Dr. Anna Picca, PhD
Associate Professor of Applied Biology
Department of Medicine and Surgery
LUM University, Casamassima (BA), Italy
Contact Information:
Professional Summary
Dr. Anna Picca is a distinguished Associate Professor of Applied Biology at LUM University’s Department of Medicine and Surgery in Casamassima, Italy. Born on June 12, 1980, Dr. Picca has established herself as a leading researcher in the fields of aging biology, mitochondrial dysfunction, and molecular biology. With an impressive publication record of 148 peer-reviewed articles and an H-index of 33, she has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms linking mitochondrial dysfunction to age-related conditions.
Educational Background
PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics (2011)
University of Bari, Italy
Thesis: Effects of aging and calorie restriction diet on TFAM binding to the mtDNA
Master of Science in Biology (2006)
University of Bari, Italy
Graduated summa cum laude
Thesis: Biophysical characterization of water transport across mitochondrial compartments
Italian Professional License of Biologist (2006)
University of Bari, Italy
Research Focus & Expertise
Dr. Picca’s research centers on the intricate mechanisms linking mitochondrial dysfunction to age-related conditions, with particular emphasis on:
- Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Aging: Investigating the role of mitochondrial quality control in cardiovascular disease and frailty
- Mitophagy and Autophagy: Exploring cellular mechanisms of aging and their potential therapeutic targets
- Inflamm-aging: Understanding chronic low-grade inflammation in aging processes
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Examining mitochondrial contributions to age-related neurodegeneration
- Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty: Developing biomarkers and intervention strategies for age-related muscle loss
Professional Experience
Current Positions:
- Associate Professor of Applied Biology (2022-present) – LUM University
- Adjunct Professor of Molecular Biology (2022) – LUM University
- Research Lab Consultant (2016-present) – Metabolism and Translational Science Core, University of Florida
Previous Research Positions:
- Researcher (2021) – Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome
- Postdoctoral Research Associate (2019-2020) – Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (Biology of aging)
- Multiple Postdoctoral Positions (2011-2019) – Various international institutions focusing on aging research, sarcopenia, and mitochondrial biology
Editorial Contributions
Dr. Picca serves in prominent editorial roles across multiple high-impact journals:
Board Positions:
- Board Member, Experimental Gerontology (Elsevier, IF: 4.032)
- Topic Editor, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (MDPI, IF: 5.923)
- Reviewer Board Member, Membranes (MDPI, IF: 4.106)
Special Issue Editor for:
- “Frontiers in Anti-aging Treatment Development” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- “Effects of Dietary and Metabolic Patterns on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults” – Nutrients
- “From molecular mechanisms to biomarkers of physical frailty and sarcopenia” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- “Autophagy meets aging” – Cells
- “Molecular Mechanism and Pathogenesis of Sarcopenia” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Peer Review Activities
Dr. Picca serves as a reviewer for numerous prestigious journals including:
- Aging Cell (IF: 9.304)
- Aging Research Reviews (IF: 10.895)
- Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (IF: 9.261)
- Geroscience (IF: 7.713)
- Frontiers in Immunology (IF: 7.561)
- Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (IF: 6.529)
- Cells (IF: 6.600)
International Collaborations
Dr. Picca maintains active research collaborations with leading institutions worldwide:
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research (USA)
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (Sweden)
- Università La Sapienza, Rome (Italy)
- Università del Salento, Lecce (Italy)
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome (Italy)
Notable Research Projects
- SPRINTT Study: “Sarcopenia and physical frailty in older people: multi-component treatment strategies” (IMI-JU
#115621)
- Diabfrail LATAM: H2020 multicentric clinical trial on frail older adults with type 2 diabetes
- BIOSPHERE Study: BIOmarkers associated with Sarcopenia and PHysical frailty in EldeRly persons
- CHDI Foundation Research: Mitochondrial bioenergetics analysis in Huntington’s disease
Publications Impact
With 148 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an H-index of 33, Dr. Picca’s research has significantly impacted the field of aging biology. Her work is frequently cited, with over 19,830 citations according to Google Scholar, reflecting the high quality and relevance of her scientific contributions.
Research Philosophy
Dr. Picca’s research approach integrates molecular biology techniques with clinical applications, aiming to translate basic science discoveries into practical interventions for age-related conditions. Her work bridges the gap between fundamental aging research and clinical geriatric medicine, contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for healthy aging.
Last updated: September 2025