Dr. Paolo Sassone-Corsi was a distinguished molecular biologist and epigeneticist who served as Donald Bren Professor at the University of California, Irvine. Born in Naples, Italy in 1956, he established an international scientific career that spanned institutions in France, the United States, and beyond. After completing postdoctoral work at the Salk Institute under Inder Verma from 1986 to 1989, he built his independent research program initially in Strasbourg, France. In 2006, he was recruited to the University of California, Irvine as Donald Bren Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology, holding dual appointments between the IGBMC in France and UC Irvine until 2011. He founded the Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism at UC Irvine in 2011, creating a hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of his scientific interests.
Dr. Sassone-Corsi's groundbreaking research focused on the mechanisms of signal transduction that modulate nuclear functions, particularly gene expression, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetic control. His most significant discovery revealed that SIRT1, a histone deacetylase critical for gene expression and metabolism, regulates the activity of the CLOCK protein, establishing a fundamental connection between circadian rhythms and metabolic regulation. With over 420 peer-reviewed publications and an impressive H-index of 129, his work profoundly influenced understanding of how stimulation of intracellular pathways leads to transcriptional regulation through changes in nuclear factor phosphorylation. His research demonstrated important consequences for cellular proliferation, oncogenesis, and differentiation, bridging fields that had previously been studied in isolation. This integrative approach transformed the scientific understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms interface with metabolic cycles and circadian clocks.
Beyond his laboratory discoveries, Dr. Sassone-Corsi mentored over 200 trainees, many of whom now lead independent research programs across the globe in countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, and throughout Europe. As director of the Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, he organized the biennial 'Epigenetic Control and Cellular Plasticity' Symposium at UCI, attracting Nobel laureates and eminent scientists while fostering new collaborations. His visionary approach to merging diverse scientific fields created a lasting framework for understanding how epigenetic control and metabolism influence cellular identity and plasticity. The numerous awards recognizing his contributions, including the Roy O. Greep Award, Ipsen Award in Endocrinology, and Leonardo da Vinci Gold Medal, attest to his standing as a leader in his field. Dr. Sassone-Corsi's scientific legacy continues to inspire researchers investigating the intricate connections between biological timing, metabolic regulation, and epigenetic control, with implications for understanding numerous human diseases.
