Stimulatory G proteins (Gs) are a family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate many cellular responses to hormones, neurotransmitters, ions, and photons. The α subunit of the Gs (Gsα) transduces the intracellular signaling upon ligand binding to the GPCR by increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Due to their involvement in most vital physiological processes in living organisms, alterations in Gs functions are linked to many diseases. One of these is Fibrous Dysplasia (FD), a disease of the skeleton caused by activating mutations in the GNAS gene, encoding Gsα. Through the study of the role of Gsα signaling in many bone cells, from skeletal stem cells to their more differentiated progeny, i.e., osteoblasts and bone marrow adipocytes, we have gained important information about the pathogenetic processes of FD. This has led to the development of proof-of-concept studies elucidating key pharmacological targets for this disease.

Biography: Dr. Biagio Palmisano is currently a Postdoctoral research scientist at Sapienza University of Rome. His scientific interests revolve around the biology of bone marrow stroma, with particular focus on skeletal stem cells and bone marrow adipocytes, and the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying fibrous dysplasia, a rare genetic bone disease. He is member of the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) Academy since 2024, while serving as board member of the Bone Marrow Adiposity Society (BMAS) and for the Italian Society for Osteoporosis, Mineral Metabolism and Bone Diseases (SIOMMMS).

PHYS contact person: Michaela Tencerová, Laboratory of Molecular Physiology of Bone, michaela.tencerova@fgu.cas.cz