Exclusive conversation

Getting to Know: Veronica Candino !!.

1. What are your specific tasks in the Nano-to-Heart team?

As part of the Nano to Heart Team, I conduct research to develop and optimize new molecular approaches in nanotechnology, specifically to modulate mechanosensing in cardiac fibroblasts. I contribute to do experiments, testing the hypothesis, collection data and writing scientific publications.

2. What is your research focus in Nano-to-Heart?

In the Nano to Heart project, my research focus are molecular mechanisms in cardiac fibroblasts activation and exploring nanotechnological strategies to modulate this process for therapeutic purposes. In particular, I’m analyzing the role of the YAP pathway, a key transcriptional regulator involved in driving fibroblasts toward a pro-fibrotic phenotype, which is a central event in the progression of cardiac dysfunction.

3. What expertise you bring into the project? – follow-up: Why is this field of research so exciting?

I have expertise in molecular biology, nanotechnology and cellular mechanobiology. This field is exciting because it merges biology and technology to create innovative solutions for treating cardiovascular diseases.

4. Is this your first experience working on an EU-funded project? What is your opinion about this programme?

Yes, this is my first experience with an EU-funded project, and I find it very exciting. Working in an international, collaborative environment with complementary expertise accelerates innovation and enables ideas that would be difficult to achieve in more limited settings