Ilaria Marafelli
PhD student
Research Focus
Ilaria’s research focuses on understanding how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is regulated in eukaryotic cells. Specifically, she investigates the role of a recently characterized protein complex in controlling mtDNA levels in yeast. By combining structural and biochemical approaches, Ilaria aims to elucidate the molecular organization of this complex and how it influences mitochondrial protease activity and mtDNA maintenance. This work contributes to a broader understanding of mitochondrial genome regulation and its implications for cellular function, aging, and disease.
Academic Timeline
Education
PhD Student
LMU Munich
Master Biotechnology and Medical Biology
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Milan)
Bachelor Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Milan)
Research Internships & Experience
Research Assistant
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Milan)
Research Contributions
1 PapersPublications from the Osman Lab
Mrx6 binds the Lon protease Pim1 N-terminal domain to confer selective substrate specificity and regulate mtDNA copy number
Schrott, S., Marafelli, I., Gerle, C., Bibinger, S., Bertgen, L., Marino, G., Schwenkert, S., Rathberger, R., Herrmann, J., Osman, C.#
Nucleic Acids Research | 2026