Giovannino Silvestri, PhD
- Academic Title: Research Associate
- Primary Appointment: Medicine
- Additional Title: Member of the Cancer Therapeutics research program Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Member IRB review Committee Board, University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Email: GSilvestri@ihv.umaryland.edu
- Location: Bressler Building, 655 West Baltimore Street, Room 9-020 Baltimore, 21201 Maryland
Education and Training
2003–2006
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology, University of Calabria, Italy.
2006–2009
Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology (magna cum laude), University of Calabria, Italy.
2010–2013
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathology, University of Verona, Italy.
Thesis Advisor: Claudio Sorio.
Dissertation: “Biochemical and functional characterization of the oncosuppressor gene Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Gamma in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.”
2013–2018
Postdoctoral Fellow, Program in Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
2018
Research Associate, Program in Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
2019–2023
Research Associate, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
2023–Present
Faculty, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
2025–Present
Member, Cancer Therapeutics Research Program, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
2025–Present
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Member, UMB/VA, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Biosketch
Dr. Giovannino Silvestri is a distinguished molecular and cellular biologist specializing in malignant hematology, with over 12 years of research experience in leukemia pathogenesis and therapy development. He is currently a Research Associate at the Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he leads and contributes to multidisciplinary projects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Dr. Silvestri received his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathology from the University of Verona, Italy, under the mentorship of Dr. Sorio. During his doctoral training, he conducted pioneering work on Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Gamma (PTPRG) and its role in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), advancing knowledge of phosphatase signaling in leukemia progression. Building on this foundation, his postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland expanded into the roles of microRNAs, RNA metabolism, and microenvironmental interactions in leukemogenesis, resulting in high-impact publications.
Research Focus
Dr. Silvestri’s research portfolio integrates cancer biology, hematology, virology, and immunology, with a strong translational emphasis. His current work includes:
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AML with FLT3-ITD mutations: Defining hypoxia-driven resistance mechanisms and metabolic adaptationsin leukemic cells.
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Precision medicine models: Developing patient-derived organoids (PDOs) to faithfully recapitulate bone marrow biology and predict therapeutic responses.
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Leukemia stem cells: Investigating molecular pathways governing the transformation of hematopoietic stem cells into leukemia stem cells.
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Therapeutic innovation: Combining Pim kinase inhibitors with FDA-approved FLT3 inhibitors (e.g., Gilteritinib) to overcome resistance and improve AML treatment efficacy.
Editorial and Professional Leadership
Dr. Silvestri actively contributes to the scientific community as an editor and reviewer for multiple journals, including Frontiers, Stem Cell Research & Therapy, and the Journal of AIDS and HIV Treatment, with a focus on RNA biology, stem cell therapies, and AIDS interventions. He is an engaged mentor, collaborator, and member of professional societies including ASH, AACR, AAAS, and the International CML Foundation.
Recognitions and Contributions
He serves as Principal Investigator on an American Cancer Society award and as Co-Investigator on VA-funded projects. His publications span leading journals such as Leukemia Nature, PNAS, Blood Cancer Discovery, and Cancer Research Communications. Dr. Silvestri’s achievements have been recognized with many awards including ASH Abstract Award and the Silver Plaque from the City of Rende for his scientific career.
Skills and Expertise
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Molecular & Cellular Biology
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Leukemia Pathogenesis & Therapy Development
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RNA Biology & MicroRNA Function
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Virology & Immunology
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In Vitro and In Vivo Modeling
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Patient-Derived Organoids (AML)
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Grant Writing & Research Strategy
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Editorial Leadership & Mentorship
Research/Clinical Keywords
Hematology Malignancies, Acute Myeloid Leukemia FLT3-ITD, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Ph+ALL, Tumor Microenvironment, FACS 10 colors, MicroRNAs, Non-long coding RNAs, Signal Transduction, Mouse and Humanized Mouse models, Clinical Trials.
Highlighted Publications
(Newest to Oldest)
2026
Silvestri G#, Chatterjee A, Rendina BP, Bar E, Baer MR#. Glutamine-Dependent Downregulation of FLT3-ITD is a Mechanism of FLT3 Inhibitor Resistance in FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Hypoxia. Leukemia (Nature). Under review. Corresponding authors.
