Congratulations Dr. Rosano!

Giulio Rosano gave a memorable presentation of the work he has been conducting for the past four years in the group of Tim Lynagh to his evaluation committee, colleagues and friends, some of whom had traveled from Italy for the occasion. He discussed his results with opponents Dr. Jelena Baranovic, from The University of Edinburgh, and Assoc. Prof. Anders Skov Kristensen, from the University of Copenhagen. The defense was led by Prof. Nils Kåre Birkeland and the defense committee headed by Prof. Fabian Rentzsch, both from the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Bergen.

Uncovering the evolution and function of neurotransmitter receptors

Giulio’s doctoral project focused on the delta family of ionotropic Glutamate Receptors (iGluRs). These receptors are essential for transmitting excitatory signals between cells in a wide range of animals, and function by binding neurotransmitters and allowing certain ions to pass through cell membranes. However, iGluRs in the delta family are known for their lack of direct activation by ligands in mammals. Giulio studied the evolution and functional properties of these receptors across different animal species, in order to establish the molecular basis for the unusual lack of activation observed in mammalian delta iGluRs.

During his PhD, he published his work as a lead author together with former group member Allan Barzasi in the journal PNAS. The article showed that excitatory delta iGluRs from numerous invertebrates are indeed ligand-activated. But the ligand is GABA, a surprising finding, as this ligand typically carries inhibitory signals in mammals by binding to other types of receptors. “I think Giulio’s work on neurotransmitter receptors will impact a couple of fields significantly”, Tim commented. “It clarifies some biophysical issues of receptor function yet it further muddies the waters in our simple view of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters.”

I’m excited about finding out what’s next for me. I’m also sad to leave the great people and the dynamics I really worked hard to create in these four years. It’s thanks to them I didn’t mind the rain.
- Giulio Rosano

From astrophysics to electrophysiology

Before becoming interested in biology, Giulio studied Astrophysics in Bologna, Italy, and completed a master’s degree in physics. His first experience with biophysics during his master’s thesis convinced him to pursue this field of research and start a PhD in the Lynagh group.

While working with colleagues from different scientific backgrounds is an enriching experience, feeling included in the biophysics community was a highlight of Giulio’s PhD. He remembers fondly his first experience attending the Biophysical Society Conference in the USA. “Colleagues here at Sars work on very different things compared to what I generally do and I’m interested in. So having discussion with same-field peers was great and it really boosted my motivation.”

Future plans

After celebrating his amazing accomplishment, the new Doctor will focus on the future steps of his career. While he has no fixed plans yet, he wishes to move to a region of the world with a more forgiving climate. “I’m excited about finding out what’s next for me”, Giulio said. “I’m also sad to leave the great people and the dynamics I really worked hard to create in these four years. It’s thanks to them I didn’t mind the rain.”