Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Dr

Giovanni Pietrogrande

Email: 

Overview

Background

Dr Giovanni Pietrogrande obtained his PhD from the University of Newcastle. Here he explored how different brain processes are affected by the activation of microglia, the immune cells resident within our brain. In particular his work shows that microglia mediated inflammation has a pivotal role in neuronal loss following brain ischemic injury. He has developed an entirely new method to recreate the human brain in vitro using organoid technology and is utilizing these advanced organoids to gain novel insights into the pathophysiology of neuroinflammatory diseases.

In late 2019 he joined the Stem Cell Engineering lab at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Queensland. Now he uses and improves cutting-edge techniques for CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing to modify the genome of induced pluripotent stem cells and generate brain and spinal cord organoids to model neurological diseases and evaluate potential treatments.

Dr. Pietrogrande has also established collaborations with biotechs and startups, employing genetic engineering to modify cells for product development and organoid-based compound screening. Additionally, he provides consultancy services for Stemcore and Phenomics Australia, both UQ-based facilities, driving advancements in stem cell research.

Availability

Dr Giovanni Pietrogrande is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle

Works

Search Professor Giovanni Pietrogrande’s works on UQ eSpace

13 works between 2014 and 2024

1 - 13 of 13 works

Featured

2024

Journal Article

Valproic acid-induced teratogenicity is driven by senescence and prevented by Rapamycin in human spinal cord and animal models

Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Shaker, Mohammed R., Stednitz, Sarah J., Soheilmoghaddam, Farhad, Aguado, Julio, Morrison, Sean D., Zambrano, Samuel, Tabassum, Tahmina, Javed, Ibrahim, Cooper-White, Justin, Davis, Thomas P., O’Brien, Terence J., Scott, Ethan K. and Wolvetang, Ernst J. (2024). Valproic acid-induced teratogenicity is driven by senescence and prevented by Rapamycin in human spinal cord and animal models. Molecular Psychiatry, 30 (3) 200, 1-13. doi: 10.1038/s41380-024-02732-0

Valproic acid-induced teratogenicity is driven by senescence and prevented by Rapamycin in human spinal cord and animal models

2023

Journal Article

Senolytic therapy alleviates physiological human brain aging and COVID-19 neuropathology

Aguado, Julio, Amarilla, Alberto A., Taherian Fard, Atefeh, Albornoz, Eduardo A., Tyshkovskiy, Alexander, Schwabenland, Marius, Chaggar, Harman K., Modhiran, Naphak, Gómez-Inclán, Cecilia, Javed, Ibrahim, Baradar, Alireza A., Liang, Benjamin, Peng, Lianli, Dharmaratne, Malindrie, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Padmanabhan, Pranesh, Freney, Morgan E., Parry, Rhys, Sng, Julian D. J., Isaacs, Ariel, Khromykh, Alexander A., Valenzuela Nieto, Guillermo, Rojas-Fernandez, Alejandro, Davis, Thomas P., Prinz, Marco, Bengsch, Bertram, Gladyshev, Vadim N., Woodruff, Trent M., Mar, Jessica C. ... Wolvetang, Ernst J. (2023). Senolytic therapy alleviates physiological human brain aging and COVID-19 neuropathology. Nature Aging, 3 (12), 1561-1575. doi: 10.1038/s43587-023-00519-6

Senolytic therapy alleviates physiological human brain aging and COVID-19 neuropathology

Featured

2023

Journal Article

CRISPR-Cas9 direct fusions for improved genome editing via enhanced homologous recombination

Tabassum, Tahmina, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Healy, Michael and Wolvetang, Ernst J. (2023). CRISPR-Cas9 direct fusions for improved genome editing via enhanced homologous recombination. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24 (19) 14701, 1-17. doi: 10.3390/ijms241914701

CRISPR-Cas9 direct fusions for improved genome editing via enhanced homologous recombination

Featured

2021

Journal Article

Rapid and efficient generation of myelinating human oligodendrocytes in organoids

Shaker, Mohammed R., Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Martin, Sally, Lee, Ju-Hyun, Woong, Sun and Wolvetang, Ernst J. (2021). Rapid and efficient generation of myelinating human oligodendrocytes in organoids. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 15 631548, 1-11. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2021.631548

Rapid and efficient generation of myelinating human oligodendrocytes in organoids

2023

Conference Publication

Chemogenetic modulation of human in vitro motoneuron development accelerates maturation trajectory and electrophysical properties

