Research

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are replication-deficient, membrane-bound cellular material constitutively released into the extracellular space by all cell types. Our laboratory recently identified and characterized a novel subpopulation of small brain EVs originating from mitochondria; we named these EVs mitovesicles. Given the novelty of our discovery, the roles of mitovesicles in the regulation of brain mitochondria homeostasis are both unknown and unstudied. In addition, several Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-risk factors (aging, apolipoprotein E genotype, high levels of the amyloid β precursor protein) alter brain mitovesicle biogenesis, content, and secretion, however the functional downstream effects of these changes remain to be determined.

Understanding the physiological and pathological roles of mitovesicles is the current main focus of D’Acunzo’s laboratory. For example, we recently found that mitovesicles isolated from the brain of a mouse model of Down syndrome (DS) contain high levels of a protein (monoaminoxidase B) that regulates the extracellular content of monoaminergic neurotransmitters. Because of this imbalance, DS (but not disomic control) mitovesicles impair long-term potentiation, a molecular mechanism important for memory formation. The study of mitovesicles has particular relevance to neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, because mitochondrial (and, possibly, mitovesicle) dysfunctions are among the earliest pathological alterations in the brain, decades before the onset of clinical symptoms. Given that chronic damage to brain mitochondria induces metabolic alterations, spread of reactive oxygen species, synaptic deficits, and neuronal cell loss, mitochondria and mitochondria-derived EVs arise as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.

Research Interests

Dr. D’Acunzo is studying the interrelationship between mitochondrial homeostasis and mitovesicles biogenesis, content, and function in the brain, both under physiological and pathological conditions. The ultimate goal of his research is to determine whether and how mitovesicle contribute to pathology spreading in neurodegenerative disorders, in order to develop innovative, mitovesicle-centered targets for therapeutic intervention.

Education

B.Sc. (Medical Biotechnology), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
M.Sc. (Medical Biotechnology), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
Ph.D. (Cell and Molecular Biology), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
Postdoctoral Training
Department of Biology, Cecconi’s laboratory, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
Center for Dementia Research, Levy Lab, Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York University, New York, NY

Awards and Honors

2025         Fowler, et al., 2024, selected for the cover page of Nature Neuroscience (January 2025 Vol. 28 No. 1).
2024        “Lucani Insigni Award” issued by the Regional Council of Basilicata (Italy)
2022         D’Acunzo, et al., 2022 selected as “Featured Paper of the Week” by Nature Protocols
2021         Featured Abstract at the ISEV2021 Annual Meeting, International Society for Extracellular Vesicles
2021         Young Investigator Award, International Society for Extracellular Vesicles