Massimo Libra

Massimo Libra
Associated Professor
University of Catania, Italy

Biography

Dr. Massimo Libra is associated professor of general pathology at the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania (Catania, Italy). He is director of the Translational Oncology & Functional Genomics Laboratory at the same Department. Dr. Massimo Libra received his M.D. degree from the University of Catania in 1995. Dr. Libra was a post-fellow at the National Cancer Institute in Aviano (Italy) during the Specialization in Oncology. In 2002, he received his Ph.D. degree in Oncology from the University of Catania. He was visiting scientist at the UCLA and East Carolina University. His research is focused on defining the molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of tumors and the identification of new elements for a more effective diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer. In details, he studies the activation of Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK-MAPK and PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathways and their pharmacological targeting, the cross-talk between the p53 pathway and other pathways (Yin Yang 1, Stathmin), associated with the development of cancer, the study of the tumor microenvironment (NGAL, OPN, MMPs, cytokines).

Research Interest

Molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of tumors Identification of new elements for a more effective diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer Activation of Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK-MAPK PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathways Study of the tumor microenvironment