Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cesare Orlandi, University of Rochester, United States
Dr. Cesare Orlandi is an accomplished Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. With a multidisciplinary background in pharmaceutical biotechnology and molecular genetics, Dr. Orlandi has made significant contributions to GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) biology, orphan receptor deorphanization, and signal transduction. His work bridges basic molecular pharmacology with translational applications in neuroscience and immunology. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in leading journals like Science, Nature Communications, and Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. His collaborative research with global institutions reflects a strong network and broad scientific reach. Recognized for his excellence in science communication, Dr. Orlandi has received multiple “Best Talk” awards at competitive research symposia. His lab continues to innovate at the frontier of receptor biology, influencing therapeutic strategies in neurobiology and inflammation.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Orcid
Strengths for the Award:
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High-Impact Publications in Prestigious Journals
Dr. Orlandi has published in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals, including Science, Nature Communications, PNAS, Journal of Physiology, and Molecular Pharmacology. This reflects the scientific rigor, innovation, and broad relevance of his work.
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Research Innovation in GPCR Biology
His research into orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has led to the development of new experimental assays (e.g., GzESTY) and has provided significant insights into immune and neurological signaling mechanisms. These contributions are not only fundamental but also highly translational, aligning with drug discovery and therapeutic interventions.
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Strong Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Profile
Dr. Orlandi’s collaborations with diverse teams across pharmacology, structural biology, and immunology underscore his interdisciplinary approach. His name appears alongside experts from multiple institutions, showing leadership in team science.
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Recognition for Scientific Communication
His awards for Best Talk at Scripps Research Fest (2016, 2018) and selection for a Gordon Research Seminar oral presentation affirm his strength in communicating complex science effectively—an essential trait for broader impact.
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Mentorship and Leadership
As an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester, Dr. Orlandi plays an active role in training the next generation of biomedical researchers, contributing to capacity building in academia.
Areas for Improvement:
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Limited Mention of Funding Sources or Grant Leadership
While his publication record is excellent, there’s no clear listing of major research grants or principal investigator (PI) roles, which are critical markers for research independence and sustainability.
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More Visible Clinical or Translational Output
While his work is biologically impactful, the clinical translation or patenting aspect could be made more visible to demonstrate tangible applications beyond academic impact.
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Leadership in International Consortia or Editorial Boards
Additional involvement in editorial boards, scientific committees, or research policy advisory roles would further bolster his profile as a leader in his field.
Education:
Dr. Orlandi earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Brescia, Italy (2005–2009), where he conducted foundational research into genetic signaling mechanisms. Prior to that, he completed a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Milan (1998–2004), equipping him with a robust interdisciplinary foundation in drug development, pharmacodynamics, and molecular biology. His academic path reflects a strong European biomedical training system, with emphasis on translational pharmacology and therapeutic innovation. The combination of pharmaceutical science and genetic research uniquely positions Dr. Orlandi to explore receptor biology with a precision medicine lens. His training was further strengthened by postdoctoral research in elite institutions, where he deepened his specialization in orphan GPCR signaling. This education forms the backbone of his research productivity and ability to mentor the next generation of molecular pharmacologists.
Experience:
Dr. Cesare Orlandi currently serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester. He has established himself as a leading voice in the GPCR research community, especially in understanding orphan receptors and their roles in neuronal and immune systems. Prior to this, he held postdoctoral and research positions where he collaborated with global leaders in receptor signaling and neurobiology. His lab combines pharmacological, molecular, and computational approaches to tackle fundamental questions about receptor activity, bias, and downstream signaling. With over a decade of hands-on research experience and extensive publication output, Dr. Orlandi has trained graduate students and postdocs who have progressed into independent academic and industry positions. His multidisciplinary experience spans receptor pharmacology, molecular neuroscience, and drug discovery, making him a cornerstone in collaborative biomedical research projects at the University of Rochester and beyond.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Orlandi’s scientific excellence has been recognized with several prestigious honors. Notably, he received the Best Talk Award at the Scripps Research Fest in both 2016 and 2018, underscoring his ability to clearly and impactfully communicate complex scientific findings. In 2016, his work was also selected for an oral presentation at the highly competitive Gordon Research Seminar on Phosphorylation and G-Protein Mediated Signaling, affirming the novelty and relevance of his contributions to the receptor signaling field. These awards highlight not only the depth of his scientific insights but also his excellence in mentorship, collaboration, and thought leadership. They place him among a select group of researchers with both technical and communicative brilliance, a critical trait for academic and translational science leadership. These recognitions, combined with high-impact publications, position Dr. Orlandi as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Research Focus:
Dr. Orlandi’s research revolves around orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)—a class of proteins that are vital drug targets but remain largely unexplored. His lab develops novel assays (like GzESTY) for GPCR deorphanization, helping decode their physiological roles in the brain and immune system. He also explores signaling bias, investigating how different ligands induce distinct signaling cascades through the same receptor. His recent work uncovered pivotal roles for orphan GPCRs in macrophage immune function and neuronal communication, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Collaborating across pharmacology, neuroscience, and structural biology, he integrates in vitro, in vivo, and computational methods. His lab has also contributed to understanding how GPCRs interact with psychoactive cannabinoids and prostaglandins, which has implications for pain, inflammation, and psychiatric disorders. His research is highly translational, aiming to inform next-generation drug discovery in neuropharmacology and immunomodulation.
Publications Top Notes:
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🧬 Distinct Interactions of Cannabinol and Its Cytochrome P450-Generated Metabolites with Receptors and Sensory Neurons – Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2025
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🧪 Pancreatic Exocrine Signaling and Function Require Gαq Activation – The Journal of Physiology, 2025
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🧫 GzESTY: An Optimized Cell-Based Assay for GPCR Deorphanization – Nature Communications, 2025
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🧉 Orphan GPCR GPRC5B Controls Macrophage Function via Prostaglandin E2 Signaling – Nature Communications, 2025
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🧠 Gα Protein Signaling Bias at the 5-HT1A Receptor – Molecular Pharmacology, 2023
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🧠 Spatial Profile of Orphan GPCR GPRC5B Expression in Mouse Brain – Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2022
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🔍 In Vitro Profiling of Orphan GPCR Constitutive Activity – British Journal of Pharmacology, 2021
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🧩 Cell-Adhesion Molecules Regulate Cone Photoreceptor Synaptic Wiring – PNAS, 2020
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🎮 NF1-cAMP Signaling Links Striatal Neurons to Reward and Motor Control – PLOS Biology, 2019
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🚫 Genetic Behavioral Screen Identifies an Orphan Anti-Opioid System – Science, 2019
Conclusion:
Dr. Cesare Orlandi stands out as an exceptional researcher whose work has advanced the frontiers of molecular pharmacology, especially in the complex field of orphan GPCRs. His innovative methodologies, strong publication track record, and interdisciplinary collaborations make a compelling case for recognition through the Best Researcher Award. While there is room to further highlight his grant leadership and translational reach, his scientific output and leadership are already at a level that merits this award.