Fabio D'Alessandro

"I decided to apply for the ViroiDoc program because it offers a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of plant–pathogen interactions through an international and multidisciplinary approach. I am particularly motivated to study viroid pathogenesis using omics and phenotyping techniques, connecting my background in plant stress physiology and molecular biology with innovative research. Through this collaboration, I hope to contribute to advancing sustainable plant health while growing as an independent and versatile researcher."

Fabio is ViroiDoc MSCA fellow (DC7) at the National Research Council (CNR) in Italy under supervision of Francesco di Serio (CNR) and Tiziana Mascia (UNIBA).

Individual Research Projects (IRP): 
Dissection of viroid pathogenesis through omics and phenotyping approaches

Elucidation of signalling pathways and mechanisms altered in the host by nuclear and chloroplast replicating viroid infections in symptomatic and non-symptomatic tissues by omics approaches (analysis of transcriptome, methylome, small RNAome). Assessment of the role of epigenetic changes in the interplay between a nuclear replicating (PSTVd) and a chloroplast replicating viroid (CChMVd) with their hosts (tomato and chrysanthemum). Evaluation of the impact of symptomatic and latent viroid infections on plant performance by phenotyping (photosynthesis efficiency, stomatal conductance and thermal imaging) in symptomatic, non-symptomatic viroid-infected and non-infected plants. Integration of phenotyping and molecular data to identify potential targets for the development of strategies to counteract viroid infection.

Project presentation

coming soon