Chatterjee A, Mustafa Ali MK, Bailey CM, Liu Y, Small D, Smith CC, Traer E, Wang Y, Silvestri G and Baer MR. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators resensitize FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia cells with NRAS mutations to FLT3 inhibitors. Leukemia (Nature). Accepted ahead of print.
Silvestri G#. Leukemia Stem Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Biology, Therapeutic Resistance, and Barriers to Durable Remission. Journal of Biomed Research. 2026;7(1):41–45. Accepted ahead of print. Corresponding author.
Silvestri G#. Fueling the Fire: How Glutamine Metabolism Sustains Leukemia Growth and Resistance. BioMed. 2026;6(1):7. Corresponding author.
2025
Chatterjee A, Mustafa Ali MK, Bailey CM, Liu Y, Small D, Smith CC, Traer E, Wang Y, Silvestri G and Baer MR. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators resensitize FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia cells with NRAS mutations to FLT3 inhibitors. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025.
Silvestri G#, Chatterjee A. Rebuilding the Marrow In Vitro: Translational Advances in the 3D Modeling of Blood Cancers. Onco. 2025;5:51. Corresponding author.
2024
Lee JK, Chatterjee A, Scarpa M, Bailey CM, Niyongere S, Singh P, Mustafa Ali MK, Kapoor S, Wang Y, Silvestri G* and Baer MR*. Pim kinase inhibitors increase gilteritinib cytotoxicity in FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia through GSK-3β activation and c-Myc and Mcl-1 proteasomal degradation. Cancer Research Communications. 2024;4(2):431–445. Co-last author.
2020
Silvestri G, Trotta R, Stramucci L, Ellis JJ, Harb JG, et al. Persistence of Drug-Resistant Leukemic Stem Cells and Impaired NK Cell Immunity in CML Patients Depend on MIR300 Antiproliferative and PP2A-Activating Functions.Blood Cancer Discovery. 2020;1(1).
2018
Srutova K, Curik N, Burda P, Savvulidi F, Silvestri G, Trotta R, Klamova H, Pecherkova P, Sovova Z, Koblihova J, Stopka T, Perrotti D, Machova Polakova K. BCR-ABL1 mediated miR-150 downregulation through MYC contributes to myeloid differentiation block and resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia. Haematologica. 2018;103(12):2016–2025.
2017
Perrotti D, Silvestri G, Stramucci L, Yu J, Trotta R. Cellular and Molecular Networks in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: the leukemic stem, progenitor and stromal cell interplay. Current Drug Targets. 2017;18:377–388.
2016
Laidlaw K, Berhan S, Liu S, Silvestri G, Holyoake T, Frank D, Aggarwal BB, Perrotti D, Jørgensen H, Arbiser J. Cooperation of imipramine blue and tyrosine kinase blockade demonstrates activity against chronic myeloid leukemia.Oncotarget. 2016;7:51651.
2015
Perrotti D, Silvestri G, Stramucci L. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Current Research Focus. Haematologica. 2015;9:91–102.
Bellisola G, Bolomini Vittori M, Cinque G, Dumas P, Fiorini Z, Laudanna C, Mirenda M, Sandt C, Silvestri G, Tomasello L, Vezzalini M, Wehbe K, Sorio C. Unsupervised explorative data analysis of normal human leukocytes and BCR/ABL positive leukemic cells mid-infrared spectra. Analyst. 2015;140:4407–4422.
2013
Bellisola G, Cinque G, Vezzalini M, Moratti E, Silvestri G, Redealli S, Gambacorti Passerini C, Wehbe K, Sorio C. Rapid recognition of drug-resistance/sensitivity in leukemic cells by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy and unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis. Analyst. 2013;138:3934–3945.
Additional Publications
Newest to Oldest
2025
Silvestri G, Rathinam CV. Trim28 plays an indispensable role in maintaining functions and transcriptional integrity of hematopoietic stem cells. Cells. 2025. Under review.
Shinde P, Silvestri G, Kuppusamy P, Stamatos N, Rathinam CV. Influenza A virus infection leads to pancytopenia and defective immune cell differentiation program in the thymus and bone marrow. Journal of Immunology. 2025. Under review.
