Research/Areas of Interest:
My lab studies the role of mast cells and microglia cells, as well as the exosomes secreted from these cells, in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases. Mast cells are located in the periphery as well as the central nervous system and play a critical role in neuroinflammation since they are known to act as 'first responders' to a pathogenic stimulus. Upon activation, mast cells respond by degranulation and release of preformed mediators into the extracellular milieu. Thus, they alert other glial cells, including microglia, to initiate neuroinflammatory processes. A major focus is to investigate how mast cells are activated, what is the signature of their inflammatory output and how it is regulated in the context of initiation and progression of neuroinflammation.
Education
- Ph.D., Pulmonary Medicine, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larisa, Greece, 2010
- B.Sc., Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, School of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Larisa, Greece, 2005