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Annakaisa Haapasalo Group (Molecular Neurodegeneration)´s Profile image

Annakaisa Haapasalo Group (Molecular Neurodegeneration)

Research group
01.06.2015 -
A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences
Information People

Leaders

Group description

Introducing image of the groupAnnakaisa Haapasalo Group (Molecular Neurodegeneration)

Molecular Neurodegeneration Research Group. From left: Nadine Huber, Dorit Hoffmann, Annakaisa Haapasalo, Elena Ppali, Viivi Pekkala, Tomi Hietanen

Our group studies the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration involved in the pathogenesis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). FTD is the most common cause of dementia in under 60-year-olds. We especially focus on the genetic form of FTD caused by the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene, because it is exceptionally common in Finnish FTD patients. We are interested in  molecular pathogenetic and functional changes in neurons and microglia derived from FTD patients. We also aim to identify novel biomarkers to help differential diagnostics of different forms of FTD. We are active participants of the Finnish FTD Research Network, FinFTD, and we closely collaborate with FTD clinical researchers with the goal of translating our findings for the benefit of the patients. We are also part of the EU JPND and Academy of Finland -funded SynaDeg project (Pre-diagnostic early synaptic disturbances in neurodegenerative diseases), where we act as a partner and coordinator.

Follow us in X: @HaapasaloLab.

News

  • We are a partner and coordinator of the JPND SynaDeg project

Projects

Cooperation

  • 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

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

Leaders

Professors

Post-doctoral Researchers

Doctoral Researchers

Previous group members

Other group members

  • Viivi Pekkala