Shinde P, Silvestri G, Kuppusamy P, Stamatos N, Rathinam CV. Influenza A virus infection leads to pancytopenia and defective immune cell differentiation program in the thymus and bone marrow. bioRxiv. 2025.
Silvestri G#, Chatterjee A. HIV-1 and Artificial Intelligence: From Molecular Insight to Population Impact. J AIDS HIV Treat. 2025;7(1):123–132. Corresponding author.
Silvestri G#, Chatterjee A. Stem Cell-Based Strategies for HIV-1 Remission: Emerging Frontiers and Translational Challenges. Arch Stem Cell Ther. 2025;6(1):3–5. Corresponding author.
2024
Benedetti F#, Silvestri G#, Denaro F, Finesso G, Contreras-Galindo R, Munawwar A, Williams S, Davis H, Bryant J, Wang Y, Radaelli E, Rathinam CV, Gallo RC*, Zella D*. Mycoplasma DnaK expression increases cancer development in vivo upon DNA damage. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). 2024;121(10):e2320859121. Equal contribution.
Benedetti F, Mongodin FE, Badger HJ, Munawwar A, Cellini A, Yuan W, Silvestri G, Kraus NC, Marini S, Salemi M, Tettelin H, Gallo CR, Zella D. Bacterial DnaK reduces the activity of anti-cancer drugs cisplatin and 5-FU. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2024;22:269.
Basta D, Latinovic OS, Tagaya Y, Silvestri G*. Potential advantages of a well-balanced nutrition regimen for people living with HIV-1. J AIDS HIV Treat. 2024;6(1):11–27. Corresponding author.
Chatterjee A, Matsangos A, Latinovic OS, Heredia A, Silvestri G*. Advancing towards HIV-1 remission: Insights and innovations in stem cell therapies. Archive of Stem Cell and Therapy. 2024;5(1):5–13. Corresponding author.
2023
Benedetti F*, Silvestri G*, Nartuhi CM*, Weichseldorfer M, Munawwar A, Cash MN, Dulcey M, Vittor AY, Ciccozzi M, Salemi M, Latinovic OS, Zella D. Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 receptor expression in primary endothelial cells and retinoic acid-differentiated human neuronal cells. Viruses. 2022;13(11):2193. Equal contribution.
Benedetti F*, Silvestri G*, Saadat S, Denaro F, Latinovic OS, Davis H, Williams S, Bryant LJ, Ippodrino R, Rathinam VC, Gallo CR, Zella D. Mycoplasma DnaK increases DNA copy number variants in vivo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). 2023;120(30):e2219897120. Equal contribution.
2022
Benedetti F*, Silvestri G*, Nartuhi CM*, Weichseldorfer M, Munawwar A, Cash MN, Dulcey M, Vittor AY, Ciccozzi M, Salemi M, Latinovic OS, Zella D. Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 receptor expression in primary endothelial cells and retinoic acid-differentiated human neuronal cells. Viruses. 2022;13(11):2193. Equal contribution.
2020
Palma G*, Pasqua T*, Silvestri G*, Rocca C, Gualtieri P, Barbieri A, De Bartolo A, De Lorenzo A, Angelone T, Avolio E, Botti G. PI3Kδ inhibition as a potential therapeutic target in COVID-19. Frontiers in Immunology. 2020;11:2094. Equal contribution.
Research Interests
My research program centers on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving therapeutic resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with a particular focus on FLT3-ITD–mutant AML, leukemia stem cells (LSCs), and the bone marrow microenvironment. I am deeply interested in how metabolic adaptations and hypoxic signaling within the bone marrow niche foster leukemic persistence and resistance to targeted therapies, and in leveraging this knowledge to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
A major line of my work investigates hypoxia-driven resistance to FLT3 inhibitors. Although FLT3 inhibitors such as gilteritinib and quizartinib improve outcomes, patients frequently relapse, with blasts persisting in the hypoxic bone marrow. In parallel, I am committed to building preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the patient microenvironment and also contribute to the advancement of New Alternative Methods (NAMs), reducing reliance on animal testing.
Beyond AML, and an intensive training in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia RNA and stem biology, my research background spans immunology, virology and bacteriology, with prior work in influenza, COVID-19 and mycoplasma immunopathogenesis. This foundation in viral-host interactions informs my current exploration of stress-adaptive responses in cancer, as both contexts demand understanding how cells survive under hostile microenvironments.
