Research project: Inflammation

Macrophages on Mitochondria Patrol: Tackling Inflammation in Atherosclerosis

PI: Laura Boccuni

This project focuses on how macrophages detect and dispose of damaged mitochondria during atherosclerosis. Normally, these immune cells protect tissues by either recycling defective mitochondria inside the cell or packaging them into small vesicles for release into the surrounding environment. What remains unclear is how macrophages choose between these two routes and how this decision shifts under pro-atherogenic stress. Using advanced human and mouse models, we track mitochondrial damage, movement, and fate in macrophages exposed to atherosclerosis-relevant stimuli. In parallel, we screen mitochondria-targeted compounds to identify treatments that tune this quality-control system and test whether they reduce inflammation and improve plaque stability. By defining the signals that govern mitochondrial recycling versus release, this work aims to reveal a new mechanism linking mitochondrial dysfunction to chronic vascular inflammation and to identify strategies to slow or prevent atherosclerosis progression.

Accumulation of mitochondrial oxidative damage (stained in red) in foam cells from human carotid plaques (stained in yellow) Accumulation of mitochondrial oxidative damage (stained in red) in foam cells from human carotid plaques (stained in yellow)

Biographical Sketch

Laura Boccuni, PhD, is a postdoctoral researcher holder of an ESPRIT-fellow at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, with over ten years of experience in academic research. She studied Cellular and Molecular Biology in Italy, where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and developed a strong foundation in biomedical research. She later obtained her PhD in Immunology at the Max Perutz Labs in Vienna, receiving advanced training in immune signaling, molecular biology, and data analysis. Laura’s research focuses on immune mechanisms in cardiovascular disease, with particular interest in macrophage biology, foam cell formation, and vascular ageing. She combines experimental and computational approaches and is driven by the goal of translating fundamental discoveries into clinically relevant insights. She is strongly engaged in interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring, and scientific communication.