MCWMedical College of Wisconsin · Biophysics
Marassi Calcification Lab
Francesca M Marassi · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Research Focus
Dr. Francesca M. Marassi's lab focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind diseases associated with aging, particularly Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The team investigates the roles of calcification in these conditions and explores interactions between microbial pathogens and host defenses. This research aims to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat these debilitating diseases.
calcificationAlzheimer's DiseaseAge-Related Macular Degenerationinnate immunitypathogen interactionsbiomineralsstructural biologyNMR spectroscopy
Research Aims
4AIM 01Elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ectopic calcification in diseases of aging.
AIM 02Develop diagnostic sensors for detecting ectopic calcification.
AIM 03Investigate the structural basis of host-pathogen interactions.
AIM 04Examine the roles of proteins in immunity and calcification in AMD and AD.
Skills the Lab Values
solution NMRsolid-state NMRprotein purificationmolecular modelingcell culturebiochemical assaysmicroscopydata analysisextracellular matrix studies
Output against the department
Publications185top 30% of dept.3rd of 10
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations5.9kbottom 40% of dept.6th of 10
this lab
most citedleast cited
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