Ultimately, my long-term research goal is to translate mechanistic insights into therapeutic innovation. By dissecting the metabolic and microenvironmental regulation of FLT3-ITD and LSCs, and by advancing platforms for drug discovery, I aim to develop strategies that improve survival and reduce relapse in AML patients.
Clinical Specialties
Certificate in Clinical Trials Operations by Johns Hopkins University. Certificate earned at November 1, 2023.
- Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
Johns Hopkins University
Taught by: Janet Holbrook, PhD, MPH, Ann-Margret Ervin, PhD, MPH, Stephan Ehrhardt, MD, MPH & Elizabeth A. Sugar, PhD
Grade Achieved: 87.79% - Clinical Trials Data Management and Quality Assurance
Johns Hopkins University
Taught by: Janet Holbrook, PhD, MPH, Ann-Margret Ervin, PhD, MPH & David M. Shade, JD
Grade Achieved: 86.08% - Clinical Trials Management and Advanced Operations
Johns Hopkins University
Taught by: Ann-Margret Ervin, PhD, MPH, Anne Shanklin Casper, MA & Sheriza Baksh, PhD
Grade Achieved: 87.34% - Clinical Trials Analysis, Monitoring, and Presentation
Johns Hopkins University
Taught by: Janet Holbrook, PhD, MPH, Elizabeth A. Sugar, PhD & David M. Shade, JD
Grade Achieved: 86.23%
Awards and Affiliations
Memberships (Newest → Oldest)
2025–Present
IRB Member, UMB/VA Institutional Review Board, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
Member, ISSNAF.
Member, Cancer Therapeutics Research Program, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA.
2017–Present
Associate Member, American Association for Cancer Research.
2015–Present
Member, American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Member, International CML Foundation.
2014–Present
Member, American Society of Hematology.
Honors and Awards (Newest → Oldest)
2022
Silver Plaque Award for scientific research career, conferred by the Mayor of Rende, Italy.
2018
Member Memory Board and Membership Testimonial, American Association for Cancer Research, Chicago, USA.
2017
Postdoctoral Appreciation Month Recognition, Oncology Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2015
American Society of Hematology Abstract Achievement Award, American Society of Hematology, Orlando, USA.
Best Poster Presentation Award, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
Selected nominee for the AAAS/Science Program for Excellence in Science, nominated by Albert Reece, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2014
16th ESH-iCMLf Travel Award, Philadelphia, USA.
2012
14th ESH-iCMLf Travel Award, Baltimore, USA.
2010–2013
Ph.D. Fellowship, Italian Ministry of Health, University of Verona, Italy.
2009
Best Graduate Award, University of Calabria, Italy, awarded for distinguished performance in Biology.
Grants and Contracts
Grant Reviewer:
2021, Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC)
Funded Grants
American Cancer Society IRG
07/01/2025 - 12/31/2026
(Project Period)
Silvestri, Giovannino
(PD/PI)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
(Organization Name)
Targeting Metabolic Adaptations to Hypoxia to Enhance FLT3 Inhibitor Efficacy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.(Title)
Veterans Affairs AI01BX005120-01A2
07/06/2021 - 09/30/2026
(Project Period)
Silvestri, Giovannino
(Co-Investigator)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
(Organization Name)
Enhancing FLT3 inhibitor efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-ITD.
(Title)
Pending Grants
R03 CA304049
07/01/2026 - 06/30/2028
(Project Period)
Silvestri, Giovannino
(PI)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
(Organization Name)
Replacing Animal Models with Patient-Derived Organoids to Advance Translational Research in FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia
(Title)
R01
04/01/2026 - 03/31/2031
(Project Period)
Silvestri, Giovannino
(Co-Investigator)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
(Organization Name)
Phase I clinical trial of the STING agonist CRD3874 in acute myeloid leukemia
(Title)
1R21CA312969-010
4/01/2026 - 03/31/2028
(Project Period)
Silvestri, Giovannino
(Co-Investigator)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
(Organization Name)
Targeting FLT3-ITD AML in the hypoxic bone marrow niche
(Title)
Completed/Ended Research Support:
NIH/NIAID 1R21AI174952-01 02/06/2022-01/31/2025
PI: Rathinam
Role: Key personnel
Title: Decoding HIV-1 mediated Hematopathology.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 infection causes severe hematopathology; including anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukemia, lymphoma, inflammatory disorders, and bone marrow failure. A deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the BM of patients with HIV-1 infection would be valuable in designing novel therapies for HIV-associated hematological diseases.
