Luca Bertinetti

A fatty acid-binding protein links lipid handling to chitin synthase-dependent cuticle formation and nanoscale organization

This study identifies TcFabp8 as a fatty acid-binding protein essential for chitin synthase-dependent cuticle formation and nanoscale organization in Tribolium castaneum.

Structural and chemical properties of insects' chitin-containing extracellular matrices

The paper investigates the structural and chemical properties of chitin in insect extracellular matrices, finding that PM chitin is highly acetylated and organized as dihydrate β-chitin, while cuticle chitin is deacetylated and structured as α-chitin.

Osmotic pressure gradients in E. coli biofilms revealed by in-situ sensors

The paper develops liposomal nano-sensors to measure osmotic pressure gradients in E. coli biofilms, revealing radial increases linked to biofilm structure, metabolism, and expansion.

A bacterial extracellular matrix protein forms a supramolecular metallogel

This study shows that the bacterial protein TasA forms a metallogel with zinc ions, transitioning from fibers to sheets and exhibiting viscoelastic properties.

Longhorn Beetles form Structural Colour Using Calcium Phosphate Biominerals

This study identifies calcium phosphate biominerals in longhorn beetles as the source of structural color, showing their role in producing green hues through photonic crystal structures.

ROCK and the actomyosin network control biomineral growth and morphology during sea urchin skeletogenesis

This study shows that ROCK and the actomyosin network regulate biomineral growth and morphology in sea urchin skeletogenesis by controlling spicule formation and gene expression.