Our research group is investigating the signalling and biological functions of GDNF neurotrophic family ligands and endoplasmic reticulum located CDNF/MANF protein families, both within and outside of the nervous system. We are also interested in the therapeutic potential of these proteins in various diseases, so we are testing their efficacy in animal models of Parkinson's disease and diabetes mellitus. One of the highlights of our research has been, in 2017, the initiation of phase I-II clinical trials of CDNF protein in Parkinson's disease patients by the Finnish company Herantis Pharma Plc.
Mart Saarma
Research Director
Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE
Biocenter 2
P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
Tel. +358 50 5002726
e-mail: mart.saarma@helsinki.fi
Mart Saarma is a Principal Investigator/Research Director at BI.