About us
At our team, we are passionate about neuroscience and protein phase separation. We are motivated by the potential for these fields to unlock a deeper understanding of the brain and the mechanisms that govern its function. Our curiosity drives us to explore the molecular processes that underlie the formation and regulation of membrane-less organelles.
Our Team Members
Our team brings together a wealth of expertise and experience to drive our mission. Explore the profiles below to learn more about the individuals who collaborate passionately to achieve our goals in unravelling the biological regulation of synaptic membrane-less organelles.
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Group Leader
With a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Jena, Germany, Dr Janin Lautenschläger is interested in molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Our current focus lies in the understanding of protein phase separation at the synapse, with implications in health and disease such as Parkinon's.
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Postdoctoral Scientist
Dr Aishwarya obtained her PhD from the IISER Mohali where she worked on protein phase separation of prion protein. Dr Agarwal joined the group in 2022 working on the regulation of alpha-synuclein phase separation, VAMP2 and lipid membrane models.
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Postdoctoral Scientist
Dr Aswathy Chandran obtained her PhD from the University of Purdue working on alpha-synuclein. She joined the lab in 2023 establishing iPSC derived model to study the role of alpha-synuclein condensates at the synapse.
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MPhil in Medical Science
Irina-Maria Ungureanu is undertaking an MPhil at the CIMR investigating potential synaptic co-condesation partners of alpha-synuclein. In addition she is interested in the lamprey reticulospinal giant synapse model performing expansion microscopy.
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Visiting Student
Silvano Bond joined the lab as a visiting student working on the role of lipid membranes on alpha-synuclein phase separation.
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If you are interested in working with us, please get in touch.