery - E channel - La Sapienza University, Viale XXIV Maggio 7, 04100 – Latina
PERSONAL DATA
I authorize the processing of my personal data in accordance with Legislative Decree June 30, 2003, no.196 “Code regarding the protection data”. I, the undersigned, declare to be aware that this curriculum vitae will be published on the Institutional website of the University, in the “Transparent Administration.” Manner and for the duration provided for by Legislative Decree no. 33/2013, article 15. Date: 2025-11-17
Costume Section
Viale Regina Elena, 324, Roma, RM, 00161, Italia
Contact
Nazionalità: Italian
Awards
- Qualification to the Biologist profession, Salento University, 2021-06-01
- SIB participation grant, 2nd International Conference on Neuroprotection by Drugs, Nutraceuticals and Physical Activity
- BEST POSTER AWARD, 4th European Summer School on Nutrigenomics, 2021-06-21 to 2021-06-25
- BLSD certificate attests
- Mentoring Grant, La Sapienza University, 2022/2023
- Mentoring Grant, UTSR, 2024/2025
Publications
- Fuso, A.; Raia, T.; Orticello, M.; Lucarelli, M., The complex interplay between DNA methylation and miRNAs in gene expression regulation., Biochimie, 173, 12-16, 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.02.006, 2020
- Raia T. and Fuso A., The relevance of epigenetics in the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease., Organisms, 4(1), 11-14, 10.13133/2532-5876/16956, 2020
- Miglione, A., Raucci, R., Amato, J., Marzano, S., Pagano, B., Raia T., Lucarelli, M., Fuso, F., Cinti, S., Printed electrochemical strip for the detection of miRNA-29a: a possible biomarker related to Alzheimer's disease., Analytical Chemistry, 94(45), 15558-15563, 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03542, 2022
- Raia T.; Armeli F.; Cavallaro A. R.; Ferraguti G.; Businaro R.; Lucarelli M. and Fuso A., Perinatal S-adenosylmethionine supplementation represses PSEN1 expression via CpG and non-CpG methylation in adult TgCRD8 AD mice., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(14), 11675, 10.3390/ijms241411675, 2023
- Orticello, M., Cavallaro, R.A., Antinori, D., Raia, T., Lucarelli, M., Fuso., Amyloidogenesis and Neuroinflammation are modulated by reduced menaquinone 7 (MK7R) via DNA methylation in SK-N-BE neuroblastoma cell line., Cells, 13(1), 58, 10.3390/cells13010058, 2024
- Raia, T.; Cavallaro, R.A.; Diniz Ferreira Borges, L.; Cinti, S., Bizzarri, M., Ferrer, I., Lucarelli, M., Fuso, A., One-carbon metabolism modulates miR-29a - DNA methylation crosstalk in Alzheimer's Disease., Alzheimer's Dement., 21, e70703, 10.1002/alz.70703, 2025
- Catanzaro G.; Pediconi N.; Brunetti M.; Spinello Z.; Raia T.; Nicoletta F.P.; Avena P.; Casaburi I.; Besharat Z.M.; Po A.; Cirillo G.; Iemma F.; Ferretti E., Delivery of miR-139-5p from responsive human serum albumin nanoparticles boosts doxorubicin biological effects on triple negative breast cancer cells., Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2025, Accepted for publication
- Bimonte, V.M., Catanzaro, G., Spinello, Z., Raia, T., Po, A., Citarella, A., Ventura, I., Mardente, S., Crescioli, C., Ferretti E., Migliaccio S., Bisphenol A impairs endothelial cells homeostasis through the G-protein coupled receptor 30 pathway activation., Scientific Reports, 2025, Resubmitted after revision
Formazione
- 4th European Summer School on Nutrigenomics, 2021-06-21 to 2021-06-25, Virtual edition, miR-29a affects the progression of Alzheimer's Disease through one carbon - metabolism., Best Poster Award
- 4th BraYn Conference, 2021-10-20 to 2021-10-22, Pisa, Italy, miR-29a is modulated by one carbon metabolism and involved in neurodegeneration.
- 2nd International Conference on Neuroprotection by Drugs, Nutraceuticals, and Physical Activity, 2021-12-09 to 2021-12-10, S-adenosylmethionine supplementation exerts neuroprotection through miR-29a modulation and DNA methylation., SIB Award
- FENS Forum 2022, 2022-07-09 to 2022-07-13, PSEN1 expression is repressed in adult TgCRND8 AD mice via perinatal S-adenosylmethionine supplementation affecting on CpG and non-CpG methylation.
- XV Convegno ISS, 2022-11-17 to 2022-11-18, La metilazione del gene PSEN1 nella malattia di Alzheimer: implicazioni nello sviluppo di biomarcatori circolanti e strategie terapeutiche., Viale Regina Elena, 299, Rome, Italia
- SEISC: Franco-Belgian-British Multinational Meeting on Blood-Brain Interface, 2023-03-22 to 2023-03-24, ARRAS, France, S-adenosylmethionine effects on the human in vitro BBB model: protective role in Alzheimer's disease.
- 1st Epigenetics Society (ES) International Meeting: Epigenetics of Disease and Development, 2023-10-12 to 2023-10-14, Piazza della Pilotta, 4, Rome, Italia
- XVI Convegno ISS, 2023-11-16 to 2023-11-17, The cross-talk between miR-29a and DNA methylation in Alzheimer's Disease., Viale Regina Elena, 299, Rome, Italia
Affiliazioni
1. Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome
Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
2. San Raffaele Telematic University of Rome
Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
Certificazioni
- Qualification to the Biologist Profession
University of Salento, Italy (June 2021) - Qualification to the Biomedical Laboratory Technician Profession (TSLB)
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy (2017) - BLSD Certification
Basic Life Support and Defibrillation (Year not specified) - Certificate Program in Biodiversity – Biodiversity Manager
European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (Eiis), Rome (May 2024) - Advanced Course: “Molecular Features of Nutrition: from Nutrigenomics to Functional Nutrition”
University of Camerino (UNICAM), Italy (Jan–Sep 2022)
Cronologia
Research fellowship
La Sapienza, University of Rome
11.2025 - 02.2026
Research fellowship
San Raffaele Telematic University of Rome
11.2024 - 10.2025
Research fellowship
La Sapienza, University of Rome
11.2023 - 10.2024
Internship
A.O. Sant’Andrea
01.2017 - 01.2018
Internship
San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2017
Intern
San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2017
Internship
San Filippo Neri Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2015
Intern
San Filippo Neri Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2015
Certificate Program - Biodiversity - Manager della Biodiversità
European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EiiS)
Visiting student - SAM effects on a human in vitro BBB model
Université d’Artois
Visiting student - OVOSPACE project
EVMS
Advanced course - Molecular features of nutrition: from nutrigenomics to functional nutrition
Camerino University (UNICAM)
Master’s degree - Medical Biotechnology & Bioengineering
La Sapienza, University of Rome
Bachelor’s degree - biomedical laboratory Technician
La Sapienza, University of Rome
PhD - Human Biology and Medical Genetics
La Sapienza, University of Rome