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Massey welcomes Francesco S. Celi, M.D., M.H.Sc., as a research member in the Cancer Cell Signaling program. Celi joined VCU last year as a professor of internal medicine and chair of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Since then, he has been a member of Massey’s Metabolism and Cancer Research Working Group

Celi is an expert in thyroid hormone metabolism and thyroid hormone action. He also has expertise in diagnostic of thyroid malignancy (thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy) . Celi’s primary research interests are in energy metabolism and substrate utilization in endocrinology, diabetes and cancer related cachexia. Dr. Celi translational research spans from molecular biology cell and culture to invasive clinical research techniques, including subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies, skeletal biopsy, adipose tissue microanalysis, hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and indirect calorimetry. Among his many published research papers are studies on electrolyte unbalance in cancer patients and the effects of tirosine kinase inhibitors on thyroid function.  Additionally, his research on the use of lithium in adjuvant therapy for thyroid cancer was published in a chapter of the Comprehensive Handbook of Iodine.  .

Prior to joining VCU, Celi was a Clinical Investigator at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in the Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity Branch. While there, he conducted a study on the impact of cold exposure on human metabolism that received significant press attention. 

Celi currently holds a seat on the editorial boards of both the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. He is also a reviewer for various notable peer-reviewed publications, including the New England Journal of Medicine, and for the National Cancer Institute Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grants. He is committed to teaching and mentorship both in the U.S. and in his native Italy, particularly in the Experimental Endocrinology graduate program at the University of Messina.

Written by: Massey Communications Office