Andrea Ballabio is an Italian geneticist who serves as Full Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Naples Federico II. In 1994, he founded the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), a center of excellence in research on rare genetic diseases, where he served as Director until 2024. His research has focused on identifying the genes responsible for various rare genetic disorders and understanding their pathogenic mechanisms.In particular, his work on the TFEB gene, which regulates lysosomal function, has had a significant impact on the fields of cell biology and neurodegenerative disease research. In May 2022, Andrea Ballabio was appointed Scientific Advisor to VIMM, with the goal of supporting the Institute in shaping new scientific strategies and advancing VIMM’s mission to promote cutting-edge biomedical research.
Andrea Ballabio has devoted his scientific career to studying the molecular mechanisms that cause rare genetic diseases. One of his most important discoveries concerns the TFEB gene, considered a “master switch” of lysosomal function and autophagy, both essential for cellular recycling. His studies have opened new perspectives in understanding and treating numerous disorders, including neurodegenerative and lysosomal storage diseases. His work integrates genetics, cell biology, and translational medicine, with the aim of developing innovative therapies based on gene modulation.
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