Polina Malahov |
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The role of retinal Mononuclear Phagocytes and Macroglia cells in retinal ischemia
I am currently affiliated with the Sennlaub Group at the Institut de la Vision in Paris, conducting research under the supervision of Xavier Guillonneau for the next 2-3 years. Our primary objective is to establish Glaucoma-related stress conditions and explore the underlying mechanisms of inflammation on macroglia and retinal ganglion cells. Following this period, I will undertake a one-year secondment at the University Medical Center Groningen, under the supervision of Amalia Dolga, where we will explore the effects of the established stress conditions on microglia. Additionally, during the third year of my Ph.D., I will join the iMedos company in Germany as part of my industrial secondment.
Personal Background and Interest
I have completed my undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at Bar Ilan University, and later pursued a Master’s degree in Neuroscience from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). My Master’s thesis focused on neural network research and neuroengineering in vitro. During my PhD, I am hoping to continue working on in vitro disease modeling and delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying retinal ganglion cell death in Glaucoma.
Aim of the project
Our overall goal in this project is to research the role of retinal mononuclear phagocytes and macroglia cells in retinal ischemia. For this purpose we are going to set up several glaucoma-related stress conditions including hypoxia, lipids and glucose deprivation. We would proceed to test the effects of those conditions on primary and iPSC RGCs, and later on muller cells, microglia, and retinal explants. Enhancing our understanding of the inflammatory pathways that contribute to neuronal cell death will enable us to investigate potential therapeutic compounds targeting specific cellular activation.
Current activities/Accomplishments
Not available yet.