Orcid Profile
Personal Statement 🌟
Dr. Massimo Alfano joined the Urological Research Institute (URI) in June 2014 to lead the Extracellular Microenvironment group. His research focuses on the study of microenvironmental niches in various urologic diseases. He has spearheaded multiple research projects investigating the extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue-associated microbiome, especially in bladder cancer and testicular germ cell aplasia.
Key Publications 📚
- The interplay of extracellular matrix and microbiome in urothelial bladder cancer.
Nature Reviews Urology, 2016
Alfano M, et al.
- Linearized texture of three-dimensional extracellular matrix is mandatory for bladder cancer cell invasion.
Scientific Reports, 2016
Alfano M, et al.
- Testicular microbiome in azoospermic men – First evidence of the impact of an altered microenvironment.
Human Reproduction, 2018
Alfano M, et al.
- Aging, inflammation and DNA damage in the somatic testicular niche with idiopathic germ cell aplasia.
Nature Communications, 2021
Alfano M, et al.
Contributions to Science 🔍
Extracellular Microenvironment(s):
Dr. Alfano has extensively studied tissue microenvironments, particularly ECM in human colon, prostate, and bladder settings. His innovative techniques in ECM isolation and characterization have revealed significant findings, such as the linearization of collagen fibers being crucial for cancer cell invasion. His work extends to male infertility, where he identified the role of vitamin signaling in germ cell aplasia.
HIV Research:
Before his focus on urology, Dr. Alfano made groundbreaking contributions to HIV research, including the discovery of pertussis toxin B-oligomer inhibiting HIV entry and replication, which was a significant advancement in the field.
Education 🎓
- Ph.D. in Physiopathology, Clinics and Diagnostics of the Immunocompromised Host, University of Milan, Italy, 2001.
- M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, University of Milan, Italy, 1992.
Professional Training and Positions 🏢
- 2024: Scientific reviewer for the European Commission.
- 2023 – : Member of the Disease Unit “Bladder cancer” of the Cancer Center of Ospedale San Raffaele.
- 2020 – : Group Leader “Extracellular Microenvironment Unit”, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan.
- 2014 – : Senior scientist, URI-Urological Research Institute, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan.
Teaching Activities and Mentorship 📘
Dr. Alfano has been an adjunct professor in various courses at Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan. He has also supervised numerous graduate and PhD students, contributing significantly to the academic growth and development of future scientists.