Annakaisa Haapasalo Group (Molecular Neurodegeneration)

01.06.2015 -

Research group

Our research focus lies in the genetic background and molecular mechanisms underpinning neurodegenerative diseases, especially frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We utilize a variety of in vitro and in vivo model systems and patient-derived cells, clinical samples and data. We are especially interested in the function and dysfunction of neuronal synapses, cell metabolism, cellular degradation mechanisms, such as autophagy and proteasomes, as well as glial cells that mediate neuroinflammation. In our translational studies, we closely collaborate with clinical researchers to identify novel biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic targets.

We are part of the Finnish FinFTD research network, which brings together Finnish basic and clinical FTD researchers. We also belong to the UEF Neuroscience Research Community (NSciRC).

*** Read more from links in the list of publications about our most recent studies on e.g., the effects of C9orf72 repeat expansion on synapses, a new genetic marker for the C9orf72 repeat expansion, blood-based GFAP as a biomarker in FTD, and utilization of FTD patients' skin fibroblasts in disease mechanistic studies and their potential in biomarker and drug research.

Funder(s)

Main funder

Academy of Finland

Other funders

EU-JPND H2020

Sigrid Jusélius Foundation

Group description

Molecular Neurodegeneration research group

Homepage of the group

Keywords

#uefneuroinno astrocytes autophagy C9orf72 dendritic spines frontotemporal dementia frontotemporal lobar degeneration immune system in vitro models in vivo models iPSC microglia mitochondria mitochondrial function molecular mechanisms neurocenter Finland neurodegeneration neuroinflammation neuron pathogenesis patient cohort pluripotent stem cell proteasome synapse synaptic dysfunction UEF Neuroscience Research Community

Time period

01.06.2015 -

Group members - UEF

Leader(s)

Annakaisa Haapasalo Research Director , Faculty of Health Sciences, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences

Post-doctoral Researchers

Dorit Hoffmann Project Researcher , Faculty of Health Sciences, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences

Doctoral Researchers

Previous group members

Stina Leskelä Grant recipient , Faculty of Health Sciences, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences

Collaboration with UEF research groups

Cooperation partners

Professor Anne Remes, University of Helsinki
Professor Mikko Hiltunen, Institute of Biomedicine, UEF
Professor Ville Leinonen, KUH Neurocenter, Neurosurgery
MD, Research Director Eino Solje, Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, UEF
Professor Tarja Malm, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, UEF
Professor Jari Koistinaho, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki