Dario Vitturi, Ph.D.
I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay where I graduated from the University of the Republic with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. In 2005, I joined UAB as a graduate student in the Molecular and Cellular Pathology program and obtained my Ph.D. under the direction of Dr. Rakesh Patel in 2010. Following graduation, I joined Dr. Bruce Freeman’s laboratory at the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology at the University of Pittsburgh as a post-doctoral fellow, and was subsequently promoted to Instructor and Research Assistant Professor. In 2022, I relocated to the University of Alabama at Birmingham where I joined the Department of Pathology as Assistant Professor.
I lead an innovative research program that aims to understand the impact of redox-active metabolites on cellular function with a focus on the formation, metabolism and biological actions of endogenous electrophiles. Electrophiles can regulate enzymatic and transcription factor function via covalent modification of reactive cysteine residues. Our overarching hypothesis is that the generation of electrophiles is a conserved mechanism that allows cells to adapt to changes in their environment. Enabled by collaboration with basic and clinical scientists, we have studied the effects of endogenous electrophiles in pathological conditions such as sickle cell disease, acute and chronic renal injury, as well as cardiac arrest, both at the pre-clinical and clinical level. Finally, I maintain a keen interest in general redox biochemistry as well as in nitric oxide and metallo-protein biology.
The mission of our group is to develop innovative pharmaceutical strategies through the application of stringent chemical biology principles to the discovery of novel druggable pathways. To this end, we are committed to generating a work environment that fosters a heathy work-life balance for our members and promotes genuine commitment, collaboration and creativity.
Nicole Arroyo-Diaz, Ph.D.
I’m a postdoc diving into the world of dendritic cells and figuring out how Kyn-CKA influences their behavior. Before this, I grew up in the gorgeous island of Puerto Rico, where I got my B.S. in Industrial Microbiology before making my way to the University of Georgia for a PREP program (Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program-R25) in infectious diseases. Quickly after that, I completed my Ph.D. in Immunology, where I geeked out over cytokines and their role in shaping memory B cells post-flu infection. Fast forward, and now I’m part of Dr. Vitturi’s lab, continuing my scientific adventures, and finding out new ways to love the immune system! When I’m not in the lab, you can find me trying out new restaurants, hosting cookouts with friends, or hanging out with my dogs: Baileys and Mimosa. Alternatively, if you can’t find me… I’m off to Puerto Rico enjoying the beach, amazing food, and catching up with family.
Mara Carreño, M.S.
I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. I got my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Biological Sciences, both at the University of the Republic in Uruguay and joined Dr. Vitturi’s lab in 2019. Currently, I do research, collaborating with different lab projects and also have lab management duties. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy my time reading novels and taking pictures of nature.
Bhargavi Kulkarni, M.S.
I am a dedicated researcher with expertise in primary hepatocyte cell culture, small animal surgery, dosing, histology, and animal colony management. My research delves into the complex effects of Kynurenine pathway metabolites on gene and protein expression, and their impact on glucose metabolism in hepatocytes. I am passionate about developing novel treatment strategies and am driven by a commitment to advancing therapeutic approaches for complex diseases. Beyond the lab, I find joy in baking elaborate desserts, embarking on trekking adventures, and expressing my creativity through poetry. My diverse interests and lifelong dedication to learning fuel both my professional and personal growth.
