Maria Abbracchio facts for kids

Maria Pia Abbracchio is an Italian scientist. She studies how medicines affect our bodies at a tiny level, inside cells. She has done research all over the world. Since 2006, she has been named one of the most cited scientists. She is well-known for her work on special cell parts called purinergic receptors. She also found a specific receptor called GPR17. In 2014, she received a special award from Italy for her scientific achievements.

About Maria Pia Abbracchio

Early Life and Education

Maria Pia Abbracchio was born in Milan, Italy. She completed her first studies there. In 1979, she earned a master's degree in pharmacy. She then continued her studies in the United States from 1980 to 1981.

In 1984, she specialized in toxicology at the University of Milan. Toxicology is the study of how harmful substances affect living things. She earned her PhD in Experimental Medicine in Rome in 1988. From 1992 to 1993, she did more research at the University College London in the UK.

Important Scientific Discoveries

In 1994, Maria Pia Abbracchio worked with Professor Geoffrey Burnstock. He was the scientist who first named "purinergic receptors." These are like tiny antennas on cells that receive signals. After this, she started the Purine Club. This is a group for scientists from different countries. They study how purinergic signals work in the body.

Since 2003, she has worked with many scientists. Their goal is to make scientific research better. This includes research done in Italy and other countries. In 2006, she shared important findings at a meeting in Atlanta. Her work showed how special compounds can stop brain damage after a stroke.

Her research has shown that G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are very important. These GPCRs help control how cells behave. Scientists are now combining different types of research. They are looking at diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis. They also study heart attacks and strokes. They want to understand how different medicines interact with GPCRs.

One receptor she found early in her research is called GPR17. Studies have shown that GPR17 can react with certain medicines. This reaction can help reduce swelling in the brain. It can also improve memory and learning abilities.

Current Work and Awards

Maria Pia Abbracchio is a full professor of pharmacology at the University of Milan. She leads a team of 12 scientists at the university's Research Observatory. She has written or helped write about 150 scientific papers. Since 2006, she has been on the Thomson Reuters list of most cited researchers. This means her work is often referred to by other scientists.

In 2014, she received a high honor from Italy. The President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, gave her the award of Commander. This is part of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. It recognized her amazing scientific achievements.

See also

In Spanish: Maria Abbracchio para niños