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Related Research Units

Neurology Research

Research Overview

Francesco joined the Integrated Behavior and Physiology (iB&P) Core in August 2019 as Lead Research Technologist. He was recruited with the aim to expand the Core’s scientific expertise for offering a broader and more comprehensive service. In his first months, he specialized in visual acuity assessment in mice using manual and automated systems. Furthermore, he oversees and coordinates the work of the facility, and represents a reference point for customers’ projects.

Research Background

Francesco received his Master Degree in Pharmaco-Genomic Biotechnology from the University of Milan Bicocca, Italy. He studied genetics of longevity using GWAS approach on centenarian population from across the world. In 2015, he received his PhD in Molecular and Translational Medicine from the University of Milan Bicocca, with a project focused on evaluating the therapeutic potential of a longevity-associated mutated protein. His doctoral project evolved into different applied studies, including the analysis of the impact of the identified mutation on cardiovascular, muscular and neurological systems. Francesco continued his research by developing a promising gene therapy for age-related diseases, especially for vascular pathologies (hypertension and atherosclerosis), and neurological disorders (Huntington’s Disease). In 2017-2018, Francesco worked as a Visiting Scientist in the Gussoni Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital. He tested the potential of the previously-developed gene therapy on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, improving his skills in behavioral and locomotor testing in mice.

Selected Publications

  1. Single systemic transfer of a human gene associated with exceptional longevity halts the progression of atherosclerosis and inflammation in ApoE knockout mice through a CXCR4-mediated mechanism. Puca et al. 2019. European Heart Journal. PMID: 31289820
  2. Genetic Analysis Reveals a Longevity-Associated Protein Modulating Endothelial Function and Angiogenesis. Villa et al. 2015. Circulation Research. PMID: 26034043
  3. LAV-BPIFB4 associates with reduced frailty in humans and its transfer prevents frailty progression in old mice. Malavolta et al 2019. Aging (Albany NY). PMID: 31461407
  4. A rare genetic variant of BPIFB4 predisposes to high blood pressure via impairment of nitric oxide signaling. Vecchione et al. 2017. Scientific Reports (Nature). PMID: 28852218
  5. LAV-BPIFB4 isoform modulates eNOS signalling through Ca2+/PKC-alpha-dependent mechanism. Spinelli et al. 2017. Cardiovasc Research. PMID: 28419216
  6. A Model of Evolutionary Selection: The Cardiovascular Protective Function of the Longevity Associated Variant of BPIFB4. Villa et al. 2018 International Journal of Molecular Science. Review. PMID: 30347645
  7. Effects of FOXO3 Polymorphisms on Survival to Extreme Longevity in Four Centenarian Studies. Bae et al. 2018. Journal of Gerontology A Biol Sci Med Sci. PMID: 28977569

Contact Francesco Villa

Phone: 857-222-4954
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