INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
&
BIOCHEMISTRY

FEDERICO TOGNALI

MSc Biochemistry Candidate at Sapienza University of Rome ("Wanted the Best" Scholar), working on the de novo structural characterization of CgaDyP1, an uncharacterized fungal peroxidase, via X-ray crystallography. Graduated with 110/110 Cum Laude in Biological Sciences while working full-time in hospitality for four years. Aspiring PhD candidate in structural biology, working toward cryo-EM and cryo-ET for larger macromolecular assemblies.

Research Experience

MSc Thesis — De Novo Structural Characterization of CgaDyP1

Structural Biology Lab, Sapienza University of Rome | April 2026 – Present · (PI: Prof. Beatrice Vallone)

  • Carrying out the structural characterization of CgaDyP1, an uncharacterized fungal dye-decolorizing peroxidase, via X-ray crystallography.

  • Mapping the active-site and oxidation residues driving fluoroquinolone antibiotic biotransformation (levofloxacin, norfloxacin) through structural analysis and macromolecular docking.

  • Optimizing heterologous expression and FPLC-based purification (IMAC, proteolytic cleavage, SEC) to obtain crystallization-grade protein.

Advanced Analytical Techniques Intern

University of Milan-Bicocca | Feb 2025 – Apr 2025 · (PI: Prof. Paola Alessandra Fusi)

  • Investigated the cytotoxic effects of plant extracts (Grevillea robusta, Euphorbia pithyusa) on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines.

  • Executed biochemical protocols including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and MTT assays for protein and metabolic characterization.

  • Performed protein quantification via BCA assays, and densitometric analysis in ImageJ.

Professional Development

Practical Python for Beginners: A Biochemist's Guide

Biochemical Society (UK) | Upcoming, October 2026, Remote

  • Applied programming course on Python for biochemical data analysis, modelling, and machine learning (NumPy, Pandas, Sklearn, Matplotlib).

Decoding Protein Function Through Structure and Engineering

National Research Council (CNR), INPEC - SIB Joint Symposium | September 2026, Rome

  • Attended sessions on integrative structural biology, spanning experimental and computational approaches to resolving protein structure-function relationships.

InfraRed Data Analysis Workshop

Diamond Light Source (UK Synchrotron) | June 2026, Didcot

  • Applied FTIR microspectroscopy as a biophysical tool to probe protein secondary structure and conformational transitions.

  • Processed experimental FTIR datasets and performed multivariate statistical analysis in QUASAR.

Transglutaminases in Biological Processes

FEBS Advanced Course | May 2026, Padova

  • Investigated the biochemical and structural mechanisms of enzymatic regulation and macromolecular assemblies.

  • Analyzed protein-protein interactions and conformational transitions underlying complex physiological pathways.

Spring School in Synthetic Biology (SSSB 2026)

Scuola Normale Superiore | April 2026, Pisa

  • Selected to participate in the program "New Frontiers in Protein Design and Systems & Synthetic Biology."

  • Sessions on computational protein design, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology systems.

Crystallographic Quality and Beyond

National Research Council (CNR), ITACA.SB Workshop | February 2026, Rome

  • Selected for an intensive program focused on the latest advancements in structure-based drug discovery.

  • Deepened understanding of protein crystallization and X-ray diffraction through direct exposure to world-leading pioneers.

  • Gained strategic insights into complex structural challenges from icons like Martin Caffrey, Terese M. Bergfors and experts from Diamond Light Source and Instruct-ERIC.