NIH/NHLBI 1R01HL132194 02/15/2017-01/31/2023
PI: Rathinam
Role: Key personnel
Title: NF-KB signaling in the control of Hematopoiesis. The goal of this project is to assess the precise role of NF-KB in hematopoietic stem cells that would be essential to understand and treat hematopoietic diseases that arise due to defective NF-KB activation.
NIH/NCI R01CA163800 01/31/2012-01/31/2019
PI: Perrotti
Role: Key personnel
Title: Role of microRNAs in the regulation of CML stem cell survival and self-renewal.
The goal of this project is to assess the role of microRNAs targeting in a canonical or decoy manner the BCR- ABL1/Jak2/SET-PP2A/b-catenin pathway in survival/self-renewal of leukemic stem and progenitor cells.
NIH-NCI 1R21CA209183-01 07/13/2016-06/30/2019
PI: Perrotti
Role: Key Personnel
Title: Role of SETBP1 in adult Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia.The goal of this project is to assess the role of SETBP1 and that of the PP2A inhibitory complex in the survival and self-renewal of Ph+ B-ALL stem cells.
Ph.D. Student Fellowship, Italian Ministry of Health, University of Verona,Italy 01/01/2010-05/30/2013
PI: Silvestri
In the News
- Dr Silvestri on March 11th, 2019 released an interview to an italian science magazine OGGIScienza.it that interviewed him to tell to the italian community the research he is performing in the United States of America. https://oggiscienza.it/2019/03/11/leucemia-mieloide-cronica/Chronic myeloid leukemia, the research to destroy cancer stem cells. Two directions of CML research: study drug-resistant cancer stem cells and develop new molecules to treat patients resistant to therapies by Luisa Alessio. 11 March 2019.
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“From the historic center of Rende to the United States to fight on the front line against the Coronavirus. Giovannino Silvestri from Rende is also part of the team of scientists who have proposed a new therapeutic protocol for the treatment of Covid-19 to the Annunziata hospital in Cosenza.
Raised in the ancient village of Oltre Campagnano, he has lived in the USA since 2013 and works as an associate researcher at the Institute of Human Virology of the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Born in 1984, he graduated with honors from the Faculty of Biology of the University of Calabria in 2009 and three years later obtained his PhD from the University of Verona in biology and molecular and cellular pathology.
In recent weeks his research work has focused on the Covid-19 pandemic which is unfortunately claiming thousands of victims all over the world. "To date, there is no known effective pharmacological treatment for which therapeutic alternatives are needed to alleviate and stop this pandemic due to a completely new virus," explains Silvestri. «The work of which I co-authored with Ennio Avolio, Teresa Pasqua and Giuseppe Palma, involves the use of the treatment of two drugs capable of acting together and mitigating the worsening of the lung disease, the now sadly famous syncytial pneumonia, caused by Sars-Cov-2 ”, underlines the researcher. «The treatment consists of a selective antagonist of peripheral H1 histaminergic receptors in combination with a specific inhibitor of one of the inflammatory cascades which, when activated, causes a strong perturbation of the immune responses with a typical pulmonary clinical picture of Covid-19», he highlights."This new therapeutic protocol - concludes Silvestri - could give an important turning point in the treatment of Covid-19 patients, especially in the early stages of the evolution of the pathology, that is, in avoiding or reducing the need for treatment in intensive care". https://www.quotidianodelsud.it/calabria/lintervista/salute-e-assistenza/2020/04/03/coronavirus-la-terapia-antivirus-dal-ricercatore-calabrese-negli-usa April 2022, Italy. - Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a stem cell disorder once considered an eventual death sentence upon progression to the terminal acute/blastic cell phase, a terrible clinical outcome that has improved with the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A major continuing problem with treating CML is the persistence of drug-resistant leukemia stem/initiating cells (LS/IC).In the first issue of Blood Cancer Discovery, Silvestri and colleagues describe an incredibly in-depth mechanistic study using genetic and pharmacologic modulation of the miRNA MiR300 with and without treatment with activators of the serine-threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in human cells. In vitro studies and in vivo mouse models of patient-derived xenografts were used to address the need to target LS/ICs and restore immunity of impaired natural killer cells for attenuation of CML progression. Spotlight by Hal Broxmeyer. https://bloodcancerdiscov.aacrjournals.org/content/1/1/13. July 2020.
