Nicola Iovino, Ph.D.
Curriculum Vitae
Nicola Iovino studied Biology at the University of Federico II in Naples. He completed his PhD at the Rockefeller University in New York and the University of La Sapienza in Rome. From 2009, he pursued postdoctoral research at the Institute of Human Genetics in Montpellier. In 2014, Nicola Iovino established the research group `Chromatin Regulation in Early Embryo´ at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg. In 2024, he was appointed Director at the Max Planck Institute, heading the `Epigenetic` Development department.
Research Interests
Nicola Iovino is a leading scientist in the field of epigenetic inheritance. He and his team are investigating the epigenetic influence on genes responsible for responses to environmental stimuli in order to elucidate the effects on evolution. His aim is to discover new principles of epigenetic inheritance.
Contrary to the widespread assumption that epigenetic information is erased during the formation of egg and sperm cells, Nicola Iovino and his team have shown that parents also pass on epigenetic information to their offspring. This occurs in the form of modifications to proteins around which the genetic material in the cell nucleus is wrapped - the so-called histones. These modifications can switch genes on or off in certain cell types, tissues or developmental phases.
The researchers have shown that at least two different epigenetic modifications of histone proteins can be transmitted from the mother to the embryo, highlighting a completely unexpected maternal role in controlling the fate of the offspring. These inherited modifications are crucial for correct embryonic development.
Contrary to the widespread assumption that epigenetic information is erased during the formation of egg and sperm cells, Nicola Iovino and his team have shown that parents also pass on epigenetic information to their offspring. This occurs in the form of modifications to proteins around which the genetic material in the cell nucleus is wrapped - the so-called histones. These modifications can switch genes on or off in certain cell types, tissues or developmental phases.
The researchers have shown that at least two different epigenetic modifications of histone proteins can be transmitted from the mother to the embryo, highlighting a completely unexpected maternal role in controlling the fate of the offspring. These inherited modifications are crucial for correct embryonic development.