Research groups
Iris-Stefania Pasniceanu
MSc DPhil
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Biography
I hold a BSc in Biomedical Science and an MSc in Human and Molecular Genetics from the University of Sheffield. Subsequently, I pursued doctoral research at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). My PhD project focused on investigating the neurophysiological dysfunction of neurons and astrocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) using human stem cell technology and electrophysiology.
Research summary
As a postdoctoral scientist, I am focused on developing potential new treatments for ALS, a disease where current therapies provide only limited benefits. My research aims to advance the discovery of effective strategies by repurposing existing drugs. Specifically, I am investigating the role of L-type calcium channels in ALS, as disrupted calcium homeostasis is thought to contribute to motor neuron vulnerability and degeneration. Using iPSC-derived motor neurons, I combine molecular biology assays with patch-clamp electrophysiology to characterise how L-type calcium channel function is altered in ALS compared to healthy controls. I will then assess whether existing calcium channel blockers could help protect motor neurons and slow disease progression. By integrating disease modelling with pharmacological testing, my work aims to bridge mechanistic insights with translational potential.
My work is funded by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.