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András SimonView profile

Professor

• Regeneration
• Cellular Reprogramming
• Stem Cell Biology
• +5 more

András Simon is a Professor at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, leading the Regeneration mechanisms – Andras Simon's Group . His research focuses on understanding regeneration in newts, particularly exploring genomic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms enabling these vertebrates to regenerate complex tissues. He holds a doctoral degree and became a Docent in 2010. He served as Head of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology from 2021 to 2024 and is currently a member of the Nobel Assembly and the Karolinska Institutet Board. His research integrates genomic technologies, cell tracking, and molecular manipulations to study regeneration in newts. Key projects include sequencing the Iberian ribbed newt genome and investigating cellular reprogramming during limb regeneration. His work bridges developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and evolutionary studies, aiming to uncover regenerative strategies applicable to mammals. Simon has secured major grants, including an ERC Synergy Grant (2020) and Swedish Research Council funding for projects like SALAMANDRA (2021–2027) and Reversible cell state transitions during vertebrate regeneration (2024–2027). His group collaborates internationally, with studies published in high-impact journals such as Science , Nature Cell Biology , and Developmental Cell . His team includes postdocs, PhD students, and technicians, focusing on regenerative mechanisms in salamanders, spinal cord repair, and cardiac regeneration. Key findings include identifying noncoding RNAs regulating muscle dedifferentiation and cell-cell interactions driving neural regeneration.

• DNA Damage Response
• Genome Integrity
• Cancer Biology
• +7 more

Jiri Bartek is a Senior Professor at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, where he leads a research group focused on DNA damage response (DDR) mechanisms and genome integrity. His work bridges basic molecular biology with translational cancer research, investigating how cells maintain genomic stability under genotoxic stress and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to cancer development and treatment resistance. His research interests span DNA repair pathways, replication stress, chromosomal instability, cellular senescence, and ribosome biogenesis. Bartek's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how the cell cycle checkpoints, particularly those involving p53 and related pathways, respond to DNA damage. His work has revealed novel mechanisms connecting ribosome biogenesis stress to p53 activation and cancer vulnerability, with implications for developing new therapeutic strategies. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on the intersection of DNA damage response, chromosomal instability, and cancer therapy. His group is particularly investigating how ribosomal DNA damage triggers specific cellular responses, the role of replication stress in tumor evolution, and identifying novel therapeutic targets based on DNA repair deficiencies in cancer cells. A notable theme is the exploration of drug repurposing opportunities, particularly with compounds like disulfiram that target specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells. Fernström Foundation's Great Nordic Prize (2016) Silver Medal of Merits from the Czech Senate (2013) Elected member of the Danish Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts (2012) Novo Nordisk Prize (2003) Elected member of EMBO (2000) Bartek has mentored numerous researchers who have gone on to establish independent careers, including Jirina Bartkova, Bennie Lemmens, and Mikael Lindstrom. His group has secured substantial funding for research on DNA damage response mechanisms and their implications for cancer therapy, including several clinical trials investigating repurposed drugs like disulfiram for glioblastoma treatment. The DIRECT trial (Disulfiram Repurposing In Combination with copper for recurrent glioblastoma Treatment) represents a significant translational effort from his laboratory. His research group maintains strong collaborations with clinical departments at Karolinska University Hospital and international research institutions, facilitating the translation of basic discoveries into clinical applications. The laboratory combines advanced molecular biology techniques with high-throughput screening approaches to identify novel targets and therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Carl Sellgren MajkowitzView profile

Associate Professor

• Psychiatry
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Glial Biology
• +9 more

Carl Sellgren Majkowitz is an Associate Professor and Group Leader at the Karolinska Institutet , where he leads the Applied Developmental Neurobiology Research Group within the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. His work bridges preclinical and clinical research, focusing on molecular mechanisms of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder . By combining human brain organoids , cellular reprogramming , and clinical data from large-scale studies (e.g., the Karolinska Schizophrenia Project), he investigates how neuron-glia interactions and genetic risk variants drive disease pathology. Key research themes include synaptic pruning , neuroinflammation , and kynurenine pathway dysregulation in mental illness. His team has uncovered novel mechanisms, such as excess synaptic elimination in schizophrenia models linked to C4A gene overexpression , with follow-up studies confirming elevated C4A protein in cerebrospinal fluid of first-episode patients. His 15 most recent articles (2025-2023) span schizophrenia , bipolar disorder , COVID-19 neurodegeneration , and complement system roles in synaptic pruning. Collaborations with institutions in Denmark , Switzerland , and USA have secured major grants, including DKK 30 million from the Lundbeck Foundation (2025) and Swedish Foundations’ Starting Grant (2021). He has received accolades like the One Mind – Kaiser Permanente Rising Star Research Award (2019) and the Sven och Ebba-Christina Hagberg Prize (2022). His lab trains PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in human disease modeling , genetic engineering , and multi-omics analysis . Current projects involve large-scale genetic risk variant studies and neuroimmune interactions in brain organoids to harmonize preclinical findings with clinical biomarkers (e.g., PET imaging , cerebrospinal fluid proteomics ).

