{"id":34,"date":"2021-03-17T10:11:41","date_gmt":"2021-03-17T08:11:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.uef.fi\/human-brain-disease-modelling-group\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2026-01-28T09:32:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T07:32:30","slug":"front-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.uef.fi\/human-brain-disease-modelling-group\/","title":{"rendered":"Front page"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Human Brain Disease Modelling Group develops advanced human-based models to uncover mechanisms of neurological disorders and translate them into actionable therapies. Using patient-derived cells in 2D and 3D systems such as organoids and microfluidic brain-on-chip platforms, we replicate disease-specific pathology and drug transport in the human brain. Our integrated approach combines single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, electrophysiology, and advanced imaging to identify therapeutic targets, stratify disease subtypes, and support early diagnosis, ultimately paving the way for precision treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n

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News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doctoral defence of FM Tuuli-Maria Sonninen<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Our researcher Tuuli Sonninen defended her thesis on 26.9.2025 with opponent Winfried Neuhaus and custos \u0160\u00e1rka Lehtonen. They had a stimulating scientific discussion followed by a lovely dinner in the evening. Tuuli Sonninen (now Dr. Sonninen) defended her thesis with distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16.9.2025 UEF<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muovi\u00adhiukkasia voi p\u00e4\u00e4ty\u00e4 my\u00f6s aivoihin, paljastaa uusi tutkimus<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hyvin pienten muovihiukkasten on havaittu kertyv\u00e4n ihmisen elimist\u00f6\u00f6n, verenkiertoon, keuhkoihin, istukkaan ja rintamaitoon. Tuore tutkimus osoittaa, ett\u00e4 niin sanotut nanomuovit voivat l\u00e4p\u00e4ist\u00e4 jopa aivojen veri-aivoesteen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17.9.2024 Helsingin Sanomat <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pioneering study reveals nanoplastics have potential to cross blood-brain barrier<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A new study published in Nano Today<\/em> reveals that nanoplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than one micrometer in size, may cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) cells. The research marks a significant advancement in understanding how nanoplastics might transfer in human blood and interact with biological systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.9.2024 Health and well-being<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introducing postdoctoral researcher Katrina R\u00e4ty <\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ph.D. (pharmacology) Katrina R\u00e4ty<\/strong><\/a> is working in the Human Brain Disease Modelling Research Group (Lehtonen Lab) at the A.I. Virtanen Institute at the University of Eastern Finland. The research group focuses on revealing the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurological diseases, especially Parkinson\u2019s disease.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.6.2022 KUOPIO BRAIN & MIND<\/p>\n\n\n\n

YUFE Postdoctoral Programme\u2019s appeal lies in career mentoring and collaboration possibilities<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Katrina R\u00e4ty<\/strong>, PhD, originally from Canada, returned to Finland to continue her career as a researcher, now with a grant from the YUFE Postdoctoral Programme. It happened by coincidence, as she learned about the YUFE postdoc position from a PhD student whom she is co-supervising. The criteria for the position were clear and straightforward, and she also got detailed feedback on the scientific part of her application from external reviewers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.6.2022 EDUCATION AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sigrid Jus\u00e9lius Foundation grant boosts brain disease modelling<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sigrid Jus\u00e9lius Foundation has granted a senior researcher post to Docent \u0160\u00e1rka Lehtonen from the University of Eastern Finland. Her lab develops novel human-based models to study the mechanisms of Parkinson\u2019s disease and other neurological diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20.1.2021 HEALTH AND WELL-BEING<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P\u00e4ivikki ja Sakari Sohlbergin s\u00e4\u00e4ti\u00f6lt\u00e4 apurahoja lasten, nuorten ja vanhusten hyvinvointia edist\u00e4v\u00e4\u00e4n tutkimukseen<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Syksyn apurahahaun kautta my\u00f6nnettiin rahoitusta 129 tutkimukselle ja ratkaisulle, jotka rakentavat lasten, nuorten ja vanhusten hyvinvointia sek\u00e4 ennaltaehk\u00e4isev\u00e4t tai ratkaisevat ongelmia. Apurahoina jaettiin yhteens\u00e4 2,3 miljoonaa euroa. It\u00e4-Suomen yliopistossa apurahoja saivat mm. FaT  \u0160\u00e1rka Lehtonen, Metabolic profiling of human microglia from LRRK2 Parkinson’s disease patients, 15 000 eur ja FM Tuuli-Maria Sonninen, Human cell-based model for blood-brain barrier, 15 000 eur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14.1.2021 HEALTH AND WELL-BEING<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Projects on Parkinson\u2019s disease and novel antibiotics secure significant funding<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation has granted significant funding to two research projects at the University of Eastern Finland. Docent \u0160\u00e1rka Lehtonen investigates the role of brain astrocytes and microglia in Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.10.2020 HEALTH AND WELL-BEING<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brain astrocytes show metabolic alterations in Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A new study using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology links astrocyte dysfunction to Parkinson\u2019s disease (PD) pathology. The study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland and published in Scientific Reports highlights the role of brain astrocyte cells in PD pathology and the potential of iPSC-derived cells in disease modelling and drug discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.9.2020 HEALTH AND WELL-BEING<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The neurobiological mechanisms behind schizophrenia may be sex-specific<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The neurobiological pathophysiology of schizophrenia differs significantly between males and females, according to a new study. The findings suggest a possible need for more sex-specific treatments for schizophrenia. The study was the first to identify a number of sex-specific genes related to schizophrenia using neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The results were published in Nature Communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.9.2019 HEALTH AND WELL-BEING<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Research The Human Brain Disease Modelling Group develops advanced human-based models to uncover mechanisms of neurological disorders and translate them into actionable therapies. Using patient-derived cells in 2D and 3D systems such as organoids and microfluidic brain-on-chip platforms, we replicate disease-specific pathology and drug transport in the human brain. 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