Dr. Gisela D’ANGELO, CNRS, France
Dr. Gisela D’Angelo is a distinguished cell biologist and Research Director at CNRS, currently based at Institut Curie, Paris. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay (1961), she has built a notable career in molecular biology, specializing in the roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cell communication, development, and disease. With over three decades of international experience and a profound academic foundation from top French institutions, she has contributed significantly to understanding vesicle-mediated signaling pathways. Her work has reshaped knowledge of cellular dynamics in development, virology, and cancer. She is affiliated with the UMR144 Cell Biology and Cancer Department, and her scientific leadership has guided impactful projects and collaborations across Europe. A mentor to several postdoctoral researchers, her prolific publication record and active role in translational research solidify her position as a leader in EV biology.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Orcid
✅ Strengths for the Award:
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World-Class Researcher in Extracellular Vesicles (EVs):
Dr. D’Angelo has made pivotal contributions to understanding the biogenesis and function of extracellular vesicles in both developmental and pathological contexts, such as placental biology, viral infection, and cancer.
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Prolific Publication Record:
She has authored and co-authored multiple high-impact journal articles in top-tier journals like PNAS, Nature Methods, Current Biology, and Development. Her publications are often collaborative and interdisciplinary, indicating a strong network in the global scientific community.
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Leadership Role and Institutional Prestige:
Holding the title of Research Director (DR2 CNRS) at the Institut Curie—a premier research center in Europe—underscores her leadership and scientific excellence. She also mentors young scientists and leads innovative projects.
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Innovative Use of Imaging & Model Systems:
Her work combines advanced microscopy, Drosophila genetics, and molecular biology to explore intercellular communication—offering novel insights with translational potential.
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International Profile and Experience:
Originally from Uruguay, educated in Paris, and professionally established in France, Dr. D’Angelo reflects a truly international scientific career.
⚠️ Areas for Improvement:
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Teaching and Public Engagement:
While she is involved in a Master-level course, increasing her visibility in teaching, mentoring, and public science outreach could enhance her broader scientific influence.
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Expanded Global Collaborations:
Most of her research collaborations are within France or Europe. Developing larger-scale international consortia or initiatives could amplify her global impact.
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Science Communication and Media Presence:
Her profile and findings could benefit from more exposure via science communication platforms, conferences, and open-access forums to reach broader audiences.
🎓 Education:
Dr. Gisela D’Angelo’s academic journey began at Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), where she earned a BS in Cell Biology and Physiology (1984), followed by a Master’s degree in Reproductive Physiology (1986). She went on to complete her PhD in Molecular Biology and Reproductive Physiology in 1990 at the same university. Her research skills and academic rigor led her to pursue the Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) in 2003 at Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, qualifying her to supervise doctoral research and lead independent scientific programs. Her education laid a strong interdisciplinary foundation, integrating molecular biology, cell physiology, and developmental biology—skills that she continues to apply in her research on intercellular communication and extracellular vesicles.
💼 Experience:
Dr. D’Angelo began her research career in France, first as a Research Associate at INSERM U615, University of Nice (2000–2005), followed by a role at CNRS UMR 7277/INSERM 1091 (2005–2017). She then joined Institut Curie, Paris, as a Senior Research Scientist (CRCN, CNRS), and was promoted to Research Director in 2024. Her extensive experience spans cellular communication, reproductive biology, and cancer research, with a focus on extracellular vesicles (EVs). She undertook a sabbatical at Institut Curie in 2016, which helped deepen collaborative efforts in vesicle biology. She is recognized for leading multidisciplinary teams, mentoring early-career scientists, and contributing to major breakthroughs in developmental biology, particularly through high-resolution imaging and molecular tools. With over 20 publications in top-tier journals, Dr. D’Angelo’s career reflects innovation, academic rigor, and impactful science.
🔬 Research Focus:
Dr. Gisela D’Angelo’s research revolves around the biogenesis, trafficking, and function of extracellular vesicles (EVs)—small, membrane-bound particles that mediate intercellular communication. Her work elucidates how EVs participate in developmental signaling pathways, immune regulation, placental communication, and disease pathogenesis (e.g., cancer, viral infections). A core part of her focus is understanding how microvilli-derived vesicles contribute to morphogenesis and tissue homeostasis, using advanced imaging and model organisms like Drosophila. She has also explored EV modifications by pathogens such as cytomegalovirus and their effects on fetal development. Her cutting-edge research combines molecular genetics, imaging technologies, and cell biology to dissect the subcellular mechanics of EV trafficking. As a leading figure in this dynamic field, she has significantly advanced understanding of how EVs act as messengers during physiological and pathological processes, making her work highly relevant to regenerative medicine, oncology, and developmental biology.
📚 Publications Top Notes:
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🧪 Extracellular vesicles released by keratinocytes regulate melanosome maturation, melanocyte dendricity, and pigment transfer – PNAS, 2024
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🤰 Placental extracellular vesicles in maternal-fetal communication during pregnancy – Biochemical Society Transactions, 2022
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🦠 Human Cytomegalovirus modifies placental small extracellular vesicle composition to enhance infection of fetal neural cells in vitro – Viruses, 2022
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🧬 Microvilli-derived extracellular vesicles carry Hedgehog morphogenic signals for Drosophila wing imaginal disc development – Current Biology, 2022
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🔬 The power of imaging to understand extracellular vesicle biology in vivo – Nature Methods, 2021
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🧫 Human Cytomegalovirus infection changes the pattern of surface markers of small extracellular vesicles – Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 2021
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🧠 Centrosome amplification mediates small extracellular vesicle secretion via lysosome disruption – Current Biology, 2021
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🧭 The GTPase Rab8 differentially controls Hedgehog gradient by regulating its apico-basal distribution – Development, 2021
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🐛 Microvilli-derived extracellular vesicles govern morphogenesis in Drosophila wing epithelium – bioRxiv preprint, 2020
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🧪 Centrosome amplification mediates EV secretion via lysosome disruption – bioRxiv preprint, 2020
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🧩 The cell biology of extracellular vesicles: A jigsaw puzzle with a myriad of pieces – Review/Essay (unlisted journal)
🧾 Conclusion:
Dr. Gisela D’Angelo is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her exceptional contributions to extracellular vesicle research—combined with leadership, publication quality, and scientific impact—place her among the top scientists in her field. While she could enhance her visibility in teaching and international collaboration, her track record demonstrates consistent excellence, innovation, and commitment to advancing biomedical research. She represents the ideal profile of a senior investigator who bridges fundamental science and translational relevance.