June 26, 2025 | 1 - 2.30 p.m. | HNO-Lecturehall

Daniele Dell' Orco our guest from University of Verona, will have a presentation on
“Molecular networks in photoreceptors – from modeling to therapeutic design”

Abstract: Photoreceptors rely on tightly regulated molecular networks to maintain function and survival. Bottom-up computational models have proven valuable in capturing the complexity of these systems and identifying potential mechanisms leading to degeneration.

This talk will review the development of system-level models of photoreceptor biology and highlight how these approaches can guide the generation of testable hypotheses for therapeutic intervention. Recent experimental work on protein and biologics delivery for cone-rod dystrophies, inspired by insights from modeling efforts, will also be presented.

Short CV 
Daniele Dell'Orco is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Verona, with a multidisciplinary research focus combining computational modeling and experimental biochemistry to study retinal degeneration and sensory neuroscience. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics/Biophysics from the University of Parma (2003) and a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (2007), followed by postdoctoral research at several institutions, including the University of Lund, University of Oldenburg, and the Dulbecco Telethon Institute.
With a solid background in biophysics, biochemistry, and computational modeling, he has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of phototransduction and the impact of inherited retinal diseases.
Dr. Dell'Orco has led various research projects and has collaborated with international experts in the fields of molecular genetics, ophthalmology, and biochemistry to advance therapeutic strategies for retinal dystrophies. His research integrates mathematical models and experimental techniques to predict the effects of genetic mutations on photoreceptor function, with a focus on developing therapeutic interventions for retinal degeneration.