Marta Filizola, PhD
img_Marta Filizola
DEAN FOR THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
PROFESSOR | Pharmacological Sciences
PROFESSOR | Neuroscience
Research Topics
Addiction, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Computational Biology, Computer Simulation, Drug Design and Discovery, Integrins, Mathematical and Computational Biology, Membrane Proteins/Channels, Opioid/Cannabinoid Receptors, Protein Complexes, Protein Structure/Function, Receptors, Signal Transduction, Structural Biology, Theoretical Biology, Theoretical Biophysics, Transporters
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Medicine [AIET], Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics (DMT)
Computational Biophysics of Membrane Proteins

The overall goal of current research programs in the Filizola Laboratory is to obtain rigorous mechanistic insight into the structure, dynamics, and function of important classes of membrane proteins that are prominent drug targets of the human ‘druggable’ genome (e.g., G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), integrins, etc.) for the purpose of developing improved therapeutics. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex biological functions of these proteins has direct translational relevance because it informs the rational discovery of potentially improved therapeutic agents, as recent, collaborative patent applications demonstrate. 

The Filizola Laboratory uses computational structural biology tools, ranging from molecular modeling, bioinformatics, chemoinformatics, molecular dynamics simulations, rational drug design, and machine learning approaches. Their research requires complementary, multi-disciplinary expertise in biological, medical, and quantitative sciences, and as such, it strongly relies on team science as demonstrated by several collaborations with world-renowned experimental leaders, as well as publications in Cell, Nature, Science Translational Medicine, PNAS, Blood, etc. Through application and implementation of cutting-edge developments in theory and simulation, the Filizola Laboratory contributes a level of molecular detail that is impossible or difficult to obtain experimentally. This information lays the foundation for novel experimental studies aimed at furthering current understanding of physiological functions, and at developing new therapeutic strategies.

BS, University of Naples 'Federico II'

MS, University of Naples 'Federico II'

PhD, II University of Naples

Postdoc, Molecular Research Institute

2017

Delta Omega Public Health Honorary Induction

Delta Omega Honor Society

2016

ISQBP Loew Lectureship

International Society of Quantum Biology and Pharmacology

2009

Independent Scientist Award (KO2)

NIH-NIDA

2008

The Doctor Harold and Golden Lamport Award for Excellence in Basic Research

Mount Sinai School of Medicine

2001

National Research Service Award

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

1999

Title of European Doctor in Biotechnology

European Association for Higher Education in Biotechnology

Biomedical Data Science Initiative Faculty: Dean Marta Filizola

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their relationships with such companies.

Dr. Filizola did not report having any of the following types of financial relationships with industry during 2022 and/or 2023: consulting, scientific advisory board, industry-sponsored lectures, service on Board of Directors, participation on industry-sponsored committees, equity ownership valued at greater than 5% of a publicly traded company or any value in a privately held company. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.