Gaetano Santulli, MD, PhD, is a man who’s full of heart. From his Forchheimer lab on the Einstein campus, the physician-scientist studies the functional role of intracellular calcium fluxes in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. An Assistant Professor in the departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and Molecular Pharmacology, Dr. Santulli was recently awarded an R01 grant to study the mechanistic role of intracellular calcium in diabetes. It’s among three R01s he has received from the NIH, in addition to funding from the American Heart Association and other sources. We spoke to the Southern Italy native about the focus of his research; what inspired him to become a clinical researcher; how he landed in the Bronx; and his main research collaborations in New York. Dr. Santulli also dishes on his hobbies; what he’s reading; and which city – Naples or the Bronx – is home to the best slice. He also shares a recipe for one of his favorite heart-healthy Italian dishes - and its proper spelling!

You were recently awarded an R01 for your study Beta Cell Intracellular Calcium and Diabetes. Can you describe your research and goals?

My laboratory submitted a research proposal to fill a longstanding knowledge gap in the field of diabetes mellitus. Whereas most investigations on pancreatic beta cell calcium are focused on the role of this ion coming from the extracellular medium, we are going to clarify the mechanistic role of intracellular calcium, which means calcium that is already inside the beta cell.

How is this study related to your recent $2.5 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to study the roles played by calcium channels in regulating cardiac fibrosis?

The previous grant focused on cardiac fibrosis, a major issue in cardiovascular medicine. Specifically, for that grant we proposed to study the importance of calcium channels in orchestrating cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction, whereas in the new project funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases we are investigating the functional role of intracellular calcium in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus.

How can the findings of your research help advance the field of cardiology?

There is a major link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a cardiologist, I am interested in heart failure, hypertension, and peripheral artery disease. My team endeavors to identify novel molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders and eventually design new therapeutic strategies. I want to take this opportunity to thank the current (John Ferrara, a very talented student, Dr. Xu-Jun Wang, MD, Dr. Jessica Gambardella, PhD, and Dr. Marco Morelli, PhD) and former members of my lab. We have a great squad!

In addition to this R01, do you currently have other grants or research projects on the horizon?

Yes, my lab is currently supported by two other NIH grants (R01 and R00), a Pilot & Feasibility Grant sponsored by the Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), and a postdoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association. We are also participating in an NIH-funded T32 Training Grant. And, of course there is more “smoke” on the horizon…

How did you become interested in cardiology and in this field of study?

Seeing beating hearts when I was in medical school at the University of Naples was simply mesmerizing. Ever since then I have wanted to understand the exact mechanisms regulating this fascinating organ.

Who are your research collaborators within Einstein Montefiore?

The renowned collegiality of this institution allowed me to easily establish numerous important collaborations. My main collaborators are Drs. Rick Kitsis, Nick Frangogiannis, and Nick Sibinga in Cardiology, and Drs. Jeffrey Pessin and Streamson Chua in Diabetes. Other collaborators are Drs. Gordon Tomaselli, Derek Huffman, Ana Maria Cuervo, and Victor Schuster. We also have ongoing collaborations in New York City with Weill Cornell, Rockefeller University, Icahn Mount Sinai, and Columbia University.

Where in Italy are you from?

I am proud to say that I was born and raised in southern Italy.

Where were you before and how did you come to Einstein Montefiore?

I was at Columbia University and I came here after having received “an offer I couldn’t refuse”!

What do you like most about working at Einstein?

I like the truly research-focused environment and, as mentioned before, the collegiality. Einstein is a perfect place for an early-career investigator. Besides, the Italian-American Bronx culture is a plus.

What do you like to do when you’re not in the lab?

I travel and I spend time with my family. I am also into music, from opera to hard rock; reading, not only scientific articles but also books, including comics and graphic novels; movies; and sports (I mean watching, mind you!), first and foremost soccer and basketball, but I don’t disdain football, baseball, and hockey.

What book or comic book would you recommend to our readers?

“The Age of Insight” by Eric Kandel, “Dancing Naked in the Mind Field” by Kary Mullis, anything by Carl Barks.

Naples and the Bronx are both known for their outstanding pizza. Which city has the better slice?

Naples. Period.

Can you share your favorite heart-healthy Italian recipe?

Someone may expect a match between Spaghetti Meatballs and Chicken Parmigiana, but since neither of those are Italian dishes, I would go with a less known, but authentic, Italian recipe: Linguine (please note that the final letter of this word is an “e”) alle vongole (clams). Key steps: cook the pasta “al dente” in boiling water; to a pan add extra virgin olive oil and very thin slices of garlic (as shown in Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece Goodfellas) and the clams (the little ones are the best). Close the lid and let the magic happen. When the pasta and clams are cooked, add Italian (flat) parsley (not cilantro!) and serve. Buon appetito!