Morgana Letizia
About Morgana
I proudly call Rome, Italy, my hometown, where the past and present intertwine in a symphony of culture and charm. I began my academic journey at Roma Tre University, where I earned a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Biology with a focus on Molecular, Cellular, and Pathophysiological Research. At Roma Tre, I also completed my Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Giordano Rampioni, where I investigated the sophisticated communication system of P. aeruginosa known as quorum sensing. In July 2023, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with my husband to embark on an exciting new adventure as I joined the Whiteley Lab as a postdoctoral fellow. I enjoy exploring the world and making new connections, though I sometimes miss my friends and family back home.
About Morgana
I proudly call Rome, Italy, my hometown, where the past and present intertwine in a symphony of culture and charm. I began my academic journey at Roma Tre University, where I earned a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Biology with a focus on Molecular, Cellular, and Pathophysiological Research. At Roma Tre, I also completed my Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Giordano Rampioni, where I investigated the sophisticated communication system of P. aeruginosa known as quorum sensing. In July 2023, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with my husband to embark on an exciting new adventure as I joined the Whiteley Lab as a postdoctoral fellow. I enjoy exploring the world and making new connections, though I sometimes miss my friends and family back home.
Research Interests
I primarily work on the fascinating pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause disease in a variety of hosts, including plants, nematodes, insects, and mammals. In humans, P. aeruginosa is responsible for life-threatening acute and chronic infections and is particularly problematic in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein and mostly affects the lungs, leading to inflammation, mucus accumulation in the airways, and a predisposition to pulmonary infections. The triple-combination modulator therapy targeting the CFTR protein (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, or ETI), approved in 2019, has significantly improved the health of many people with CF. However, despite these improvements in respiratory health, P. aeruginosa continues to infect the CF airway. I am interested in understanding the impact of ETI on the physiology of P. aeruginosa in the CF lung to better elucidate the pathophysiology of CF airway infections and assess the relevance of preclinical models as we continue the path toward a cure.
Research Interests
I primarily work on the fascinating pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause disease in a variety of hosts, including plants, nematodes, insects, and mammals. In humans, P. aeruginosa is responsible for life-threatening acute and chronic infections and is particularly problematic in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein and mostly affects the lungs, leading to inflammation, mucus accumulation in the airways, and a predisposition to pulmonary infections. The triple-combination modulator therapy targeting the CFTR protein (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, or ETI), approved in 2019, has significantly improved the health of many people with CF. However, despite these improvements in respiratory health, P. aeruginosa continues to infect the CF airway. I am interested in understanding the impact of ETI on the physiology of P. aeruginosa in the CF lung to better elucidate the pathophysiology of CF airway infections and assess the relevance of preclinical models as we continue the path toward a cure.
This website was developed by members of the Whiteley Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It is not an official Georgia Tech website.
This website was developed by members of the Whiteley Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It is not an official Georgia Tech website.
This website was developed by members of the Whiteley Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It is not an official Georgia Tech website.
This website was developed by members of the Whiteley Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It is not an official Georgia Tech website.