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Clinical Laboratory Medicine
• Medical Biotechnology
• +5 more

Sophie Curbo is an Assistant Senior Lecturer at the Department of Laboratory Medicine , Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. She holds a PhD (2004) and Docent (2025) in Laboratory Medicine. Her research spans Cell and Molecular Biology , Mitochondrial Genetics , and Biomedical Education . Her recent work focuses on educational innovations in biomedical training, including Take-home examinations Viva voce assessments AI integration in medical research Workshop efficacy . Earlier studies explore mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV-1 inhibition , cancer metabolism , and neuroprotection mechanisms . Her publications highlight collaborations with researchers like Curbo S; Hultgren C and Karlsson A , with key contributions to mtDNA depletion syndromes and thioredoxin-based therapies . No scientific awards or student mentoring details are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.

Jonas LarssonView profile

Professor

• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology
• Gene Therapy
• Molecular Medicine
• +7 more

Jonas Larsson is a Professor and Research team manager at the Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University. He also serves as Deputy dean at the Faculty of Medicine, and holds principal investigator positions at both the Lund University Cancer Centre (LUCC) and StemTherapy: National Initiative on Stem Cells for Regenerative Therapy. Additionally, he is a Professor at the WCMM-Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine. His extensive academic roles demonstrate his significant leadership and research contributions across multiple prestigious institutions within Lund University. Dr. Larsson's research focuses on hematopoietic stem cell biology, gene therapy, and molecular medicine. His work spans cancer research, regenerative medicine, stem cell differentiation, and blood cell formation. He employs cutting-edge techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting and RNA interference to investigate fundamental mechanisms governing stem cell behavior. His research has important implications for understanding hematopoietic disorders and developing novel therapeutic approaches for blood-related diseases and cancers. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong emphasis on hematopoietic stem cell dynamics during regeneration, molecular mechanisms of blood cell formation, and therapeutic applications of gene editing technologies. His research spans both basic science investigations of stem cell biology and translational work with clinical applications, particularly in the areas of leukemia and stem cell transplantation. Dr. Larsson actively supervises multiple PhD students and leads several major research projects including 'Enhancing blood stem cell transplantation using a nanotechnology-based RNA delivery system' and 'Deciphering mechanisms regulating renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells.' His collaborative work extends across international boundaries as indicated by his external collaborations. His laboratory work is centered around the Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy at Lund University, with additional affiliations at the Lund University Cancer Centre and StemTherapy initiative. These positions provide him with comprehensive resources for conducting cutting-edge research in stem cell biology and molecular medicine across multiple collaborative platforms.

Anna FahlgrenView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• +2 more

Anna Fahlgren is an Associate Professor at Umeå University, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Molecular Biology. She serves as the Education Manager at the Faculty Office of Medicine, overseeing education, research, and communication initiatives. Her administrative role is based in the Administration Building, while her research ties to molecular biology are centered at the hospital area campus. Her research focuses on microbial pathogenesis , host immune responses , and bacterial infection mechanisms . Key areas include: virulence strategies of pathogens like Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Campylobacter jejuni , immune evasion tactics, outer membrane vesicle functions, and host-pathogen interactions in gastrointestinal and systemic infections. Recent publications (2012–2024) demonstrate a consistent focus on: Bacterial virulence regulation (e.g., plasmid dynamics, secretion systems) Host immune modulation (e.g., neutrophil interactions, mast cell activation) Co-infections and pathological synergies (e.g., malaria-borrelia models) Molecular mechanisms of persistence and adaptation in infections She collaborates with the Maria Fällman Lab , contributing to research on bacterial pathogenesis. No awards, students, or grant details are mentioned in the provided text.

