Dr Matteo Gravino

Matteo is a molecular biologist with experience in the functional characterisation of plant defence responses to pathogens and pests.

By using a reverse genetic approach, Matteo has characterised the role of different pathways acting downstream of the plant cell wall signalling in the defence against fungi, bacteria and insects.

Currently, Matteo’s research is focused on plant-aphid interactions and on the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae to different plant species.

Matteo is exploiting the RNA interference (RNAi) technology for aphids to study the role of specific genes in the rapid adaptation of M. persicae to a new host.