HOST INSTITUTION
Utrecht University
EMAIL ADDRESS
r.piramide@uu.nl
SUPERVISOR
Prof. dr. Roland J. Pieters (Supervisor)
Dr. R.P. de Vries (co-supervisor)
BRIEF CV
I am an Italian PhD candidate in Supramolecular Chemistry of Carbohydrates at Utrecht University. I obtained a High School Classical Degree from the State Classical High School “Quinto Orazio Flacco” in Portici (NA), graduating with full marks in July 2018. I also hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Naples “Federico II,” where I graduated with honors in March 2024. My thesis, titled “Study of the Interaction Between the KHSRP Protein and DNA G-Quadruplex Structures,” reflects my research expertise.
My academic research focuses on the interaction between proteins and nucleic acid structures, particularly G-quadruplexes, using a combination of biophysical techniques such as CD, SPR and DSC; biochemical methods such as agarose gel and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; techniques for the heterologous proteins expression (in E. Coli) and for their purification, including affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography.
My academic background includes the preparation of pharmaceutical forms and new synthetic methodologies for the development of compounds of pharmaceutical interest; quality control of drugs and understanding legislative regulations for drug production and marketing.
I gained practical experience during my 6 months pharmacy internship at “Farmacia Viviani” in Naples.
Highly motivated and innovative, I possess strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. I am passionate about reading, traveling, and dance, and I am committed to continuous learning and personal growth. I am proficient in digital tools such as Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, ChimeraX, and PyMOL, and I am fluent in both Italian and English.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The goal of my project is to develop robust, potent, and selective carbohydrate-binding molecules (CBMs) making peptides or small proteins through protein expression. Their specific folds, along with presence of amino acids capable of forming polar hydrogen bonds and CH-π interactions, offer an important potential to achieve these goals. Potential applications include the interference with viral adhesion and infection processes.
I am currently focused on Griffithsin (GRFT), a potent algae-derived lectin, known for its strong ability to inhibit viral entry. GRFT is particularly effective in blocking HIV infection at picomolar concentrations by binding to HIV envelope glycoproteins, like gp120. It achieves this by interacting with high-mannose glycans present on the virus surface. The goal of my research is to use high throughput techniques, in particular Microarray, to test GRFT’s binding affinity with HIV spike proteins, explore modifications to enhance its binding properties, and evaluate potential new interactions with the target.
MAIN RESEARCH FIELD
Supramolecular chemistry, chemical biology, protein expression and purification.
