Federica De Stefano

“Exploring the microscopic world to combat global health challenges, one experiment at a time.”

The aim of my PhD project is to identify and develop novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), anti-cancer peptides (ACPs), and anti-viral peptides (AVPs) from model insects such as the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). This specie has a robust immune system adapted to high microbial environments. The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and cancer chemoresistance poses significant challenges to global health. Traditional antimicrobial treatments become less effective, leading to increased mortality and healthcare costs. This project addresses these issues by discovering bioactive peptides that could serve as alternatives or supplements to conventional antibiotics, chemotherapeutics, and antivirals.

To achieve this, my research group utilizes a dual approach combining transcriptomic and proteomic methodologies. The transcriptomic approach involves RNA extraction from H. illucens and de novo transcriptome assembly to identify AMP-encoding genes. Concurrently, the proteomic approach involves the infection of H. illucens larvae with different strains of bacteria to enhance AMP production. After infection larvae hemolymph is extracted and peptides are isolated. The peptides bioactivity is then measured by assessing antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and antiviral effects.

The most promising peptides will be further characterized using techniques like HPLC and mass spectrometry to determine their structure. These peptides will then be synthesized chemically or expressed in heterologous systems such as bacterial or yeast cells for large-scale production. Functional assays will be conducted to test their therapeutic potential in vitro, focusing on their ability to combat drug-resistant bacteria, inhibit tumor growth, or block viral replication.

The overall goal is to contribute to the development of new therapeutic agents that could play a crucial role in mitigating the growing crisis of drug resistance and improving clinical outcomes in infections and cancer treatment.

How my position is funded

My PhD project is funded by externally funded scholarship – INPS (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale).

Research topic “Identification and characterization of new insect-derived antimicrobial peptides: an innovative approach against drug resistance.”

My motivations

I chose to pursue a PhD because of my passion for scientific research and my desire to contribute to solving pressing global health challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance and cancer treatment. A PhD provides the opportunity to deeply explore complex biological systems, develop innovative solutions, and expand my expertise in general biotechnology, molecular biology and pharmaceutical chemistry. Additionally, I have always felt a strong need to study approaches to counteract drug resistance. In fact, my experimental master’s thesis focused on the design and synthesis of new molecules with potential antimycobacterial activity. The research I conducted for my thesis originated from the need to explore new approaches to obtain small molecules capable of selective action, particularly for bacterial strains that develop resistance. I expect this degree to prepare me for a career in academia or industry, where I can lead independent research projects, drive scientific discovery, and contribute to the development of new therapeutics. Additionally, I aim to build collaborations and share knowledge that can make a tangible impact on public health and medical advancements.

A day in a PhD student’s life

A “typical PhD” day involves a mix of lab work, data analysis, reading, and planning. My day often starts by checking emails and reviewing my to-do list, followed by a brief review of relevant literature to stay updated on recent developments.

In the lab, I usually conduct experiments such as collection of insect's hemolymph, peptide purification, separation with HPLC or in vitro assays, depending on which priorities we have. I carefully document all procedures and results. After lab work, I spend time analyzing data using bioinformatics tools or statistical software.

Afternoons are often dedicated to writing reports or research papers and preparing for presentations or meetings with my supervisor or research group. Collaboration is crucial, so I always have brainstorming sessions with colleagues to troubleshoot experiments or share insights.

The day usually ends with planning the next steps for ongoing experiments and setting goals for the following day. My “typical PhD day” focuses on research and broader academic responsibilities, making each day dynamic and intellectually stimulating.

My events

Below it is a list of events in which I actively took part in.

Seminars:

22/11/2023 – “New molecules with antimicrobial, anticancer and antiviral effects: alternative solutions for three of the main health and social emergencies” to Fraunhofer-Institut für Molekularbiologie und Angewandte Oekologie IME (Gießen, Germany).

