Saara Forsström

Saara Forsström is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Medicine, affiliated with the Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program. Her work focuses on mitochondrial diseases, stress responses, and metabolic regulation.

• Academic Rank: Researcher
• University: University of Helsinki
• School: Faculty of Medicine
• Department: Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program

Her research explores mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, with a focus on FGF21 signaling, mtDNA maintenance, and systemic stress responses. Key projects include investigating biomarkers for mitochondrial disorders and therapeutic strategies using nicotinamide riboside.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in mitochondrial DNA replication defects, one-carbon metabolism, and cardiometabolic health. She contributes to understanding how mitochondrial stress pathways intersect with aging and tissue degeneration.

Active projects include funding from the Polg Foundation (2023–2028) to study mitochondrial DNA replication and disease mechanisms.