Alessio Vagnoni

Dr. Alessio Vagnoni is a Lecturer in Cellular Neuroscience at King's College London, affiliated with the Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience within the School of Neuroscience. His research focuses on the cell biology of neurons during ageing and neurodegeneration, particularly the role of intracellular trafficking and mitochondrial dynamics in neuronal homeostasis. He employs Drosophila models and mammalian cell systems to investigate these processes.

Key research interests include mitochondrial transport regulation, axonal trafficking mechanisms, and their dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Dr. Vagnoni has received significant grants, including the Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant (2023–2026) for optogenetic studies on neuronal ageing. His work has led to breakthroughs in understanding mitochondrial dynamics and their implications for neurodegeneration.

Recent publications highlight advancements in imaging techniques, mitochondrial homeostasis, and optogenetic tools. Collaborations involve institutions like University College London and the Wohl Cellular Imaging Centre. He supervises students such as Francesca Mattedi, whose work on mitochondrial dynamics was recognized with the Tadion Rideal Prize (2022).