Research Fellow | Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn | Italy
Strengths for the Award
Dr. Limatola Nunzia is a highly qualified researcher with a strong background in cell biology, specifically focusing on the actin cytoskeleton’s role in the maturation and fertilization of echinoderm eggs. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Model Organisms of Biomedical and Veterinary Research from Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, where she excelled with a scholarship. Additionally, she completed her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences with top honors, reflecting her dedication and academic excellence.
Nunzia has extensive research experience as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, where she has significantly contributed to understanding cellular signaling pathways, particularly involving calcium and actin dynamics in marine organisms. Her expertise in advanced imaging techniques and microinjection methods positions her as a leading figure in her field.
She has a proven track record of publishing in reputable scientific journals, with numerous first-author publications that highlight her as a key contributor to the field. Her peer-reviewed works are frequently featured in high-impact journals, such as Cells, Zygote, and Biomolecules, where she serves as a corresponding author on several papers. This demonstrates her leadership in research and her ability to drive scientific inquiries from conception to publication.
Nunzia’s communication skills are noteworthy, as she has effectively disseminated her research through seminars, teaching, and international scientific events. Her participation in mentorship programs and her role as a teacher for microscopy courses underscore her commitment to education and knowledge transfer.
📜 Short Bio
Dr. Limatola Nunzia is an accomplished Italian cell biologist specializing in the study of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and their role in fertilization processes. She currently serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy. With a strong academic background in biological sciences and extensive research experience, Nunzia’s work focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying reproduction in marine organisms. She is recognized for her innovative approaches using live-cell imaging techniques to visualize cellular processes.
🧑🔬Profile
Scholar
🎓 Education
PhD in Model Organisms of Biomedical and Veterinary Research (2013–2016)
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II – Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
Thesis: The role of actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of maturation and fertilization of echinoderm eggs.
National Classification: Winner of scholarship.
Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Diagnostic Curriculum (2010–2012)
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
Final Grade: 110/110 cum laude.
Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences (2006–2010)
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
Final Grade: 110/110 cum laude.
💼 Experience
Postdoctoral Researcher, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy (Nov 2019–Present)
Focus: Actin Cytoskeleton in the regulation of fertilization in echinoderms eggs. Nunzia’s research involves visualizing changes in the electrical properties of the plasma membrane and the structural reorganization of cortical actin in response to nicotine, using advanced live-cell imaging techniques.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy (Apr 2019–Sep 2019)
Focus: Regulation of cellular signaling pathways, Ca2+ and actin, in echinoderm eggs. She conducted live-cell imaging to study actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell signaling in sea urchin and starfish eggs during fertilization.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn – Assemble Plus Project (Feb 2018–Jan 2019)
Focus: Simultaneous visualization of ionic and structural events during the maturation and fertilization of starfish eggs.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy (Sep 2016–Feb 2017)
Focus: Application of imaging techniques to study sperm responses in marine organisms, evaluating potential external factors on fertilization.
🔬 Research Interests
Nunzia’s research interests are centered on cell biology, particularly the role of the actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of maturation and fertilization processes in marine organisms. Her work includes exploring cellular signaling pathways, such as calcium dynamics, during these critical reproductive stages. Nunzia employs advanced imaging techniques to gain insights into the structural and functional changes in cells, contributing to the broader understanding of fertilization in echinoderms.
🏆 Awards
PhD Scholarship Winner – Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, for her exceptional research in cell biology.
Invited Participant – “Menthorship al femminile” event at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Naples, showcasing her contributions to the field.
📚 Publications
Limatola N, Chun JT, Schmitt JL, Lehn JM, Santella L. (2024). The Effect of Synthetic Polyamine BPA-C8 on the Fertilization Process of Intact and Denuded Sea Urchin Eggs. Cells, 13(17), 1477.
Special Issue: The Cell Biology of Fertilization.
Mangini M, Limatola N, Ferrara MA, Coppola G, Chun JT, De Luca AC, Santella L. (2023). Application of Raman spectroscopy to the evaluation of F-actin changes in sea urchin eggs at fertilization. Zygote, 32(1), 38-48.
