معرفی
Overview
Natalia Gunko is an Associate Professor and Director of the Electron Microscopy Core Facility at the Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center. Previously, she held roles as Assistant Professor at KU Leuven/VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research (2015-2023) and Staff Scientist at A*STAR in Singapore (2012-2015). Her research focuses on synaptic organization, mitochondrial metabolism, and cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal development. She leads advanced microscopy facilities and develops cutting-edge imaging techniques for 3D neuronal structure analysis.
Education
- PhD in Biology, University of Groningen (2003-2006)
- Postdoctoral training at UC San Diego (2007-2011) and The Scripps Research Institute (2011-2012)
Research Interests
Dr. Gunko investigates synaptic adhesion molecules, stress signaling pathways (e.g., corticotropin-releasing factor), mitochondrial dynamics, and the structural basis of synaptic plasticity. Her work integrates molecular biology, advanced microscopy, and proteomics to uncover mechanisms in neural circuitry and disease models like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Publications
Her recent studies highlight synaptic plasticity mechanisms, mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, and innovations in electron microscopy. Key contributions include defining IgSF8's role in hippocampal microcircuitry and elucidating endophilinA's role in Parkinson's-linked autophagy defects.
Technical Contributions
She pioneered modern Golgi staining techniques for 3D neuronal imaging and developed gold-substituted silver intensification for FIB-SEM. Her EM Core Facility supports high-resolution structural studies across multiple institutions.
