DrMonica De Gaetano

My research lies at the interface of Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology and Medicinal Chemistry, working closely with Synthetic Chemists, Bioinformatics and Pathologists, in order to discover and develop novel bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential in the ‘Resolution Pharmacology’.

My research focuses on generating novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and genetic susceptibility of chronic inflammatory diseases, using a combination of cellular-based assays, animal models, and human tissue interrogations. I have a long-standing interest in endogenously generated molecules (and their mimetics) promoting resolution of inflammation. Ultimately, my research goal is to identify novel paradigms in the ‘theranostics’ of chronic macrovascular diseases, through the discovery of novel bio-active molecules with therapeutic potential, and through the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnostic applications.

I am currently the coordinator of a translational ex vivo study on human atherosclerosis in collaboration with UCD Schools of Chemistry and Medicine, as well as clinicians in St. Vincent’s University and Mater Hospitals (Dublin). For this study, in 2017, I was awarded a 2-years Irish Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellowship, investigating the immunological basis of the resolution of inflammation, through the elucidation of the adaptive mechanisms of the immune response (by looking at the pivotal role played by monocytes and macrophages) in atherosclerosis.

I have been awarded an independent research funding in 2022, under the Reserach Ireland (former Science Foundation Ireland) ‘Pathway’ starting investigator scheme, whose overarching aim is to tackle the ‘residual inflammatory risk’ observed in sub-cohorts of diabetes-associated atherosclerotic patients, in order to better tailoring therapeutic interventions. 


KEY SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Translational Inflammation & Atherosclerosis Research; Innate Immunity Response Models; Bioactive Molecules Screening; Molecular Mechanisms of Disease [CVD, Diabetes]; Receptor Pharmacology; Genetics Epidemiology

RESEARCH MENTORING
I have an extensive supervisory experience of undergraduate students, as well as PhD, MD and MSc candidates: I co-supervised several PhD candidates and international PhD visiting student on a Marie Curie ITN Network. I directly supervised 10+ undergraduate Pharmacology (SBBS), Physiology & SSRA Medicine (SoM) students in their research projects. I have hosted 5+ UG Erasmus and UG/PG visiting students from Ireland and Italy.
Moreover, I have recently started my mentorship and supervision of two 4yrs-funded PhD students (Mr. Braden Millar, in Year 4 of the SFI-Pathway funded scholarship; and Mr Luke Conroy, in Year 3 of the UCD Ad Astra-funded scholarship), as part of the SFI Pathway & Ad Astra Fellowship research programmes I have been recently awarded as PI. Over the past 2 years, Dr Ciaran Kennedy has joint my lab as Senior Post-Doctoral fellow.