Professor Jesmond Dalli: Decoding SPMs – From Marine Biology to Resolution Pharmacology

Professor Jesmond Dalli: Decoding Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) – From Marine Biology to Resolution Pharmacology In this episode of the SPM Podcast, host we welcome Professor Jesmond Dalli, a leading expert in the field of resolution pharmacology and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). Dr. Dalli is Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at the Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London. He directs the Dalli Lab (also known as the Lipid Mediator Unit) at the William Harvey Research Institute, the Lab is called the "jdallilab" His research team focuses on the biology of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) — including resolvins, protectins, and maresins — and their critical roles in regulating innate immunity, promoting tissue repair and regeneration, resolving inflammation, and restoring homeostasis without impairing host defense. The work has significant therapeutic implications for chronic inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, arthritis, infections, and impaired healing. Guest Background Dr Jesmond Dalli education: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology, followed by a Master of Science in Biology (with marine biology focus) from the University of Malta. PhD: Completed at the William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, under Professor Mauro Perretti, focusing on the molecular pharmacology of inflammation. Postdoctoral training: Joined the lab of Professor Charles Serhan at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Rose to Instructor and co-directed NIH-funded lipid mediator metabolomics courses. This period deepened expertise in SPM discovery and actions. Current role: Leads an independent research program back at Queen Mary University of London, with over 170 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals (e.g., Nature Medicine, Immunity, Science Translational Medicine). Key contributions: Advancing "resolution pharmacology" — understanding how inflammation naturally ends and leveraging SPM pathways for new therapies. Episode overview : The introduction highlights Dr. Dalli as one of the key architects in the field, with personal anecdotes about his journey from Malta, career moves, mentors, and transition from marine biology interests to lipid mediator research. Topics covered include: Core Science of SPMs: What SPMs are (resolvins, protectins, maresins, etc.), their mechanisms (reprogramming cellular responses to resolve inflammation actively rather than suppress it), promotion of tissue regeneration, bacterial clearance in specific contexts, and restoration of homeostasis. Emphasis on them as positive regulators that balance inflammation without compromising defense. Broader Biological Impact: Beyond acute inflammation resolution — roles in maintaining health/homeostasis in tissues even without overt inflammation; potential in chronic diseases. Research Philosophy & Future Directions: SPMs as context-specific mediators; ongoing work on homeostasis; therapeutic potential ("resolution pharmacology"). Supplements and the use of AI in SPM science Ending on a personal note. These topics make the episode valuable for researchers, clinicians, or anyone interested in inflammation resolution, lipid mediators, and translational medicine. Dr. Jesmond Dalli is a top voice in the field of bioactive lipids especially Specialized pro resolving mediators. Lab Resources Website: jdallilab.com (or www.jdallilab.com) X handle: @jdallilab