Dr. Caterina MIRO, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Dr. Caterina Miro is a dedicated and accomplished Italian biomedical researcher specializing in thyroid hormone signaling, molecular oncology, and metabolic reprogramming in cancer and systemic diseases. With a Ph.D. awarded with honors in “Newer Biomedical and Surgical Treatments” and multiple postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Naples “Federico II,” her work consistently bridges the gap between molecular biology and translational medicine. Her research focuses on unraveling the roles of thyroid hormones in tumor progression, chemoresistance, and metabolic dysfunctions, with notable projects funded by premier institutions such as AIRC and Fondazione Veronesi. Dr. Miro has gained recognition for her contributions to endocrine oncology and her growing influence in the academic community.
Profile
Orcid
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Born on October 23, 1987, in Avellino, Italy, Dr. Caterina Miro’s scientific path began with an early passion for biological sciences. After completing her high school education with distinction (95/100) at the “P.E. Imbriani” Scientific High School, she enrolled at the University of Naples “Federico II,” where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biological Sciences. Her Master’s thesis, which earned a full score of 110/110 cum laude, focused on innovative therapeutic strategies in reactivating tumor suppressor pathways in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Under the mentorship of Prof. Paolo Laccetti and Dr. Francesca Pentimalli, she laid the foundation for a career centered on molecular oncology and translational medicine.
🧪 Professional Endeavors in Biomedical Research
Dr. Miro’s journey into advanced research began with her early involvement in experimental oncology, particularly during her fellowship at the National Cancer Institute “G. Pascale” and IEOS-CNR Naples. From 2015 onwards, she transitioned into focused roles within the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery at the University of Naples “Federico II.” Here, she held several key postdoctoral positions, consistently contributing to endocrine oncology and molecular biology research under the guidance of eminent mentors such as Prof. Domenico Salvatore and Prof. Monica Dentice. Her Ph.D. in “Newer Biomedical and Surgical Treatments,” awarded with excellent with honours, further solidified her place in the realm of academic medicine.
🧬 Contributions and Research Focus
The central axis of Dr. Miro’s research revolves around thyroid hormone metabolism and its role in cancer biology and systemic diseases. Her work delves into the genomic and non-genomic effects of thyroid hormones in squamous cell carcinomas, the metabolic reprogramming in obesity, and the interaction between thyroid pathways and muscular dystrophy. Notably, her recent projects funded by prestigious institutions such as AIRC and Fondazione Veronesi address critical questions in the tumor microenvironment, hormone-driven chemoresistance, and endocrine-metabolic cross-talk. Her methodical approach bridges molecular endocrinology with translational cancer therapeutics, paving the way for targeted interventions.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Miro’s academic and research distinction is evident in the highly competitive fellowships and grants she has secured. Among them, the AIRC-funded postdoctoral fellowship (2025–2027) and the Fondazione Veronesi Research Grant (2024–2025) stand out as acknowledgments of her scientific caliber and project innovation. She has consistently earned positions in merit-based fellowships and has been entrusted with executing pivotal roles in nationally and internationally funded research initiatives. Her Ph.D. distinction, cum laude degree, and continued appointments at Italy’s leading medical university further underscore her credibility in the academic and biomedical community.
🧠 Impact and Influence in Molecular Endocrinology
The influence of Dr. Miro’s work extends beyond laboratory findings. By elucidating the stage-specific roles of thyroid hormone in cancer, she has contributed to a better understanding of how endocrine signals shape tumor behavior and progression. Her research also explores new molecular targets for combating chemoresistance and improving therapeutic responses in skin and lung cancers. These contributions not only enrich the scientific literature but also inform clinical strategies and drug development efforts. Her work bridges a crucial gap between metabolic signaling and cancer therapeutics, enhancing the translational potential of endocrine research.
🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Dr. Miro is poised to become a leading voice in the intersection of endocrinology and oncology. Her evolving portfolio—ranging from thyroid hormone function in obesity to Sirtuin-mediated muscular disorders—demonstrates a vision that spans both depth and breadth. As she continues to harness hormone pathways for therapeutic insights, her interdisciplinary collaborations and methodical precision are expected to yield influential results. Her ongoing commitment to mentorship and academic engagement ensures her legacy will extend into nurturing the next generation of biomedical researchers.
🔬 Vision for Integrative Cancer Therapy
At the core of Dr. Miro’s research philosophy is a dedication to integrative approaches in cancer therapy. She envisions a therapeutic landscape where thyroid hormone pathways are not only understood but also manipulated for patient-specific interventions. Her recent investigations into metabolic reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment reflect a shift towards holistic and multi-layered treatment modalities. Through advanced molecular techniques and translational applications, she continues to push the boundaries of how endocrine signals can be decoded and redirected to combat complex diseases like cancer, muscular dystrophy, and systemic metabolic disorders.
