My research focused first on antibacterial peptides, food microbiology, probiotics, and intestinal microbiology, which led me to studying the role of Desulfovibrio bacteria and Parkinson´s disease in collaboration with neurologist MD Kari Murros. Now these previous experiences can be used to develop strategies to eradicate Desulfovibrio bacteria from Parkinson´s patients (PD). Presently, we want to know what makes the Desulfovibrio strains of PD patients different from Desulfovibrio strains of healthy. From where do the Desulfovibrio strains of the PD patients originate, from themselves (appendics, mouth), from other PD patients via feces, from the environment (water pipes?) or from animals? How can the Desulfovibrio strains of the PD patients be eradicated and has eradication an effect on the disease progression?
After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Helsinki, she continued her interest in research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and North Carolina State University. Using the expertise gained at these institutions, she now focuses on understanding the role of Desulfovibrio in Parkinson’s disease. Her work investigates how Desulfovibrio species contribute to the disease with a focus on identifying the sources and characterizing virulence factors. She is interested in exploring molecular processes, such as metabolite production, bacterial genes that influence virulence, and host-microbe interactions. Additionally, she is interested in understanding the presence of Desulfovibrio in the human gut, animals, and environmental reservoirs as potential sources. The aim is to deepen the knowledge of the gut-brain connection and Desulfovibrio’s role in this process, supporting strategies for prevention and therapeutic development.
Khosrow holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a doctoral degree in food hygiene. He is currently investigating the causal network between Desulfovibrio bacteria and Parkinson's disease. His research involves exploring the potential of iron oxide biomineralization by Desulfovibrio strains isolated from Parkinson's patients. He is also studying the impact of bacterial cells and their metabolites on alpha-synuclein aggregation in animal models.
As a postdoctoral researcher, Khosrow also contributes to academia by preparing and delivering lectures and supervising undergraduate students.
Vy obtained her MSc degree in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology at the University of Helsinki. She is currently a doctoral researcher studying the potential role of Desulfovibrio bacteria in the development of Parkinson's disease.
Anna Kolsi (MSc) is currently working on her dissertation, which focuses on investigating the connection between Desulfovibrio bacteria and Parkinson's disease by studying the genomic features of the bacteria. Additionally, she has contributed to teaching in the microbiology and microbial biotechnology master's program as a teaching assistant by participating in teaching and evaluation tasks.
Xinyang's research focuses on the influence of Bacterial-derived Extracellular Vesicles on neurodegenerative diseases.
Formerly a full-time "mouse consultant" for Alzheimer’s drug research; currently a professional DSV stalker. Cheng's PhD work focuses on the complex world of Parkinson’s disease, where he compares the gut microbiomes of "Body-first" and "Brain-first" patients to determine which pathway may drive the disease, and whether and how DSV is effective in these two types.
Generally, I am interested in bacteriocins and phage lysins. The title of my PhD thesis is 'Characterization of a novel lytic bacteriocin from Lactococcus lactis.
By discovering potential probiotics, Nina seeks to advance our understanding and application of these beneficial microorganisms in promoting optimal health outcomes.
Food science, Microbiology, Medical biotechnology