Human Brain Disease Modelling (Lehtonen lab)

Šárka Lehtonen, Ph.D. in Pharmacology – I am a highly motivated, results-driven senior researcher and group leader with over 20 years of experience in in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and over 10 years in stem cell technology. I am very committed to exceeding goals and working with the team to develop novel human models for neurological diseases and drug development studies.

Katrina Räty (Albert), Ph.D. in Pharmacology, visiting researcher – I have expertise in models of Parkinson’s disease, with a focus on the main pathological protein: alpha-synuclein. I completed my PhD at the University of Helsinki and then went to the University of Cambridge to improve my knowledge of alpha-synuclein. Now that I am back in Finland, I am starting my own project in the Lehtonen lab, focusing on microglia and alpha-synuclein. My main interest is in making better preclinical models to find new treatments for disease. When I’m not thinking about alpha-synuclein you can find me trying new beers and brewing my own, or then attending concerts (just kidding – I’m thinking about alpha-synuclein those times too).

Sinem Yildirim (Guden), Ph.D. in Pharmacology, supported by a YUFE4 postdocsupported by a YUFE4 postdoc – I am particularly interested in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In my current position as a postdoctoral researcher in the Lehtonen lab, I have been working on a project investigating how environmental micro- and nanoplastics affect the immune response in Parkinson’s disease. I seek to enhance my expertise in developing translatable, predictive human cellular models to address the urgent need for effective pharmaceuticals for neurodegenerative diseases.

Stefanie Klima, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, supported by an MSCA NOVEL postdoc – I have expertise in stem cell-based in vitro models for neuroscience and disease modelling, with a focus on developing human-relevant models to uncover how diseases develop and progress. I am particularly interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms driving pathological changes at the cellular and molecular levels. In my project in the Lehtonen lab, I combine multi-omics approaches and in vitro models to reveal pathways and mechanisms altered in Parkinson’s disease.

Jonna Niskanen, M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine, PhD student – I am intrigued by our immune system – the body’s first line of defense – and the intercellular communications within. My previous projects have all been connected to cellular communications in one way or another. In my current position, I can combine cell signaling and immunology. I study iPSC-derived microglia and astrocytes in PD to see how these highly reactive glial cells affect neuronal wellbeing.

Sara Kälvälä, M.Sc. in Biomedicine – My research is focused on iPSC-derived midbrain organoids as a model system for PD. Next-generation human-based disease models could offer a more efficient and physiologically relevant alternative to animal models, bridging the gap between in vivo and in vitro. The brain is an immensely intricate organ with a wide variety of cell types functioning in perfect harmony – capturing a snapshot of that complexity in vitro is super exciting!​​ I completed my Master’s thesis in the Lehtonen lab and am thrilled to continue working with the group. Outside the lab, I enjoy creative activities like drawing, photography, and sculpting. Also, a self-confessed podcast addict.

Sanni Peltonen, M.Sc. in Biomedicine – I’m working on projects related to the blood-brain barrier and microglia. I graduated from the University of Eastern Finland at the beginning of 2022, but have been working in the group since 2021. Before that, I completed my master’s thesis in the group. Currently, I am concentrating on blood-brain barrier modelling and glial cells. For me, it is important to develop more accurate human in vitro models for disease research and drug development, thereby offering better alternatives to in vivo models.

Valtteri Syvänen, M.Sc. in Pharmacy – I am currently working as a project researcher in the Human Brain Disease Modelling Group. When I finished my Master’s thesis in the Lehtonen lab, it was clear to me that I wanted to keep exploring the vast field of disease modelling. Neurodegenerative diseases have been a major focus of my studies, so it is exciting to continue this work as part of this group. I have experience in 3D and 2D culturing, and my current focus is on developing an in vitro gut-brain axis model to study gut changes in Parkinson’s disease.