Syrago Spanou

I am a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the laboratory of Professor Richard Wade-Martins. My research focuses on testing novel β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) activators for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease using mouse models and primary neuronal cultures. GCase is a key lysosomal enzyme, and GBA1 mutations constitute one of the most common genetic risk factors for Parkinson’s disease. We aim to increase GCase activity to improve lysosomal function and identify novel biomarkers. To investigate these mechanisms, I employ a range of in vivo approaches. Before moving to the University of Oxford, I completed my PhD at the University of Crete, at IMBB-FORTH. My doctoral research investigated the role of the tumour suppressor PML (Promyelocytic Leukemia protein) in neural stem cell physiology and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. I demonstrated that PML is crucial for neural stem cell differentiation, stress tolerance, and mitochondrial integrity. Furthermore, using the 5xFAD mouse model, I found that PML contributes to the regulation of microglial homeostasis and promotes neuroprotective functions during amyloid pathology.