Professor Dr Giulio Superti-Furga

Research Priorities: Systems biology, molecular biology, proteomics, immunology, cancer research, effect of active ingredients, membrane transporters
Giulio Superti-Furga is an Italian molecular and systems biologist. His research focuses on investigating cellular responses to dysfunctions and pathogenic influences, as well as the re-establishment of cellular balance (homeostasis). Investigating the effects of drugs and viruses on the cells is a key aspect of his research. In recent years his research focus lies on membrane transporters. Drawing on basic insights, the objective of his work is to develop new treatment approaches for cancerous diseases and inflammation.
Membrane transporters which act as an interface between the cell’s interior and the outside environment are at the core of Gulio Superti-Furgas’ research. These transporters are considered key metabolism regulators. Proteases, acting as links between growth and metabolism that are relevant to treatment, are another research focus. These insights make it possible to research the molecular mechanisms of drug action in cancerous diseases and inflammation, and to develop new, improved treatment approaches.
His current research interests include the development of functional approaches in precision medicine and the role of the human membrane transporter in pathophysiology and drug development. He is committed to systems biology-based approaches in medicine and drug research and calls for a precision- and prevention-oriented medicine combining the integration of basic research, clinical expertise, and innovative diagnostics and therapeutic methods.
In his research he combines molecular-biological approaches with methods from -omics, biochemistry and bioinformatics in an interdisciplinary approach to generate a comprehensive systems-biology level understanding of the relationship between the regulation of cellular metabolism processes by membrane transporters and other homeostatic regulators. He aims to better understand the molecular foundations of drug action and to identify new treatment approaches. He and his team were able to identify new applications for existing drugs in this way.
One of Gulio Superti-Furgas’ greatest scientific achievements is the elucidation of basic regulatory mechanisms of tyrosine kinases that play a key role in human cancerous diseases. He also developed holistic approaches to researching the molecular mechanisms of drugs, discovered crucial organisational principles of the proteome and metabolome of higher organisms, and characterised the molecular components of the innate immune system. His research has significantly contributed to the systematic understanding of infections caused by pathogens and the effect mechanisms of certain drugs.
Furthermore, Superti-Furga considers the social and ethical impacts and conditions of biomedical research. As chairperson of the Steering Committee and a participating scientist in the Personal Genome Project “Genome Austria” he proactively addresses the various aspects of genome sequencing. As part of this project he also made his own genome sequence (PGA1) publicly available so as to encourage further discussion around the opportunities and challenges of genome research.