Mariana Giassetti, PhD

Education

Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza – Zaragoza, Spain (2011-2015). 

Ph.D., Reproductive Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo – Sao Paulo, Brazil (2011-2015). 

Master of Science, Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo – Sao Paulo, Brazil (2009-2011).

D.V.M. Degree, Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine - University of Sao Paulo – Sao Paulo, Brazil (2004- 2008).

Fluency: English, Spanish, and Portuguese

In the News

NIH NEWSROOM https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/news/050323-male-contraceptive-gene

Front line Genomics https://frontlinegenomics.com/arrdc5-a-newly-identified-regulator-of-spermatogenesis/

Biography 

Dr. Mariana Ianello Giassetti is a veterinarian with Ph. D.s in Reproductive Biology from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology from the University of Zaragoza, Spain. She leads a research group focused on phylogenetic multi-Omics analysis, male reproductive health, gene-edited animals, and the paternal influence on offspring.

Combining her veterinary background with a passion for biotechnology, Mariana pursued a Postdoctoral fellowship at Washington State University, studying spermatogenesis and embryogenesis, and honing skills in embryology, gene editing, genomics, and bioinformatics. Her primary focus is on the molecular mechanisms governing male fertility and mammal reproductive health, investigating spermatogenesis and paternal effects on development using CRISPR/Cas9 and multi-omics analysis. Mariana also fosters interdisciplinary collaborations bridging veterinary medicine, biotechnology, and embryology, and maintains strong partnerships across South and Central America, Europe, and Africa.

Previously, she worked as an embryologist in the Biotech Industry, applying Reproductive Techniques for endangered species and developing gene editing tools for mammoths, using techniques like Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to initiate embryo development. 

Research Interests

Dr. Giassetti’s research investigates spermatogenesis in mammals to uncover molecular mechanisms affecting reproductive health and infertility. This process is vital for species continuity, with sperm formation deficiencies leading to male infertility and developmental issues in future generations. Current knowledge of phylogenetic regulators in non-model species is limited.

Dr. Giassetti’s program identified conserved genes in germ cells linked to spermatogenesis through multi-species and multi-OMICS analysis, utilizing advanced bioinformatics. The lab is creating CRISPR-Cas9 models to reveal male-specific sterility's evolutionary context. Furthermore, there are distinct gene expression patterns during spermiogenesis, indicating important roles in male fertility and early embryogenesis. These insights offer molecular targets for infertility and implications for environmental conservation and livestock productivity. The lab also explores paternal effects on offspring, shedding light on its evolutionary conservation.

Additionally, Dr. Giassetti's Lab has unique expression patterns and potential regulatory networks of candidate genes during spermiogenesis, implicating them as crucial regulators of male fertility's role in development and health. This knowledge enhances approaches in therapies, conservation and reproductive medicine. For more information about the Giassetti Lab, visit: http://www.giassettilab.com/

Selected Publications