Professor Leonardo Guasti

Profile

Leo is Professor of Experimental Endocrinology and Deputy Centre Lead at the William Harvey Research Institute’s Centre for Endocrinology. He graduated from the University of Florence (BSc Biological Sciences, MRes Pathophysiology) and went on to complete a PhD in Clinical and Experimental Oncology at the same institution, during which he was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Fellowship to conduct part of his research at the University of Tulsa (USA). At QMUL, he started investigating signalling pathways controlling adrenal cortex development and disease. He became a Lecturer in 2012, Senior Lecturer in 2015, Reader in 2019, and Professor in 2022. Leo is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and, amongst his many teaching commitments, is Module Lead for “Endocrine Physiology and Biochemistry” and in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences.

Research

We study the fundamental biology of the adrenal gland, focusing on the mechanisms of adrenal cortex physiology, self-renewal, and remodelling, and how their dysregulation drives adrenal disease.

To address these questions, we are developing patient-derived normal and disease organoids and reprogrammed cells as innovative models to capture adrenal physiology and pathology. These platforms complement transgenic animal models and enable mechanistic studies of adrenal growth and tumorigenesis in a controlled, human-relevant context.

In parallel, we are advancing translational strategies, including the development of targeted antibodies and the discovery of circulating biomarkers to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring od adrenal diseases.

Ultimately, our goal is to translate discoveries in adrenal physiology and tumour biology into novel diagnostic tools and more effective, personalised therapies for patients with adrenal insufficiency and adrenal cancer.

Publications

Collaborators

Internal (Adrenal theme)

• Prof Lou Metherell (WHRI)
• Prof Li Chan (WHRI)
• Dr Gabor Czibik (WHRI)
• Prof Will Drake (WHRI)
• Prof Jane Sosabowski (BCI)
• Prof Ahuva Nissim (WHRI)

Internal (Biology of pubertal timing theme)

• Dr Sahsa Howard (WHRI)

External (Adrenal theme)

• Prof Michaela Luconi (Florence)
• Dr Barbara Altieri (Wuerzburg/Parma)
• Prof David Breault (Boston)
• Prof Martin Fassnacht (Wuerzburg)
• Prof Celso Gomez-Sanchez (University of Mississippi, USA)

Teaching

• Module lead for BMD311 “Endocrinology Physiology and Biochemistry”, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, QMUL.
• SSC4 supervisor