Skip to main content

Marco Bortolato

Marco Bortolato, MD, PhD

Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology

Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology

Contact: marco.bortolato@utah.edu

Office: 3916 L.S. Skaggs Research Building

Education:

  • M.D. University of Cagliari, Italy
  • Ph.D. Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
  • Specialization in Neurology University of Cagliari, Italy

FAR Webpage

Research Interests

My research is primarily focused on the characterization of the biological bases of neurodevelopmental disorders through the employment of behavioral tests in animal models. In particular, my key scientific interest is the identification of the mechanisms of interaction between lipid mediators (including neuroactive steroids and endocannabinoids) and key brain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. To this end, we employ a broad array of behavioral, biochemical and molecular biological techniques, as well as stereotactic surgery and HPLC.

The long-term goal of this research is the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of pathological aggression, autism-spectrum disorder, Tourette syndrome, schizophrenia and impulse-control disorders (such as pathological gambling).

My laboratory is currently involved in two major translational research projects. The first target of our investigations is the characterization of the molecular substrates of gene x environment interactions in impulsive aggression. The second aim of our research is the development of novel steroid- and cannabinoid-based tools for the therapy of impulse-control disorders, Tourette syndrome, autism and schizophrenia. Both projects involve multiple collaborations with several basic and clinical scientists in US, Canada, Italy, France and Germany.

Marco Bortolato Lab - Graduate Students

Easton Van Luik, a pharmacology and toxicology graduate student wearing a black shirt

Easton Van Luik

Pharmacology and Toxicology PhD Program

Research Interests: As a graduate student in the Bortolato lab, my research centers on investigating frontostriatal dysfunction using a wide range of behavioral and molecular techniques. Our primary focus is to explore the role of key neurolipids, receptors, and neurotransmitters associated with neurodevelopmental disorders like Tourette syndrome, pathological aggression, and impulse-control disorders. Through this research, we aim to unravel the underlying mechanisms involved, ultimately contributing to the development of therapeutic treatments for individuals affected by these disorders.

Undergraduate School: Utah Valley University (BS Behavioral Science) 

Contact

Marco Bortolato Lab - Postdoctoral Researchers

Ruhul Amin, PhD

In January 2024, I began working as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dr. Bortolato's lab. Our research focuses on alcohol misuse, associated pathological aggression, and their neurobiological mechanisms. We aim to identify potential molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-associated violence using a rodent model. Before joining Bortolato's lab, I completed my Postdoctoral training in cardiovascular electrophysiology until 2023 at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. During this time, I studied the molecular mechanisms of cardiac tachyarrhythmia in a swine model of myocardial infarction. I explored how the onset of myocardial infarction contributes to the pro-arrhythmic elevation of spontaneous Ca2+ activity in the Purkinje fibers during the early phase of infarction, eventually resulting in an elevated heart rate. In 2018, I earned my Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Leuven in Belgium. My research focused on Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vector 8-mediated gene therapy for preventing Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) in a rodent model. Before that, I completed my Master's degree in Molecular Biology in 2013 from the University of Skövde, Sweden, and a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2011 from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. These experiences have provided me with a solid foundation in research and academia in biomedical sciences.

University of Leuven, Belgium, PhD

Post Doc: Bortolato Lab

Office: L.S. Skaggs Sr. Hall Rm 25

Contact

Caterina Branca, PhD

I have obtained my Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Brescia – School of Medicine, Italy. During my academic experience, I have mainly worked on dissecting the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer´s disease, by using animal models and biochemical and molecular analyses. I have mainly been involved in project analyzing the pathways of programmed cell death, which lead to neuronal loss in several neurodegenerative conditions. Thanks to this experience, I was able to implement new and original approaches to neuroscience research. I am currently a Post Doc in the Bortolato’s lab, where I principally work on neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, to understand the underpinning mechanisms in order to be able to develop new therapeutical strategies.

University of Brescia, Neuroscience PhD

Post Doc: Bortolato Lab

Office: L.S. Skaggs Sr. Hall Rm 27

Contact

Giulia Braccagni, PhD

I recently graduated from a Ph.D. program at the University of Siena, Department of Molecular Medicine, where I primarily work on predictive factors of vulnerability and resilience in major depression. I previously completed my bachelor’s degree in 2017 studying novel targets for anti-angiogenic drugs. I achieved my M.S. in Health Biology in 2019. During my MS program, I worked on the neurobiology of autism spectrum disorder and examined the potential function of fenofibrate as a new possible therapeutic agent. I also had the opportunity to investigate the role of sleep deprivation in psychiatric disorders and its effects on modulating neuronal excitability. I am currently a Post Doc in the Bortolato lab where I principally research pathological aggression and the development of novel therapeutic agents for its treatment.

University of Siena, MS Health Biology, PhD Pharmacology

Post-Doc: Bortolato Lab

Phone: 801-587-3352

Office: 25/26 L. S Skaggs Sr. Hall

 

 

Contact