• Prostate Cancer Research
• Molecular Oncology
• Nanoplastics Toxicology
• +3 more

Lukas Kenner serves as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, where he leads his own research group. His work is based at the Hospital area campus in Umeå (901 87 Umeå), specifically in locations 6K and 6L. Dr. Kenner's research spans several critical areas in molecular medicine and toxicology. His primary focus is on prostate cancer biology and therapeutic approaches, with significant contributions to understanding metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and developing novel diagnostic tools. Additionally, he has pioneered research on the biological impacts of micro- and nanoplastics, investigating their detection methods, biodistribution, and cellular effects. His interdisciplinary work bridges molecular oncology, environmental toxicology, and diagnostic development. Analysis of Dr. Kenner's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on translational research with immediate clinical applications. His work shows three major trajectories: 1) developing novel approaches to prostate cancer treatment through drug repurposing and targeting specific molecular pathways; 2) creating innovative diagnostic tools for cancer detection and prognosis; and 3) investigating the health impacts of environmental pollutants, particularly nanoplastics. These research streams demonstrate his commitment to addressing significant health challenges through molecular approaches. As head of the Lukas Kenner research group at Umeå University, he leads a team focused on advancing molecular understanding of disease mechanisms and developing practical applications for diagnosis and treatment. His laboratory appears to employ a range of techniques including molecular biology, imaging technologies, and preclinical models to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.

Mattias AleniusView profile

Professor

• Molecular Neuroscience
• Olfaction
• Gustation (Taste)
• +7 more

Mattias Alenius is a full Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology , Umeå University , Sweden, where he heads an active research group investigating the molecular and cellular bases of olfaction and taste. His laboratory exploits the genetic tractability of Drosophila and the physiological relevance of mouse models to uncover conserved mechanisms that govern sensory neuron specification, ciliary trafficking, and systemic feedback control of sensory perception. Research Focus His team is particularly interested in: Homeostatic control of neuronal activity and how its failure leads to neurodegenerative diseases. Olfactory and gustatory circuits —leveraging the numerically simple and genetically powerful Drosophila system. Hedgehog signaling and its role in ciliary transport of odorant receptors across species. Inter-organ communication , including gut-to-brain signaling that modulates feeding behavior. Epigenetic inheritance , exploring how paternal diet shapes chromatin states and metabolic phenotypes in offspring. Methodologically, the group integrates in vivo genetics, single-cell transcriptomics, live-cell imaging, cryo-EM, and behavioral assays to dissect these processes from molecule to organism. Scientific Output & Trends Across more than two decades, Prof. Alenius has produced a steady stream of high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Communications , Cell Reports , PNAS , Cell , PLoS Biology , and BMC Biology . His recent work (2022-2024) increasingly centers on nutrient sensing and gut-brain taste modulation , while earlier studies laid the groundwork for understanding ciliary dynamics and transcriptional codes specifying olfactory receptor choice. Collectively, the publications reveal a trajectory from developmental specification of sensory neurons to systemic metabolic control, unified by a focus on hedgehog signaling , cilia-mediated processes , and transcriptional/epigenetic mechanisms . Labs & Teams Prof. Alenius leads the Group Mattias Alenius located in rooms 6K and 6L within the hospital area at Umeå University. The group participates in the university’s Department of Molecular Biology and collaborates extensively across neuroscience and metabolism communities both nationally and internationally. Contact Email: mattias.alenius@umu.se Phone: +46 90 786 91 57

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Virology
• +7 more

Maria Issagouliantis serves as both Associate Professor of Immunology at Karolinska Institutet (since 2007) and Coordinator of Joint Operational Support (since 2024). Her dual roles bridge academic research with administrative leadership in research support services at one of Europe's premier medical universities. Dr. Issagouliantis's research focuses on the complex interplay between viral infections and cancer development, with particular expertise in HIV and HPV virology. Her work examines how viral proteins like reverse transcriptase and protease influence tumor progression through mechanisms including oxidative stress, metabolic reprogramming, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. She has made significant contributions to DNA vaccine development, particularly for targeting drug-resistant viral variants. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a consistent focus on viral carcinogenesis mechanisms, with increasing attention to translational applications of immunization strategies. Her work spans basic molecular mechanisms to clinical epidemiology, with notable studies on HPV-HIV co-infections in cancer development and the application of novel vaccine platforms including mRNA technologies. Dr. Issagouliantis maintains active research collaborations across international boundaries, with co-authorship on studies involving institutions in Europe, Russia, and the United States. Her leadership in the Grants Office suggests strong involvement in research administration and funding acquisition, though specific grant details aren't provided in the available information. Her laboratory work, while not formally named in the available information, appears to focus on viral immunology and carcinogenesis, utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models to study viral protein effects on cellular processes and immune responses. The extensive publication record demonstrates a productive research environment with consistent output across multiple virology and immunology journals.