Professor Dr. Gaëlle Lentini

Biography

Gaëlle Lentini is a group leader and SNSF Ambizione fellow at the Institute of Cell Biology. Her research focuses on intricate molecular interactions between intracellular pathogens and host cells, particularly investigating the dynamics that drive cellular responses and contribute to pathogenesis. Her work is centered around the chronic infection caused by the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is responsible for Chagas disease and poses significant global health challenges. Lentini's team studies the biology of T. cruzi, seeking to understand its interactions with host cells that influence parasite dissemination, survival, and persistence. The research themes include the egress of the parasite from host cells and the cellular transformation processes associated with its life cycle. Utilizing advanced techniques like Ultra-Expansion Microscopy, she aims to uncover critical molecular mechanisms that enable T. cruzi to adapt and sustain infection within host organisms, thus addressing the neglect of this tropical disease and improving public health outcomes.

Research Interests

Experience