Asimina Kolianou graduated from the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Patras with an Integrated Master in Pharmacy (2023), where she continues as a Ph.D. candidate under the supervision of Professor Georgia Sotiropoulou. Her research focuses on the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease and α-synuclein biology. In terms of the project, she also studies the role(s) of extracellular vesicles/exosomes in neurodegeneration. Her research employs basic and more sophisticated biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology techniques, tissue culturing, fluorescence and electron microscopy.

As an IKY-Fulbright Visiting Research Student, she will conduct research at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Her project will utilize advanced in vitro neuronal models, including human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons, to study α-synuclein in (patho)physiologically relevant environments. These models will be used to investigate mechanisms of protein aggregation dynamics and neuronal responses in systems that closely recapitulate aspects of human disease. Through this experience, she aims to expand her expertise in neurodegeneration research and generate insights that will directly contribute to her Ph.D. work on the mechanisms underlying alpha-synuclein clearance in the brain. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the disease is expected to promote the development of effective therapeutic approaches.