"Covid is now with its back to the wall, thanks to the vaccine we have been able to eradicate this pandemic which is about to end even if it is essential to take the fourth dose, the one that contains the update to deal with the Omicron variant". Word of Rolf Marschalek , of German origin but Sardinian by adoption. He is an internationally renowned scientist who has identified a mutation in acute leukemia caused by the translocation (displacement) of the MLL gene, located on chromosome 11, to other chromosomes, which causes a very aggressive type of leukemia. His research made this type of leukemia more easily identified. It operates a worldwide diagnostic center called "DCAL"; today committed to creating a drug capable of treating acute lymphatic leukemia.
The Antiochense researcher Mariagrazia Zucca takes us to the house of the scientist, professor at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfurt, biochemist, molecular biologist, geneticist and immunologist who for 18 years has spent every day free from work commitments in her home in Le Saline in Calasetta .
"I met the professor about twenty years ago, as a researcher, as part of an international project where his research group was also present, led by the University of Cagliari on leukemia and lymphomas that took me to South America to set up a molecular biology laboratory for leukemia typing. This even earned me an honorable mention ".
During the pandemic , Marschalek put his experience and expertise at the service of SARS-CoV-2 research by discovering the cause that led to thromboembolic events in adenovirus vaccines , supporting the thesis that the problem is due to a Spike protein error. .
“The blood clots and thromboses that have occurred in some rare cases with the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines could be related to the adenovirus vectors they both use to deliver the genetic instructions for the SARS-Cov-2 spike protein in the body. The vaccine, explains Marschalek, releases a DNA sequence that serves to produce the Sars-Cov-2 protein in the cell nucleus and not in the outer part (cytoplasm), as those with mRna do. Once inside a part of this DNA breaks, and the fragments are expelled from the nucleus ending up in the blood and causing clots ”.
Thanks to Marschalek's studies, it was concluded that the sequences encoding the spike protein can be changed to prevent unwanted reactions. "I had no alternatives - he explains - I had to devote myself to research on Covid, a duty that also allowed me to be able to leave the house during the look down". Now he can focus on leukemia again.
"Many years ago a doctor friend of mine made me spend a whole day with a group of children suffering from leukemia - says Marschalek - since that day I have never stopped studying leukemia , apart from the parenthesis dedicated to Covid".
Sardinia ? “I spend every day of my vacation here, I love archeology even if the nuragic should be valued more. Your sea is unique, which is why in a few years, when I retire, I will spend much more time in Calasetta ”.