Who we are
We're a dynamic research team dedicated to understanding how the interplay between the nervous and immune systems, and particularly the role of metabolism, contributes to chronic brain diseases. We're just beginning, but we're driven to make a real difference for patients.
Our cutting-edge research focuses on:
Identifying metabolic changes in immune cells linked to diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Unraveling how these changes drive brain degeneration.
Developing strategies to modify metabolic pathways, reducing damage, and promoting repair.
Join us as we explore the complexities of neuroimmunometabolism and pioneer new treatments for brain disorders.
Current Lab Members
Xisha Huang
PhD Candidate - Email
Xisha has a great passion for translational medicine. She graduated from the toplist of materials science engineering in Nanyang Technological University in Singapore studying different drug delivery platforms. She then pursued a dual master’s degree in Materials Science and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, where she contributed to the development of cutting-edge tools such as bi-specific T-cell engagers for T-cell immunotherapy. Following her master’s studies, Xisha joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a research assistant, where she delved into the realm of gene editing and the optimization of organ-targeting mRNA lipid nanoparticles.
Currently, Xisha focuses her research on the role of lipid metabolism in microglia focusing on MS severity and pathophysiology.
Monica Emili Garcia-Segura
PhD Student - Email
Monica's impressive academic record includes a Neuroscience degree with High Distinction from the University of Toronto and a distinguished MRes in Experimental Neuroscience from ICL, where she has focused on understanding the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases, first by mapping the metabolic consequences of Alzheimer’s Disease and then by investigating genetic mutations in Multiple System Atrophy.
Currently pursuing her PhD, Monica is funded by the MRC-DTP and the Cambridge Trust. Her work in our lab centers on elucidating the role of small metabolites and lipids in human chronic CNS inflammation, a critical step towards developing new therapeutic strategies.
Evridiki Asimakidou
PhD Student - Email
Evridiki's passion for neuroscience led her to excel in her medical studies, graduating at the top of her class at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She deepened her knowledge with a Master's in Medical Research from Uppsala University, where she conducted groundbreaking research on the interplay between the immune system and cancer at Northwestern University.
Currently, Evridiki is a PhD student supported by the Cambridge Trust and Newnham College Scholarship. Her research investigates the intricate connection between microglial metabolism and cognitive decline in the context of chronic neuroinflammation, with the potential to impact our understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Olena Hruba
Lab Tech - Email
Olena first earned her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in her home country of Ukraine in 2020. Fuelled by her passion for science, she continued her studies at the same university, completing a Master's degree in Genetics and Biotechnology in 2022.
Olena joined us as a Research Laboratory Technician, bringing her valuable knowledge and enthusiasm to our research endeavors. Her expertise in biochemistry and animal handling, coupled with her meticulous laboratory skills, makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
Alyson Speed
Lab Tech - Email
Alyson has been an invaluable member of the University research community since 1992. Her dedication to research led her to explore various departments, expanding her skillset while contributing to diverse research programs.
After a brief time away, Alyson returned to the University in 2014, where she provided vital technical support to the research groups of Ashok Ventikarman, Christian Frezza, Sakari Vanharata, and Carla Martin, focusing on critical projects in lung, pancreatic, and metastatic cancers.
We're pleased to have Alyson as a member of the LPJ Lab, where she plays a key role in supporting our research endeavors.
Maria Rempolles De Dalmau
Vising PhD Student - Email
Maria obtained her Double Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Rovira i Virgili University (Spain) with High Distinction in 2020. Driven by a deep interest in understanding metabolic disorders, she pursued a Master’s in Nutrition and Metabolism where she focused on studying the role of the succinate/SUCNR1 axis in pancreatic β-cells within a diabetic context.
In 2021, Maria began her PhD studies in Dr. Fernández-Veledo’s Lab under a collaborative project, concentrating on the potential role of the succinate/SUCNR1 axis in microglia cells and its impact on the regulation of peripheral metabolism in both physiological and pathological contexts. She is currently visiting our lab to further explore the complex interactions between microglia and neurons under both physiological and diet-induced obesity conditions.
Alumni
Come back for updates
Collaborators
UK:
Joanne Jones - University of Cambridge (Clin. Neurosc.)
Ragnhildur Thora Karadottir - University of Cambridge (CCMR/SCI)
Andras Lakatos - University of Cambridge (Clin. Neurosc.)
Maura Malpetti - University of Cambridge (Clin. Neurosc.)
James Manton - University of Cambridge (LMB)
Irina Mohorianu - University of Cambridge (SCI)
Mike Murphy - University of Cambridge (MBU)
Stefano Pluchino - University of Cambridge (Clin. Neurosc.)
Dylan Ryan - University of Cambridge (MBU)
Zoltan Takats - Imperial College London
Europe:
Marco Cambiaghi - University of Verona, Italy
Sonia Fernández-Veledo - Pere Virgili Institute, Spain
Agnes Nadjar - University of Bordeaux, France
Alessandro Prigione - University of Dusseldorf, Germany
Bianca Silva - University of Nice Cote D’Azur, France
Rest of the World:
Joshua D. Bernstock - Harvard University, USA
Angelo D'Alessandro - University of Denver, USA
Edoardo Gaude - POCKit Diagnostics
Marie-Ève Tremblay - University of Victoria, Canada