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«To Giovannino Silvestri a brilliant mind who, with his research, gives hope and faith in science». These were the words imprinted on the silver plaque given by the mayor Manna to the transplanted biologist in Baltimore where he has lived for 10 years and works as an associate researcher at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland. In addition to the doctor's parents, the Assessors Annamaria Artese, Lisa Sorrentino and Fabrizio Totera took part in the ceremony. «It is an honor to have this illustrious citizen who, with his work, offers the possibility of treatment for patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia» said Mayor Marcello Manna. Dr Silvestri, during the stop forced by the pandemic, helped also to activate a treatment at the Cosenza hospital that avoids the complications of the consequences of pneumonia: “Although I have lived in America for some time - said Silvestri - where I came to work with Robert Charles Gallo, US academic, discoverer of the retroviral origin of AIDS in 1982, I am very fond of my roots and this is where I trained and graduated. I thank my city for this important recognition”. https://www.ilpendolo.it/la-citta-di-rende-omaggia-il-concittadino-di-fama-mondiale-giovannino-silvestri/ October 2022, Italy.
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A team of researchers from the University of Maryland School of Maryland’s (UMSOM) Institute of Human Virology (IHV), a Center of Excellence of the Global Virus Network (GVN), published new findings that emphasize the crucial role of the urinary and genital tract microbiota in adverse pregnancy outcomes and genomic instability that originate in the womb during fetal development.
The study, published on July 17 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), established a new link between genomic instability, reduced fertility, and a protein from Mycoplasma fermentans, a kind of bacterium that commonly colonizes the urogenital tract in humans.
This research was spearheaded by Davide Zella, PhD,Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UMSOM’s IHV and Robert Gallo, MD, The Homer & Martha Gudelsky Distinguished Professor in Medicine, Co-Founder and Emeritus Director of UMSOM’s IHV, and Co-Founder and Chair of the Scientific Leadership Board of the Global Virus Network.
"Our results not only broaden our understanding of the interplay between the urogenital tract microbiota and human reproductive health, but also shed light on the previously unidentified contribution of the human microbiota to genetic abnormalities," said co-lead author on the study Francesca Benedetti, PhD, Research Associate of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in UMSOM’s IHV.
“We aim to further explore the mechanisms underlying these findings and their potential implications for preventing and treating chromosomal abnormalities and genetic diseases,” said co-lead author Giovannino Silvestri, PhD, former Research Associate of Medicine in UMSOM’s IHV.
The human microbiota is known to affect metabolism, susceptibility to infectious diseases, immune system regulation, and more. One of these bacterial components, Mycoplasmas, have been linked to various cancers.
The research team has been studying one Mycoplasma protein, DnaK, which belongs to a family of proteins that safeguards other bacterial proteins against damage and aids in their folding when they are newly made, acting as a so-called ‘chaperone.’ However, while this protein is advantageous for bacteria, its effects on animal cells are less favorable. To this regard, the team had previously demonstrated that this DnaK is taken up by the body’s cells and it interferes with key proteins involved in preserving DNA integrity and in cancer prevention, such as the tumor suppressor protein p53.
Professional Activity
Professional Activities, Service, and Leadership (Newest → Oldest)
2024
Editor, Frontiers in RNA Research.
Editor, Archive of Stem Cell and Therapy.
Editor, Journal of AIDS and HIV Treatment.
Organizational Improv Certificate, Executive Education, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, USA.
2023
Judge, 46th Medical Research Day (MSRD), University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2022
Judge, 45th Medical Research Day (MSRD), University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2021
Judge, 44th Medical Research Day (MSRD), University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2020
Judge, 43rd Medical Research Day (MSRD), University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2019
Judge, 42nd Medical Research Day (MSRD), University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2018–Present
Judge, Undergraduate Poster Competition, Stevenson University and Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, USA. Selected by the Collaborative Teaching Fellows Program to evaluate undergraduate research posters.
