Luana Campos Soares
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
My work bridges molecular neuroscience and stem cell biology to explore brain injury and disease, with a particular emphasis on regenerative approaches. I develop and apply in vitro and in vivo models to investigate mechanisms of neural repair, including the use of human pluripotent stem cells and bioengineered cortical constructs. Currently, I’m also focused on understanding blood-brain barrier (dys)function and brain water homeostasis in CNS pathologies.
BIOGRAPHY
I previously worked on The Oxford Martin Programme on 3D Printing for Brain Repair, developing and characterising 3D cortical constructs composed of layer-specific neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells. I also completed my PhD at the University of Oxford in 2021, where I investigated neural progenitor polarity and uncovered mechanisms underlying cortical mispositioning in Galectin-3–deficient embryos. Before coming to Oxford, I graduated in Biology at the Universidade Estadual Paulista and completed a Master's degree in the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center in Brazil.
Recent publications
-
ATR-hippo drives force signaling to nuclear F-actin and links mechanotransduction to neurological disorders.
Journal article
Chatzifrangkeskou M. et al, (2025), Sci Adv, 11
-
Integration of 3D-printed cerebral cortical tissue into an ex vivo lesioned brain slice.
Journal article
Jin Y. et al, (2023), Nat Commun, 14
-
Novel Galectin-3 Roles in Neurogenesis, Inflammation and Neurological Diseases.
Journal article
Soares LC. et al, (2021), Cells, 10
-
Galectin-3 diminishes Wnt signaling in the postnatal subventricular zone.
Journal article
Al-Dalahmah O. et al, (2020), Stem Cells, 38, 1149 - 1158