Morrison, Sean, Shaker, Mohammed, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Wolvetang, Ernst and Noakes, Peter (2023). Chemogenetic modulation of human in vitro motoneuron development accelerates maturation trajectory and electrophysical properties. ISN‐ESN 2023 Meeting, Porto, Portugal, 8‐11 August 2023. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Chemogenetic modulation of human in vitro motoneuron development accelerates maturation trajectory and electrophysical properties

2023

Journal Article

Deconstructing heterogeneity of replicative senescence in human mesenchymal stem cells at single cell resolution

Taherian Fard, Atefeh, Leeson, Hannah C., Aguado, Julio, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Power, Dominique, Gómez-Inclán, Cecilia, Zheng, Huiwen, Nelson, Christopher B., Soheilmoghaddam, Farhad, Glass, Nick, Dharmaratne, Malindrie, Watson, Ebony R., Lu, Jennifer, Martin, Sally, Pickett, Hilda A., Cooper-White, Justin, Wolvetang, Ernst J. and Mar, Jessica C. (2023). Deconstructing heterogeneity of replicative senescence in human mesenchymal stem cells at single cell resolution. GeroScience, 46 (1), 1-17. doi: 10.1007/s11357-023-00829-y

Deconstructing heterogeneity of replicative senescence in human mesenchymal stem cells at single cell resolution

2022

Journal Article

Neural epidermal growth factor-like like protein 2 is expressed in human oligodendroglial cell types

Shaker, Mohammed R., Kahtan, Amna, Prasad, Renuka, Lee, Ju-Hyun, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Leeson, Hannah C., Sun, Woong, Wolvetang, Ernst J. and Slonchak, Andrii (2022). Neural epidermal growth factor-like like protein 2 is expressed in human oligodendroglial cell types. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 10 803061, 803061. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2022.803061

Neural epidermal growth factor-like like protein 2 is expressed in human oligodendroglial cell types

2021

Journal Article

Corticosterone administration alters white matter tract structure and reduces gliosis in the sub-acute phase of experimental stroke

Zalewska, Katarzyna, Hood, Rebecca J., Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Sanchez-Bezanilla, Sonia, Ong, Lin Kooi, Johnson, Sarah J., Young, Kaylene M., Nilsson, Michael and Walker, Frederick R. (2021). Corticosterone administration alters white matter tract structure and reduces gliosis in the sub-acute phase of experimental stroke. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (13) 6693, 6693. doi: 10.3390/ijms22136693

Corticosterone administration alters white matter tract structure and reduces gliosis in the sub-acute phase of experimental stroke

2021

Journal Article

Exploring how low oxygen post conditioning improves stroke-induced cognitive impairment: a consideration of amyloid-beta loading and other mechanisms

Zhao, Zidan, Hood, Rebecca J., Ong, Lin Kooi, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Sanchez Bezanilla, Sonia, Warren, Kirby E., Ilicic, Marina, Kluge, Murielle G., TeBay, Clifford, Ottersen, Ole P., Johnson, Sarah J., Nilsson, Michael and Walker, Frederick R. (2021). Exploring how low oxygen post conditioning improves stroke-induced cognitive impairment: a consideration of amyloid-beta loading and other mechanisms. Frontiers in Neurology, 12 585189, 1-14. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.585189

Exploring how low oxygen post conditioning improves stroke-induced cognitive impairment: a consideration of amyloid-beta loading and other mechanisms

2018

Journal Article

Low oxygen post conditioning as an efficient non-pharmacological strategy to promote motor function after stroke

Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Zalewska, Katarzyna, Zhao, Zidan, Johnson, Sarah J., Nilsson, Michael and Walker, Frederick R. (2018). Low oxygen post conditioning as an efficient non-pharmacological strategy to promote motor function after stroke. Translational Stroke Research, 10 (4), 402-412. doi: 10.1007/s12975-018-0656-5

Low oxygen post conditioning as an efficient non-pharmacological strategy to promote motor function after stroke

2018

Journal Article

Growth hormone improves cognitive function after experimental stroke

Ong, Lin Kooi, Chow, Wei Zhen, TeBay, Clifford, Kluge, Murielle, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Zalewska, Katarzyna, Crock, Patricia, Åberg, N. David, Bivard, Andrew, Johnson, Sarah J., Walker, Frederick R., Nilsson, Michael and Isgaard, Jörgen (2018). Growth hormone improves cognitive function after experimental stroke. Stroke, 49 (5), 1257-1266. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.020557