Publication
Title: Ursolic Acid-Based Nutraceutical Mitigates Muscle Atrophy and Improves Exercise Performance in Mouse Model of Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Caterina Miro, Fortuna Iannuzzo, Lucia Acampora, Annunziata Gaetana Cicatiello, Serena Sagliocchi, Elisabetta Schiano, Annarita Nappi, Federica Restolfer, Mariano Stornaiuolo, Gian Carlo Tenore, et al.
Year: 2025
Title: Leptin enhances the intracellular thyroid hormone activation in skeletal muscle to boost energy balance
Authors: Miro C, Cicatiello AG, Nappi A, Sagliocchi S, Acampora L, Restolfer F, Cuomo O, de Alteris G, Pugliese G, Torabinejad S, et al.
Year: 2025
Title: Muscle PGC‐1α Overexpression Drives Metabolite Secretion Boosting Subcutaneous Adipocyte Browning
Authors: Caterina Miro, Ciro Menale, Lucia Acampora, Annarita Nappi, Serena Sagliocchi, Federica Restolfer, Sepehr Torabinejad, Mariano Stornaiuolo, Monica Dentice, Annunziata Gaetana Cicatiello
Year: 2025
Title: Thyroid Hormone Activation Regulates the Crosstalk between Breast Cancer and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Annarita Nappi, Vittoria D’Esposito, Caterina Miro, Alessia Parascandolo, Annunziata Gaetana Cicatiello, Serena Sagliocchi, Lucia Acampora, Sepehr Torabinejad, Federica Restolfer, Maddalena Raia, et al.
Year: 2025
Title: AbaComplex Enhances Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Adipose Tissue Browning: Implications for Obesity and Glucose Regulation
Authors: Serena Sagliocchi, Elisabetta Schiano, Lucia Acampora, Fortuna Iannuzzo, Annunziata Gaetana Cicatiello, Caterina Miro, Annarita Nappi, Federica Restolfer, Mariano Stornaiuolo, Stefano Zarrilli, et al.
Year: 2024
Title: Discovery of Novel Thiazole-Based SIRT2 Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents: Molecular Modeling, Chemical Synthesis and Biological Assays
Authors: Francesco Piacente, Giorgia Guccione, Naomi Scarano, Dario Lunaccio, Caterina Miro, Elena Abbotto, Annalisa Salis, Bruno Tasso, Monica Dentice, Santina Bruzzone, et al.
Year: 2024
Title: Effects of thyroid hormones in skeletal muscle protein turnover
Authors: Annarita Nappi, Caterina Moriello, Maria Morgante, Ferdinando Fusco, Felice Crocetto, Caterina Miro
Year: 2024
Title: Therapeutic Effect of an Ursolic Acid-Based Nutraceutical on Neuronal Regeneration after Sciatic Nerve Injury
Authors: Fortuna Iannuzzo, Annunziata Gaetana Cicatiello, Serena Sagliocchi, Elisabetta Schiano, Annarita Nappi, Caterina Miro, Mariano Stornaiuolo, Adriano Mollica, Gian Carlo Tenore, Monica Dentice, et al.
Year: 2024
Title: Repositioning of Cefuroxime as novel selective inhibitor of the thyroid hormone activating enzyme type 2 deiodinase
Authors: Sagliocchi S, Murolo M, Cicatiello AG, Miro C, Nappi A, Di Cicco E, Torabinejad S, La Civita E, Romano V, Terracciano D, et al.
Year: 2023
Title: SIRT6 pharmacological inhibition delays skin cancer progression in the squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Elena Abbotto, Caterina Miro, Francesco Piacente, Annalisa Salis, Melania Murolo, Annarita Nappi, Enrico Millo, Eleonora Russo, Elena Cichero, Laura Sturla, et al.
Year: 2023
Conclusion
Dr. Miro’s scientific journey reflects a rare combination of academic excellence, innovation, and translational impact. Through her deep exploration of hormone-driven mechanisms in cancer and other complex diseases, she has significantly advanced our understanding of molecular endocrinology. Her trajectory suggests she is not only a valuable contributor to ongoing biomedical research but also a future leader in the development of integrative therapeutic strategies. With sustained support and collaborative opportunities, Dr. Caterina Miro is poised to make lasting contributions to personalized medicine and targeted cancer therapy in the years ahead.