Nancy Papalopulu

Nancy Papalopulu is Professor of Developmental Neuroscience in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Manchester, where she leads research on cell state transitions and gene expression dynamics during development. Currently holding a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (2022-2027), she has been a prominent figure in developmental neuroscience for over two decades, previously serving as a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow from 2006-2022 and at the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute in Cambridge from 2000-2006.

Her research focuses on understanding how cells transition from progenitor states to differentiation with precise timing, or enter quiescence from which they may be reactivated. Using single cell quantitative approaches, live imaging, multiple experimental model systems (including Xenopus, zebrafish, and stem cell cultures), and mathematical modeling, her lab investigates the dynamics of gene expression that underlie cell fate decisions. A key contribution has been the hypothesis that the mutually antagonistic interaction between the neural progenitor transcription factor Hes1 and microRNA miR-9 generates pulsatile gene expression at the single cell level, which can transition to stable states in a time-controlled manner.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on oscillatory gene expression patterns, neural development mechanisms, and the role of dynamics in cell fate determination. Her work spans developmental neuroscience, cancer biology (particularly glioblastoma), and pancreatic development, demonstrating the broad applicability of her research on gene expression dynamics.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (2022-2027)
• Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow (2006-2022)
• Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow (2000-2006)
• Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellow (1997-2000)
• Post-doctoral Fellow, Human Frontier Science Program Organization (1991-1996)

Professor Papalopulu supervises multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers through various funding mechanisms including Wellcome Trust, MRC, and CRUK. Her current projects include 'A quantitative and dynamical approach to understanding cell state transitions' (2022-2027), 'Decoding Pulsing Proteins in the Pancreas' (2018-2022), and participation in the Centre for Biological Timing. Her laboratory team consists of postdocs, PhD students, and technicians working collaboratively on multiple aspects of developmental dynamics.

The Papalopulu Lab maintains a strong presence in the field with 88 research outputs and active collaborations across multiple institutions. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being through advancing fundamental understanding of developmental processes that underlie tissue formation, maintenance, and disease.