The overall goal of my present and future research consists of developing more effective strategies to treat limb and myocardial ischaemia and to improve the current methods employed for correction of cardiac defects in infants.

My own contribution has been the identification of novel angiogenic factors, human tissue kallikrein and nerve growth factor. In addition, I am looking at successful genetic programs that support health rather than trying to contrast pathogenic mechanisms. One example is our publications showing the therapeutic potential of transferring a gene variant associated with exceptional longevity to rescue diabetic cardiomyopathy, aging cardiomyopathy, and limb/myocardial ischemia. This genetic program has been “reviewed” by mother nature through thousand years , we are extending the success to the population at risk.

In recent years, my team has been working with Prof Caputo and Angelini to generate new tissue engineering solutions for correction of cardiac defects. We generated a prototype amedical product that Caputo is aiming to test in patients. We are  moving to a second-generation product consisting of a hybrid (synthetic and natural material) topographically decorated with endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and pericytes from the human umbilical cord to mimic a natural artery. The aim is to use this biocompatible system for correction of pulmonary artery defects. In collaboration with Angelini, we are manufacturing artificial valves decorated with microRNAs to accelerate the process of endothelialization.

Finally, we are conducting research on microvascular damage in COVID-19, with focus on spike protein induced signalling in human cardiac pericytes.