معرفی
Mart Saarma is a Professor of Biotechnology and Director of the Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Helsinki, Finland. With a career spanning over four decades, he has held leadership roles including Director of Biocenter Finland and Chairmanship of the Finland Centre of Excellence in Molecular Neurobiology. His academic journey includes positions at Tartu University, Estonian Academy of Sciences, and part-time affiliation with Tallinn Technical University.
Education:
- MSc in Molecular Biology, Tartu University (1972)
- PhD in Ribosomal RNA-Protein Interaction, Tartu University (1975)
Mart Saarma's research focuses on neurotrophic factors and their receptors, particularly GDNF family proteins. His team discovered CDNF, which shows neurorestorative potential in Parkinson's disease models, and MANF, which protects pancreatic β-cells in diabetes research. His work spans molecular neuroscience, neuronal death mechanisms, and translational applications of neurotrophic factors.
Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding GDNF signaling pathways, neuroprotective mechanisms in degenerative diseases, and novel receptor interactions. These works appear in high-impact journals like Nature and Journal of Neuroscience, reflecting his significant influence in molecular neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease research.
Scientific Honors:
- Nordic Science Prize (2009)
- EMBO Member (2005)
- Foreign Member, Finnish Academy of Science (2000)
- Helsinki Gold Medal (2002)
- European Research Council Vice President
Dr. Saarma has founded two biotech companies and holds ~20 patent families. He serves on scientific advisory boards of research institutes and currently sits on the EMBO Council. His discoveries of CDNF and MANF proteins have entered clinical trials in neurology and diabetes research.
