Giovannino Silvestri, PhD

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.

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:

• AML with FLT3-ITD mutations: Defining hypoxia-driven resistance mechanisms and metabolic adaptationsin leukemic cells.

• Precision medicine models: Developing patient-derived organoids (PDOs) to faithfully recapitulate bone marrow biology and predict therapeutic responses.

• Leukemia stem cells: Investigating molecular pathways governing the transformation of hematopoietic stem cells into leukemia stem cells.

• 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

• Molecular & Cellular Biology

• Leukemia Pathogenesis & Therapy Development

• RNA Biology & MicroRNA Function

• Virology & Immunology

• In Vitro and In Vivo Modeling

• Patient-Derived Organoids (AML)

• Grant Writing & Research Strategy

• Editorial Leadership & Mentorship

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.

(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.

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. Biorxiv [Preprint]. 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.

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.

Dr. Giovannino Silvestri’s research program focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with particular emphasis on FLT3-ITD–mutant AML, leukemic stem cells (LSCs), and the bone marrow microenvironment. His work centers on defining how metabolic adaptations and hypoxic signaling within the bone marrow niche promote leukemic persistence and resistance to targeted therapies, and on leveraging these insights to develop novel therapeutic strategies.

A major area of investigation pursued by Dr. Silvestri examines hypoxia-driven resistance to FLT3 inhibitors. Although FLT3 inhibitors such as gilteritinib and quizartinib have improved clinical outcomes, relapse remains common, with leukemic blasts frequently persisting within the hypoxic bone marrow microenvironment. His research aims to elucidate the molecular and metabolic pathways that enable AML cells and LSCs to survive under these conditions and evade targeted therapies. In parallel, Dr. Silvestri is strongly interested in developing advanced preclinical models that more faithfully recapitulate the patient microenvironment while contributing to the advancement of New Alternative Methods (NAMs), thereby reducing reliance on animal testing.

Beyond AML, Dr. Silvestri’s scientific background includes extensive training in chronic myeloid leukemia stem cell and RNA biology, as well as research in immunology, virology, and bacteriology. His prior work includes studies on influenza, COVID-19, and mycoplasma immunopathogenesis. This multidisciplinary foundation in host–pathogen interactions informs his current interest in stress-adaptive responses in cancer, as both infectious diseases and malignancies require understanding how cells survive and adapt within hostile microenvironments.

The long-term goal of Dr. Silvestri’s research is to translate mechanistic discoveries into therapeutic innovation. By dissecting the metabolic and microenvironmental regulation of FLT3-ITD signaling and leukemic stem cell biology, and by advancing translational platforms for drug discovery and therapeutic testing, his work aims to contribute to the development of strategies capable of reducing relapse and improving survival outcomes for patients with AML.

Certificate in Clinical Trials Operations
Johns Hopkins University
Certificate earned: November 1, 2023

• Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
  Taught by: Janet Holbrook, Ann-Margret Ervin, Stephan Ehrhardt, and Elizabeth A. Sugar
  Grade Achieved: 87.79%
• Clinical Trials Data Management and Quality Assurance
  Taught by: Janet Holbrook, Ann-Margret Ervin, and David M. Shade
  Grade Achieved: 86.08%
• Clinical Trials Management and Advanced Operations
  Taught by: Ann-Margret Ervin, Anne Shanklin Casper, and Sheriza Baksh
  Grade Achieved: 87.34%
• Clinical Trials Analysis, Monitoring, and Presentation
  Taught by: Janet Holbrook, Elizabeth A. Sugar, and David M. Shade
  Grade Achieved: 86.23%

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.

Grant Reviewer:

2021, Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC)

Funded Grants

Dr. Giovannino Silvestri’s research and scientific contributions have been featured in multiple national and international media outlets, highlighting his work in leukemia biology, stem cell research, virology, and translational medicine.

In March 2019, Dr. Silvestri was interviewed by the Italian science magazine OGGIScienza.it regarding his research on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and therapeutic strategies aimed at eliminating drug-resistant leukemia stem cells. The article, titled “Chronic myeloid leukemia: the research to destroy cancer stem cells,” highlighted his work on understanding resistance mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches for patients refractory to current treatments.  https://oggiscienza.it/2019/03/11/leucemia-mieloide-cronica/

In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Silvestri was featured in the Italian newspaper Quotidiano del Sud for his contribution to the development of a proposed therapeutic protocol for COVID-19. The work, conducted in collaboration with other researchers, explored a combinatorial treatment strategy aimed at mitigating inflammatory lung injury associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. https://www.quotidianodelsud.it/calabria/lintervista/salute-e-assistenza/2020/04/03/coronavirus-la-terapia-antivirus-dal-ricercatore-calabrese-negli-usa.

In July 2020, Dr. Silvestri’s leukemia research was highlighted in Blood Cancer Discovery, an AACR journal, in a scientific spotlight commentary by Hal Broxmeyer. The article emphasized the translational significance of his mechanistic studies on miR-300 and PP2A activation in chronic myeloid leukemia stem and initiating cells, including the restoration of impaired natural killer cell function and attenuation of leukemia progression in patient-derived xenograft models.  https://bloodcancerdiscov.aacrjournals.org/content/1/1/13.

In October 2022, the City of Rende publicly honored Dr. Silvestri for his scientific achievements and international research contributions. During the ceremony, local officials recognized his work in leukemia research and his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recognition was featured in the Italian newspaper Il Pendolo.  https://www.ilpendolo.it/la-citta-di-rende-omaggia-il-concittadino-di-fama-mondiale-giovannino-silvestri/ 

In July 2023, researchers from the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicinepublished findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS)describing how a bacterial protein derived from Mycoplasma fermentans contributes to genomic instability, reduced fertility, and developmental abnormalities. Dr. Silvestri served as co-lead author on the study, which investigated the role of the bacterial chaperone protein DnaK in disrupting DNA integrity and tumor suppressor pathways. The study and its implications were highlighted by the Institute of Human Virology in an institutional news release. IHV News Release  https://ihv.org/news/2023-News/Researchers-from-the-Institute-of-Human-Virology-Discover-that-a-Bacterial-Protein-Causes-Genomic-Instability-and-Contributes-to-Reduced-Fertility-and-Birth-Defects.html   

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.

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/