Annakaisa Haapasalo

I am Professor in Molecular Neurodegeneration and Research Group Leader. My current research interests are: Potential synaptic dysfunction, contribution of microglia, and neuron-microglia interaction in the pathogenesis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum and other neurodegenerative disorders. I’m also interested in fluid biomarkers of these diseases. I coordinate the EU JPND programme-funded SynaDeg (Pre-diagnostic early synaptic disturbances in neurodegenerative diseases) project and we are partners in two EU Horizon projects, SYNAPSING and PREDICTFTD. In addition, I am Chair of the Regional Steering Group of the Kuopio Brain & Mind network belonging under the umbrella of Neurocenter Finland.

The aim of our studies is to provide new insights into the molecular basis of genetic (especially C9orf72 repeat expansion-associated) and sporadic FTD and other neurodegenerative diseases and translate our findings for the benefit of the patients by discovering novel biomarker or therapeutic candidate targets. We widely utilize patient-derived cells and samples in our research and disease modeling. We closely collaborate with clinical researchers working on FTD and other neurodegenerative disorders.