University of Messina | Italy
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Ester Tellone began her academic journey with a degree in Biological Sciences (1989) from the University of Messina, graduating with highest honors (110/110 cum laude). She followed this with a second degree in Natural Sciences (1996), again with top marks and a thesis on hemoglobin function in dolphins. Her early research was focused on environmental and marine biology, including dystrophic crises in lake ecosystems.
👩🔬 Professional Endeavors
Prof. Tellone embarked on her academic career in 1990 as a Technical Officer at the University of Messina. In 2001, she was appointed as a confirmed researcher and later became an Associate Professor in Biochemistry (BIO/10) in 2018. Since January 2022, she holds the title of Full Professor in the Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Messina. She has taught various biochemistry courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has been involved in curriculum development, Ph.D. supervision, and departmental governance.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Tellone's research is centered on red blood cells (erythrocytes) as model systems. Key research themes include:
🧪 Red Blood Cells: Investigating erythrocytes as biosensors and drug delivery systems and exploring amyloid protein aggregation effects.
🧬 Hemoglobin Functionality: Analyzing structural-functional properties and oxygenation dynamics in hemoglobins.
🧫 Band 3 Protein Interactions: Studying its interplay with deoxyhemoglobin and glycolytic enzymes in metabolic regulation.
Her work employs advanced mathematical models and biochemical tools to unravel complex cellular mechanisms, especially oxidative stress, apoptosis, and environmental toxicity in marine and human systems.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Prof. Tellone’s excellence has been widely recognized:
🥇 She holds a National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor in General Biochemistry (BIO/10).
📚 She is the author of over 80 scientific articles indexed in Scopus/Web of Science and has contributed chapters to internationally published books.
🧑🏫 She has served as Scientific Coordinator for several major EU- and MIUR-funded projects, including INNOVAQUA, 4FRAILTY, ORTHO Line, and SAMOTHRACE.
She is a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Molecules, Journal of Functional Foods, and British Journal of Hematology, and serves on editorial boards of multiple international scientific journals.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Prof. Tellone’s research has made significant contributions in both basic and applied science:
🔬 Her studies on red blood cells and hemoglobin have advanced understanding of diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.
🌱 Her environmental research has influenced biotechnological innovations in aquaculture, marine biology, and environmental biosensors.
👩🎓 As a mentor and Ph.D. supervisor, she has nurtured the careers of numerous researchers and students in the field of biochemistry.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Ester Tellone is a recognized thought leader in red blood cell biochemistry, environmental toxicology, and oxidative stress. Her work bridges molecular biology, environmental sciences, and medical biochemistry, creating interdisciplinary solutions for modern scientific challenges. With her continued involvement in international projects, editorial activities, and mentoring, her influence is set to grow further, shaping the next generation of biochemists and biomedical researchers.
Publications
📄 Exploring Tumor Cell–Platelet Biochemical Interactions by Dielectric Measurements of Blood: A Potential Target for Tumor Detection and Staging
Journal: Biology
Year: 2025
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Ester Tellone, Francesco Farsaci
📄 Crosstalk Between Sickle Cell Disease and Ferroptosis
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2025
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè, Antonella Calderaro, Davide Barreca, Ester Tellone, Stefano Putaggio
📄 Emerging Ferroptosis Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis: Neuroprotective Activity of Polyphenols
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Stefano Putaggio, Ester Tellone, Antonella Calderaro, Santa Cirmi, Giuseppina Laganà, Silvana Ficarra, Davide Barreca, Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè
📄 Epicatechin Influence on Biochemical Modification of Human Erythrocyte Metabolism and Membrane Integrity
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2024
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè, Giuseppina Laganà, Santa Cirmi, Silvana Ficarra, Davide Barreca, Elena Giunta, Ester Tellone, Stefano Putaggio
📄 Canine and Human Red Blood Cells: Biochemical Mechanisms for the Control of Heat Dissipation
Journal: Stresses
Year: 2024
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè, Stefano Putaggio, Ester Tellone, Silvana Ficarra, Davide Barreca, Giuseppina Laganà