Francesco Chemello leads a VIMM laboratory that develops innovative techniques to correct DNA defects responsible for genetic diseases affecting muscles and the heart. After a solid background in biotechnology and experience in the United States, he introduced advanced technologies such as base editing and prime editing to “repair” defective genes. His goal is to create new therapies for conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hereditary cardiomyopathies, offering new hope to patients who currently lack effective treatments.
Francesco Chemello’s research focuses on the application of CRISPR-based genome editing technologies for the treatment of neuromuscular diseases. His laboratory investigates the molecular bases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and hereditary cardiomyopathies using genetically modified mouse models, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and cardiac organoids. His studies have led to the development of innovative approaches for the precise correction of mutations through base editing and prime editing, demonstrating functional restoration of the dystrophin gene and other pathological targets. Recently, he has explored the use of modRNA and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for in vivo delivery of editing systems, aiming to create safe and effective genetic therapies for patients.
CRISPR-Editing Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
2011
PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology
2011 - 2018
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
2018 - 2022
Professor - UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, USA)
2023 - present
Associate Professor of Genetics - Università degli Studi di Bologna
2024 - present
Principal Investigator - VIMM
2022
Scolarship - Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship
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