Postdoc Peer Mentor Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2015
Mentor, The Nathan Schnaper Summer Intern Program (NSIP) in Cancer Research, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA.
2013
Organized laboratory planning and maintenance, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA.
2012
MicroFTIR stage operation and experimental work at Synchrotron SOLEIL, Paris, France.
Links of Interest
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Giovannino_Silvestri
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=0m29PJMAAAAJ&hl=en
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/giovannino.silvestri.1/bibliography/public/
Proceedings and Conference Contributions (Newest → Oldest)
2026
Silvestri G. Glutamine-Dependent Downregulation of FLT3-ITD is a Mechanism of FLT3 Inhibitor Resistance in FLT3-ITD AML in Hypoxia. ACS-IRG Symposium, Baltimore, USA, 2026.
2025
Chatterjee A, Mustafa Ali MK, Bailey CM, Liu Y, Small D, Smith CC, Traer E, Wang Y, Silvestri G, Baer MR. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators overcome FLT3 inhibitor resistance in AML with FLT3-ITD and NRAS mutations through sphingosine kinase 1/AKT pathway downregulation. ASH Annual Meeting, Orlando. Blood. 2025;146(Suppl 1):3288.
2021
Benedetti F*, Silvestri G*, Saadat S, Denaro F, Latinovic OS, Davis H, Williams S, Bryant J, Rathinam CV, Gallo RC, Zella D. Characterization of a Mycoplasma DnaK transgenic mouse. World Microbe Forum, 2021. Equal contribution.
2019
Silvestri G et al. The 14q32.31 MIR300 DLK1-DIO3 oncosuppressor induces CML and AML cancer stem cell quiescence and inhibits NK cell immunity. 21st ESH-iCMLf International Conference on CML Biology and Therapy, Bordeaux, France, 2019.
Silvestri G, Trotta R, Stramucci L, Wang S, Eisfeld AK, Zhang B, Srutova K, Pineda G, Jamieson C, Stagno F, Vigneri P, Nteliopoulos G, Guimond M, Hokland P, Deininger MW, Dazzi F, Milojkovic D, Apperley J, Marcucci G, Fan X, Baer MR, Calabretta B, Perrotti D. A 14q32.31 genomic-imprinted DLK1-DIO3 microRNA promotes leukemogenesis by inducing stem cell quiescence and inhibiting NK cell anti-cancer immunity. Blood. 2019;134(Suppl 1):4141.
Trotta R, Silvestri G, Stramucci L, Guimond M, Marcucci G, Fan X, Baer MR, Perrotti D. Bone marrow microenvironment-induced miR-300 expression impairs natural killer cell proliferation and anti-tumor activity. JAIDS. 2019;81:63.
2018
Silvestri G et al. The tumor suppressor activity of miR-300 is detrimental for leukemia development but required for leukemia stem cell maintenance. AACR Annual Meeting, Chicago, USA, 2018.
Trotta R, Silvestri G, Stramucci L, Guimond M, Marcucci G, Fan X, Baer MR, Perrotti D. Bone marrow microenvironment-induced miR-300 expression impairs natural killer cell proliferation and anti-tumor activity. AACR Annual Meeting, Chicago, USA, 2018.
2017
Silvestri G et al. The bone marrow niche uses miR-300 as a biological rheostat to control stem cell-driven malignant hematopoiesis and innate anti-cancer immunity. Blood. 2017;59th ASH Annual Meeting (Suppl).
Silvestri G* et al. The BM niche uses miR-300 as a biological rheostat to control stem cell-driven malignant hematopoiesis and innate anti-cancer immunity. ESH-iCMLf International Conference, Estoril, Portugal, 2017. Keynote lecture.
Silvestri G et al. The BM niche uses miR-300 as a biological rheostat to control stem cell-driven malignant hematopoiesis and innate anti-cancer immunity. UMB Cancer Center Retreat, 2017.
Burda P et al. MYC-dependent repression mechanism of miR-150 transcription in CML. EHA Annual Meeting (Leukemia Suppl.), Madrid, Spain, 2017.