WOS:001113111400001.
Limatola N, Chun JT, Chiba K, Santella L. (2023). Dithiothreitol Affects the Fertilization Response in Immature and Maturing Starfish Oocytes. Biomolecules, 13(11), 1659.
Special Issue: Gametogenesis and Gamete Interaction.
WOS:001107835500001.
Limatola N, Chun JT, Schneider SC, Schmitt JL, Lehn JM, Santella L. (2023). The Effect of Acidic and Alkaline Seawater on the F-Actin-Dependent Ca2+ Signals Following Insemination of Immature Starfish Oocytes and Mature Eggs. Cells, 12(5), 740.
WOS:000946932200001.
Limatola N, Chun JT, Santella L. (2022). Species-Specific Gamete Interaction during Sea Urchin Fertilization: Roles of the Egg Jelly and Vitelline Layer. Cells, 11(19), 2984.
Special Issue: Cell Calcium across the Phylogenetic Tree: From Physiological Signaling to Pathogenic Mechanisms.
WOS:000866711800001.
Limatola N, Chun JT, Santella L. (2022). Regulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton-Linked Ca2+ Signaling by Intracellular pH in Fertilized Eggs of Sea Urchin. Cells, 11(9), 1496.
Special Issue: Women in Cell Biology.
WOS:000795481200001.
Limatola N, Chun JT, Cherraben S, Schmitt JL, Lehn JM, Santella L. (2021). Effects of Dithiothreitol on Fertilization and Early Development in Sea Urchin. Cells, 10(12), 3573.
Special Issue: 10th Anniversary of Cells—Advances in Cell Cycle.
WOS:000736202200001.
Limatola N, Chun JT, Santella L. (2021). Fertilization and development of Arbacia lixula eggs are affected by osmolality conditions. Biosystems, 206, 104448.
Special Issue: Waves in Fertilization, Cell Division, and Embryogenesis.
WOS:000670289000001.
Limatola N, Chun JT, Santella L. (2020). Effects of salinity and pH of seawater on the reproduction of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Biol. Bull., 239(1), 13-23.
Corresponding author.
WOS:000560929900002.
Santella L, Limatola N, Chun JT. (2020). Cellular and molecular aspects of oocyte maturation and fertilization: a perspective from the actin cytoskeleton. Zoological Letters, 6, 5.
WOS:000528703500001.
Limatola N, Bertocci I, Chun JT, Musco L, Munari M, Caramiello D, Danovaro R, Santella L. (2020). Oxygen supersaturation mitigates the impact of the regime of contaminated sediment reworking on sea urchin fertilization process. Mar Environ Res., 158, 104951.
WOS:000537546500020.
Limatola N, Vasilev F, Santella L, Chun JT. (2020). Nicotine induces polyspermy in sea urchin eggs through a non-cholinergic pathway modulating actin dynamics. Cells, 9(1), 63.
WOS:000515398200063.
Limatola N, Vasilev F, Chun JT, Santella L. (2019). Sodium-mediated fast electrical depolarization does not prevent polyspermic fertilization in Paracentrotus lividus eggs. Zygote, 27(6), 384-392.
WOS:000499860200002.
Santella L, Limatola N, Chun JT. (2018). Actin Cytoskeleton and Fertilization: When Is It Primed to Meet the Sperm? Zygote, 26(4), 345-361.
WOS:000448877800006.
📖 Conclusion
Dr. Limatola Nunzia stands out as a highly skilled and accomplished researcher with significant contributions to the study of cellular mechanisms in marine organisms. Her deep expertise in the actin cytoskeleton and calcium signaling, combined with her strong academic background and prolific publication record, make her a deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.”
By expanding her research scope, enhancing international collaborations, and demonstrating leadership in securing research funding, Nunzia can continue to build on her impressive accomplishments and further elevate her profile in the scientific community. Given her current achievements and potential for growth, she is an outstanding contender for recognition as a top researcher in her field.