Dr. Serena Travaglini | University of Rome Tor Vergata | Italy
Dr. Serena Travaglini is a dedicated molecular biologist and researcher at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” specializing in the characterization of leukemia stem cells. Born in Rome, she advanced through a strong academic trajectory in biotechnology, earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Tor Vergata University. She conducted her doctoral research under leading mentors, focusing on FLT3-ITD-mutated acute myeloid leukemia, identifying novel therapeutic targets. After completing her doctorate, she deepened her expertise in postdoctoral studies exploring CD99 as a therapeutic marker and the transcriptomic evolution of AML. Currently, she leads investigations into the role of p63 in thymoma within the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. With a solid foundation in molecular biotechnology and translational medicine, Dr. Travaglini exemplifies excellence in both research innovation and academic leadership.
Profiles
Education and Experience
Dr. Travaglini’s academic journey reflects sustained dedication to biotechnology and translational medicine. She graduated in biotechnology and advanced to earn a master’s in medical biotechnology, followed by a PhD in biotechnology and translational medicine, all at Tor Vergata University. Her early research explored oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases and the molecular interplay in APL. During her doctoral studies, she investigated FLT3-ITD-mutated leukemia stem cells, pursuing actionable targets to impede relapse. Her postdoctoral work further expanded her expertise by analyzing CD99’s role in leukemic progenitor cell behavior and homing. As a researcher, she now explores p63’s involvement in thymoma, integrating molecular insights with translational goals. Her progression reflects a consistent focus on dissecting leukemic pathophysiology to inform therapeutic strategies.
Research Interests
Dr. Travaglini’s research spans the genetic and cellular characterization of leukemia, with a distinctive focus on leukemia stem cells and clonal evolution. She is deeply interested in validating genetic biomarkers in AML and APL, exploring therapeutic vulnerabilities, and understanding resistance in arsenic-trioxide-treated APL. Her work includes analysis of surface immunophenotypes including CD99, CD34, and CD123, and characterizing t(11;17)-positive AMLs. She also investigates therapy-related AML and how genetic changes drive disease progression. Her broader goals emphasize leveraging multiparameter flow cytometry, genetics, and in vivo modeling to inform precision medicine strategies that combat recurrence and treatment resistance.
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Travaglini is the recipient of notable recognitions for her contributions to life sciences research. She received the Angeletti-Mortari Life Sciences Research Prize from MSD Italia—an award honoring innovation by emerging researchers and supporting their work in scientific excellence within Italy. She also won the “AIL Beat Leukemia” Fellowship awarded by the Italian Society of Experimental Hematology, which advanced her project investigating the molecular landscape of high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia and strategies to overcome disease progression beat-leukemia.org. These honors reflect her impactful contributions to leukemia research and her promise as a leading young scientist.
Publications Top Notes
Functional characterization and response to FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukaemia with a non‐canonical FLT3 mutation: A proof of concept
Journal: British Journal of Haematology
Authors: Serena Travaglini, Carmelo Gurnari, Silvia Antonelli, Francesco Marchesi, Gioia De Angelis, Tiziana Ottone, Mariadomenica Divona, Antonio Cristiano, Hajro Hajrullaj, Andrea Mengarelli, et al.
Ascorbate Plus Buformin in AML: A Metabolic Targeted Treatment
Journal: Cancers
Authors: Cristina Banella, Gianfranco Catalano, Serena Travaglini, Elvira Pelosi, Tiziana Ottone, Alessandra Zaza, Gisella Guerrera, Daniela Francesca Angelini, Pasquale Niscola, Mariadomenica Divona, et al.
From Clonal Hematopoiesis to Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms: The Silent Way of Cancer Progression
Journal: Biology
Authors: Carmelo Gurnari, Emiliano Fabiani, Giulia Falconi, Serena Travaglini, Tiziana Ottone, Antonio Cristiano, Maria Teresa Voso.
PML/RARa Interferes with NRF2 Transcriptional Activity Increasing the Sensitivity to Ascorbate of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells
Journal: Cancers
Authors: Cristina Banella, Gianfranco Catalano, Serena Travaglini, Mariadomenica Divona, Silvia Masciarelli, Gisella Guerrera, Francesco Fazi, Francesco Lo-Coco, Maria Teresa Voso, Nelida Ines Noguera.
Conclusion
Dr. Serena Travaglini stands as a distinguished emerging researcher in molecular hematology, demonstrating both scientific rigor and translational vision. Her academic excellence, from her foundational training through her innovative postdoctoral and current work, underscores her commitment to unraveling the biological mechanisms underpinning leukemia and resistance. Her strategically focused research on leukemia stem cells, therapeutic biomarker validation, and overcoming drug-resistant APL speaks to her potential to influence next-generation leukemia therapies. Recognition through prestigious awards and notable scholarly contributions further affirm her candidacy. With continued support, Dr. Travaglini is poised to lead impactful research initiatives that can reshape treatment paradigms in acute leukemia and precision medicine.