01/12/23 - Evento finale Progetto POR FESR Basilicata 2014 - 2020 AAA: SAFE SOS:

“Nuove molecole ad attività antimicrobica, anticancro ed antivirale: soluzioni alternative a fronte di tre tra le principali emergenze socio-sanitarie”.

Posters and Abstracts in conferences:

C. Scieuzo, A. Franco, R. Salvia, F. Giglio, R. Rinaldi, M. Rubino, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, A. Pascale, M. Monti, F. Cozzolino, A. Sgambato, P. Falabella - In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and anticancer activity of the peptide fraction extracted from Hermetia illucens hemolymph - ICE 2024 KYOTO International Congress of Entomology (Japan), 20-30/08/2024

C. Scieuzo, A. Franco, R. Salvia, F. Giglio, R. Rinaldi, M. Rubino, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, A. Pascale, M. Monti, F. Cozzolino, A. Sgambato, P. Falabella - Antibacterial and anticancer activity of the peptide fraction extracted from the haemolymph of Hermetia illucens - INSECTA 2024 Potsdam (Germania), 14 - 16/05/2024.

C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, A. Guarnieri, M. Triunfo, D. Ianniciello, A. Franco, G. Lomonaco, S. Ouazri, F. Giglio, F. De Stefano, A. De Bonis, P. Falabella - Antimicrobial properties of the chitosan of the bioconverter insect Hermetia illucens - INSECTA 2024 Potsdam (Germania), 14 - 16/05/2024.

C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, F. Giglio, R. Rinaldi, M. Rubino, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, A. Pascale, M. Monti, F. Cozzolino, A. Sgambato, P. Falabella - The insect Hermetia illucens: a sustainable source of molecules of high biological and economic value - NatMedDay – Salerno, 15-16 febbraio 2024.

F. De Stefano, R. Rinaldi – "New molecules with antimicrobial, anticancer and antiviral activity: alternative solutions to three of the main socio-health emergencies" – Fraunhofer IME Gießen (Germania), 21 – 24 novembre 2023. (Comunicazione orale).

C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, F. Giglio, R. Rinaldi, M. Rubino, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, M. Monti, F. Cozzolino, A. Sgambato, M. Lekka, A. Vilcinskas, P. Falabella – In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and anticancer activity of the peptide fraction extracted from the hemolymph of Hermetia illucens – XII European Congress of Entomology “ECE” – Crete (Grecia), 16 – 20 ottobre 2023.

C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, A. Guarnieri, M. Triunfo, D. Ianniciello, A. Franco, G. Lomonaco, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, A. Dolce, A. De Bonis, D. Radnovic, P. Falabella – Antimicrobial properties of the chitosan from different developmental stages of the bioconverter insect Hermetia illucens - XII European Congress of Entomology “ECE” – Crete (Grecia), 16 – 20 ottobre 2023.

A. Franco, C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, V. Pucciarelli, F. Giglio, R. Rinaldi, F. Iannielli, F. De Stefano, S. Ouazri, L. Borrelli, F. Bovera, E. Schmitt, P. Falabella - Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of lipids extracted from Tenebrio molitor – XII European Congress of Entomology “ECE” – Crete (Grecia), 16 – 20 ottobre 2023.

C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, F. Giglio, R. Rinaldi, M. Rubino, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, M. Monti, F. Cozzolino, A. Sgambato, D. Nicolosi, Z. Popovic, P. Falabella – Valutazione in vitro dell'attività antibatterica e antitumorale della frazione peptidica estratta dall'emolinfa di Hermetia illucens – XXVII Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Entomologia “CNIE” – Palermo, 12 – 16 giugno 2023. (Comunicazione orale).

R. Rinaldi, C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, F. Giglio, M. Rubino, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, A. Franco, P. Falabella – Evaluation of the antitumoral activity of Hermetia illucens hemolymph – XXVII Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Entomologia “CNIE” – Palermo, 12 – 16 giugno 2023.