Magdalini Polymenidou

Magdalini Polymenidou is an Associate Professor of Biomedicine at the University of Zurich's Department of Quantitative Biomedicine. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ALS and FTD, particularly the roles of RNA-binding proteins like TDP-43 and FUS in neurodegeneration. She leads a multidisciplinary team using techniques such as patient-derived neural networks, biochemical assays, and advanced imaging.

Education:

• PhD in Molecular Biology/Neuroscience, University of Zurich (2006)
• BSc/MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2001)

Research Interests: Polymenidou's lab explores protein aggregation, RNA misregulation, and cellular stress responses in neurodegenerative diseases. Key areas include TDP-43 oligomerization, FUS synaptic dysfunction, and dipeptide repeat protein toxicity. Her work integrates cellular models, patient-derived samples, and biochemistry to uncover disease mechanisms.

Publications & Awards: Over 100+ peer-reviewed articles in Neuron, Nature, and EMBO Journal. Recognized with the EMBO Young Investigator Award (2018), Georg-Friedrich Götz Prize (2015), and Tambourine ALS Breakthrough Grant (2024).

Grants & Labs: Funded by SNSF, ERC, and the Frick Foundation. The Polylab collaborates with institutions globally, including the Cleveland Lab (UCSD) and Aguzzi Lab (UZH). Ongoing projects include developing diagnostic tools (e.g., olfactory TDP-43 detection) and preclinical therapies targeting NPTX2 misregulation.