Our research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern central nervous system (CNS) repair and regeneration. In particular, we study how blood–brain barrier disruption alters the local tissue environment to drive scar formation and impair functional recovery (Akassoglou et al., 2024, Cell; Nath et al., 2024, Nat Commun; Martinez Santamaria et al., 2025, iScience).
Specifically, we investigate how changes in vascular permeability with vascular-derived factors regulate reactive gliosis and fibrotic scar formation, and how these barriers influence neural stem cell behavior, differentiation, and function.
The PhD student will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate fibroblast–immune cell interactions at CNS interfaces following vascular dysfunction.
The successful candidate will be trained in a wide array of state-of-the-art techniques in modern neuroscience and molecular biology, including cell fate mapping using reporter mice, flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, advanced microscopy, and approaches in cell biology, signaling, and regenerative medicine.
