Gianni Sorarù, MD, PhD

Dr. Sorarù graduated in Medicine in 1996 and specialized in Neurology in 2000. After some years as a Clinical Staff member in a Neurology Unit, he began his academic career at the University of Padova, where he currently serve as an Associate Professor of Neurology. His research journey started in Prof. Corrado Angelini’s laboratory, focusing on muscle involvement in motor neuron diseases. During his PhD, he investigated the mitochondrial respiratory chain in ALS, discovering a correlation between mitochondrial complex activities and nNOS levels. He also studied skeletal muscle in SBMA patients and carriers, identifying an androgen-dependent myopathy. In collaboration with Prof. Maria Pennuto, he explored the therapeutic potential of beta-2 adrenoreceptor stimulation in SBMA, demonstrating that beta-agonists improve SBMA phenotypes in mice and patient-derived myotubes. A pilot trial with clenbuterol in 20 SBMA patients, showed its positive impact on disease progression and lead to an ongoing randomized clinical trial (RCT). His interest in translational medicine has led to research on genotype-phenotype correlations in ALS and the development of novel biomarkers for ALS and SBMA. His clinical work in motor neuron diseases has also contributed to a deeper understanding of these disorders and participation in over 15 RCTs.