Dr. Vincenzo Di Marzo stands as a preeminent figure in biochemical research with his groundbreaking work on cellular communication systems. He currently holds the prestigious Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinome Axis in Metabolic Health at Université Laval in Quebec City, while also serving as Research Director at the Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of the National Research Council in Naples, Italy. After completing his Master's degree in Chemistry at the University of Naples 'Federico II' in 1983 and earning his PhD in Biochemistry, Dr. Di Marzo established himself as a pioneering researcher in the field of endocannabinoid science. His leadership extends to coordinating the Naples Research Group on Endocannabinoids and directing the International Joint Unit between the CNR and Université Laval focused on microbiome research and its impact on metabolic health and nutrition.
Dr. Di Marzo's seminal contribution to science came with his identification and naming of endocannabinoids, the endogenous molecules that act on the same receptors as THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. His research has revealed how these compounds function as crucial pleiotropic pro-homeostatic signals that regulate numerous physiological processes throughout the human body. With an impressive publication record exceeding 750 scholarly articles, his work has earned him consistent recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher since 2014, placing him among the top 0.1% of scientists worldwide. His discoveries have profound therapeutic implications for treating neuropsychiatric, neuroinflammatory, and metabolic disorders through modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
Currently, Dr. Di Marzo directs his research toward unraveling the complex chemical dialogue between human cells and the microbiome, particularly investigating how gut bacteria interact with the endocannabinoid system. As Director of the Joint International Unit for the Study of the Microbiome, he coordinates cutting-edge research on how dietary components influence metabolic health through microbiome-mediated mechanisms. His laboratory's investigations into the host endocannabinoid system's interactions with commensal bacteria and potential bacterial production of endocannabinoid-like molecules are providing groundbreaking insights into metabolic disorders and cardiometabolic risk. Dr. Di Marzo's exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the Mechoulam Award for outstanding contributions to cannabinoid research and his election to the Accademia dei Lincei, the world's oldest scientific academy.
