Susana D. A. Garcia

Susana D. A. Garcia serves as a University researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, and acts as Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science. Her work centers on molecular mechanisms of genetic disorders using Caenorhabditis elegans models, with significant contributions to RNA biology and mitochondrial dysfunction research.

Her research spans Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, with specialized focus on RNA toxicity, trinucleotide repeat disorders, and aging mechanisms. Key investigations include Muscleblind-like protein functions, microRNA regulation, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in lifespan determination. She employs C. elegans to model human neurodegenerative conditions and identify therapeutic targets for muscle and mitochondrial diseases.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2004-2025) reveals consistent emphasis on RNA-related pathologies, particularly CTG/CUG repeat expansions causing muscular and neurological dysfunction. Her work demonstrates evolutionary conservation of regulatory mechanisms from nematodes to humans, with growing focus on coenzyme-based interventions for mitochondrial disorders since 2021.

Scientific recognition includes:

• 1st Prize from Orion Pharma Competition 'Making more efficient medicines' (2017)

As doctoral program supervisor, Dr. Garcia mentors graduate students in Integrative Life Science. Her research operates within the Biocenter 2 facility at Viikinkaari 5, contributing to the University of Helsinki's leadership in molecular genetics and biomedicine through continuous publication in high-impact journals like Genetics and PLoS Genetics.