Amalia PORTA | Curriculum

Academic Career and Education
2023-present Full Professor of Microbiology (SSD BIOS-15/A), Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2020-present Director of the II-level University Master’s Program "Microbiological Controls: Quality and Safety in Production Processes", University of Salerno
2019-2023 Associate Professor of Microbiology (SSD BIOS-15/A), Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2006-2019 Researcher (SSD BIOS-15/A), Faculty (later Department) of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
1993 Degree in Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”
1997 Degree in Natural Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”

Research Activities
2005-2006 Recipient of a research grant for the project "Cloning of Candida albicans Virulence Factors" at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2003-2005 Recipient of a two-year research grant for the project "Cloning of Candida albicans Virulence Factors" at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2000-2001 Recipient of the Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Foundation scholarship, funded by Biosearch Italia Spa, for the project "Identification and Characterization of Genes Coding for Virulence Factors of Candida albicans during Murine Macrophage Infection as Innovative Targets to Develop New Antifungal Molecules", at the International Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Naples
1995-1998 Recipient of the AIDS research grant from the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) for the project "Isolation and Characterization of Genes Coding for Virulence Factors in the Human Pathogenic Fungus Histoplasma capsulatum during Macrophage Infection", at the International Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Naples

International Experience
1998-2000 NIH Fellowship (Grant #GM47724) for the project "Deletion of C. albicans Differentially Expressed Genes: Genetic and Phenotypic Analysis", Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA

Institutional Roles
2016-2023 Coordinator of the Committee for Planning “PCTO ex-Alternanza Scuola-Lavoro” Programs at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2016-2019 Member of the Department Board (DIFARMA) as Representative of Researchers
2016-2022 Member of the Permanent Research Committee at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2015-2021 Member of the Evaluation Committee for Spin-Off Proposals at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2014-2016 Member of the Committee for Teaching Assignments for Degree Programs in Pharmacy, CTF (Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology), and TE (Herbal Sciences) at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2014-2021 Member of the WEB Committee at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2013-present Responsible for BIO Educational Laboratories at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2011-2012 Member of the Teaching Committee at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2010-2014 Member of the Research Grant Assignment Committee at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno
2009-2011 Member of the Logistics Committee for Temporal Planning of Teaching Activities at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salerno

Main Research Areas
The primary research areas of prof. Amalia Porta involve the characterization of new natural or synthetic molecules with antimicrobial activity and the study of virulence factors involved in adhesion and invasion processes of pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium, Helicobacter pylori, and Candida albicans, aimed at identifying new molecular targets for reducing bacterial and fungal virulence.

1. Identification and Characterization of Virulence Genes in Candida albicans for Developing Innovative Antifungal Targets
   The increasing use of antifungal agents (polyenes, azoles, echinocandins) for treating deep mycoses has led to the emergence of resistant strains, necessitating the search for new therapeutic targets. One line of research focuses on the dimorphic fungus C. albicans and its infection process, leading to the identification of virulence genes. Deleting these genes and testing their effects in vitro has provided insights into their roles during infection and the fungus's reduced infective capacity.
   Recent research has focused on the study of molecular pathways controlled by the sirtuin Hst3p in C. albicans to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target. Hst3p is a sirtuin with distinct amino acid motifs compared to human sirtuins, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic development.

2. Role of Trefoil Factor 1 (TFF1) in Helicobacter Infections
   TFF1 is a peptide primarily secreted in gastrointestinal epithelial cells, associated with mucins for organizing and protecting the mucosal layer. Research findings suggest that TFF1 hinders Helicobacter adhesion and colonization, thus preventing chronic infection. Specific studies have shown that direct interaction between TFF1 and the bacteria protects the epithelium by trapping H. pylori in the mucus layer and reducing its motility. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that IFNgamma cytokine suppresses TFF1 expression, which is considered a tumor suppressor specific to the gastrointestinal tract.

prof. Porta collaborates on research projects focusing on the study of new synthetic or natural molecules with potential antimicrobial activity.