2016
Yu JE, Silvestri G, Stramucci L, Sanada M, Yamaguchi T, Du Y, Westermarck J, Caligiuri MA, Garzon R, Milojkovic D, Apperley JF, Roy D-C, Marcucci G, Calabretta B, Baer MR, Trotta R, Perrotti D. Targeting Ph+ ALL stem/progenitor cells via CIP2A–SET–SETBP1–PP2A axis. Blood. 58th ASH Annual Meeting (Suppl), 2016.
Yu JE, Silvestri G, Stramucci L, Livak FM, Baer MR, Trotta R, Perrotti D. SETBP1 role in leukemia-initiating cell survival. ESH-iCMLf Conference, Houston, USA, 2016.
Silvestri G et al. Role of miR-300 in leukemic stem/progenitor proliferation and survival. EHA Annual Meeting (Haematologica Suppl.), Copenhagen, Denmark, 2016.
Trotta R et al. MSC-derived miR-300 regulates leukemic stem/progenitor survival. AACR Annual Meeting, New Orleans, USA, 2016.
2015
Silvestri G* et al. MSC-derived exosomal miR-300 regulates leukemic stem/progenitor and NK cell survival in CML.Blood. 57th ASH Annual Meeting (Suppl), 2015.
Silvestri G* et al. MSC-derived miR-300 in leukemic stem/progenitor survival. ESH-iCMLf Conference, Estoril, Portugal, 2015. Best scored Biology Abstract.
Silvestri G* et al. miR-300 tumor suppressor activity in Ph+ progenitors. UMB Cancer Center Retreat, Baltimore, USA, 2015. Best Poster.
2014
Silvestri G et al. miR-300 tumor suppressor function in Ph+ progenitors via JAK2–SET/PP2A–β-catenin. Blood. 56th ASH Annual Meeting (Suppl), 2014.
Silvestri G* et al. MicroRNAs as regulators of stem/progenitor CML cells. ESH-iCMLf Conference, Philadelphia, USA, 2014. Invited speaker.
Tomasello L, Silvestri G, Della Peruta M, Fiorini Z, Vezzalini M, Sorio C. PTPRG inhibits BCR/ABL pathways in CML.Società Italiana di Cancerologia, Ferrara, Italy, 2014.
Bellisola G et al. PTPRG intracellular catalytic domains in K562 cells. Società Italiana di Cancerologia, Ferrara, Italy, 2014.
2013
Bellisola G et al. Oncosuppressive effect of PTPRG catalytic domains in K562 cells. 15th ESH-iCMLf Conference, Estoril, Portugal, 2013.
2012
Silvestri G* et al. PTPRG antiproliferative mechanisms targeting BCR/ABL and LYN. 14th ESH-iCMLf Conference, Baltimore, USA, 2012.
Bellisola G et al. Drug resistance detection via microFTIR and HCA. 14th ESH-iCMLf Conference, Baltimore, USA, 2012.
Bellisola G et al. Drug resistance detection via FTIR microspectroscopy. Synchrotron Radiation User Meeting, Oxford, UK, 2012.
2011
Morsi H et al. Imatinib resistance in CML linked to PTPRG downregulation. Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum, 2011.
Editorial Board and Peer review activities for international journals
Editorial Board
- Editor Journal of AIDS and HIVTreatment.
- Editor Archive of Stem Cell and Therapy.
- Associate Editor RNA modifications and RNA therapeutics (Frontiers in RNA Research).
- Review Editor on the Editorial Board of Molecular and Cellular Oncology (specialty section of Frontiers in Oncology and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology)
- Review Editor on the Editorial Board of MDPI Journals. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jcm/submission_reviewers.
- Guest Editor, Special issue in Cells, Stem Cells and Metabolism in AML: mechanisms, models, and therapeutic opportunities.
Peer review activities for international journals
Ad hoc reviewer with more than 70 articles reviewed since 2017 in over 18 scientific journals including:
- Genes
- Cancers
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Journal of Cellular Physiology
- Oncotarget
- Frontiers in Oncology
- Healthcare
- Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
- Vaccines
- Pharmaceuticals
- Blood
- International journal of cancer
- Cellular Signaling
- BioMed Research International
- Journal of Blood Medicine
- BioEssays
- Pathogens
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences
-
Journal of AIDS and HIV treatment
