December 08, 2023
The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) mourns the loss of a dynamic researcher and teacher, Giuseppe Inesi, MD. He passed away on November 12 in Tiburon, California of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Inesi joined UMSOM in 1980 and served as chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for 25 years. His research, focused on calcium and copper transport, result in his publication of more than 300 papers. He obtained the initial isolation of sarcoplasmic reticulum from cardiac muscle, and then engaged in a long term research project on molecular and cellular aspects of calcium transport mechanisms. He later focused on the copper transport mechanisms in a cell which are involved in copper homeostasis.
His findings were accepted by leading journals such as Nature Medicine, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Journal of General Physiology, and Molecular Pharmacology. With an impressive h-index of 60, Dr. Inesi and his works are known to experts as truly remarkable.
A native of Crotone, Italy, Dr. Inesi was always an extremely talented student. He advanced through school quickly, obtaining his medical degree from the University of Modena at the young age of 23. He then went on to complete his PhD in biochemistry at the University of Bologna.
Dr. Inesi’s academic career in teaching and research not only led him to UMSOM but leading institutions including the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California at San Francisco and the California Pacific Medical Research Center Institute. From Japan to South Africa, he often taught in classrooms around the world making sure to enjoy the local cultures and a cup of coffee along the way.
He is remembered by his colleagues, friends and family for his wit, humor, and wisdom. This tremendous loss is felt throughout the community at UMSOM. We extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones at this time.
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Inesi’s family requests donations be directed to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in his name. The Ark Newspaper featured an obituary honoring his legacy.
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