Growth hormone improves cognitive function after experimental stroke

2015

Journal Article

Urokinase receptor promotes skin tumor formation by preventing epithelial cell activation of Notch1

Mazzieri, Roberta, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Gerasi, Laura, Gandelli, Alessandro, Colombo, Piergiuseppe, Moi, Davide, Brombin, Chiara, Ambrosi, Alessandro, Danese, Silvio, Mignatti, Paolo, Blasi, Francesco and D'Alessio, Silvia (2015). Urokinase receptor promotes skin tumor formation by preventing epithelial cell activation of Notch1. Cancer Research, 75 (22), 4895-4909. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-15-0378

Urokinase receptor promotes skin tumor formation by preventing epithelial cell activation of Notch1

2014

Journal Article

VEGF-C-dependent stimulation of lymphatic function ameliorates experimental inflammatory bowel disease

D'Alessio, Silvia, Correale, Carmen, Tacconi, Carlotta, Gandelli, Alessandro, Pietrogrande, Giovanni, Vetrano, Stefania, Genua, Marco, Arena, Vincenzo, Spinelli, Antonino, Peyrin-Biroulet, Laurent, Fiocchi, Claudio and Danese, Silvio (2014). VEGF-C-dependent stimulation of lymphatic function ameliorates experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 124 (9), 3863-3878. doi: 10.1172/JCI72189

VEGF-C-dependent stimulation of lymphatic function ameliorates experimental inflammatory bowel disease

Funding

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    A human brain organoid model of acute prenatal hypoxia enables biomarker discovery and drug screening for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    A brain in a dish: Developing a sophisticated system to test multiple sclerosis treatments, as further described in the Project Plan
    The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    C9orf72 dipeptide-mediated activation of microglia as a therapeutic target for MND
    Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc Innovator Grant
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Deciphering disease heterogeneity: Spatiotemporal analysis of molecular and cellular pathology in HBSL
    ELA International
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Exemplification of new and safer gene editing tools for cultured meat production in Australia
    UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Giovanni Pietrogrande is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Development of a new CRISPR-Cas9 platform for safe gene editing

  • Development of a new CRISPR-Cas9 platform for safe gene editing

    We are at the forefront of developing and validating an innovative technology that aims to make gene editing both safer and more cost-effective. This cutting-edge approach has the potential to revolutionize not only medical research and treatments but also industrial applications. By leveraging this breakthrough, we hope to open new doors in personalized medicine, synthetic biology, and beyond.

    If you are passionate about transformative science and wish to contribute to this exciting endeavor, we would love to have you join our team. Whether you’re interested in experimental research, computational analysis, or technology development, there are plenty of ways to get involved!

  • Pioneering an Immunocompetent, Myelinated Brain Organoid model for studying neuroinflammation and diseases

    We are the only group worldwide that has developed a groundbreaking brain organoid model that integrates myelinated axons and immune cells (microglia) within the same system. This unique model offers unprecedented opportunities to study complex neurological and immunological interactions. While we are currently leveraging this model to explore the mechanisms underlying multiple sclerosis, its potential applications extend far beyond, opening avenues to investigate a wide range of diseases.

    We are seeking passionate and curious students to join our team and contribute to this transformative research. This project sits at the exciting intersection of stem cell biology, brain organoids, immunology, virology, and synthetic biology. Together, we aim to tackle critical health challenges and develop innovative approaches to understanding and treating diseases that significantly impact people’s lives.

    If you are ready to make a difference through cutting-edge science, we would love to have you on board!

  • Creating a Novel Brain Organoid Model for Personalized Medicine

    Our team is recognized as a leader in brain organoid technology, both in Australia and internationally. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and we are now at the forefront of developing a groundbreaking organoid model using patient-derived cells to give them a personalized immune system. While our current focus is on Parkinson’s disease, this approach aims to evolve into a versatile platform for high-throughput drug screening, catering to the needs of pharmaceutical companies and hospitals while expanding to address other critical conditions in the future.

    This interdisciplinary project, in collaboration with the School of Biomedical Sciences and other expert partners, provides an exceptional opportunity for students to acquire cutting-edge skills and expertise. You will gain hands-on experience in immunology, stem cell technology, and advanced organoid modeling, all while contributing to research that could revolutionize patient care and truly make a difference in people’s lives.

    If you are excited by the idea of working at the intersection of innovation and impact, join us in shaping the future of personalized medicine!

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Giovanni Pietrogrande's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au