Heela Sarlus
Research Specialist
E-mail: heela.sarlus@ki.se
Visiting address: L8:04, CMM Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset Solna, 17176 Stockholm
Postal address: K8 Klinisk neurovetenskap, K8 Neuro Harris, 171 77 Stockholm
About me
- My research focus is to study the role of microglia in the context of
neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis and multiple sclerosis with the aim to develop novel therapy for
these diseases.
Svenska läkare sällskapet (SLS) travel grant – 2019
Nominated and selected to participate in global young scientist summit in
Singapore - 2015
2015 - PhD degree in Medical Science, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm,
Sweden.
2008 - MSc in Molecular Biology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
Research
- I am investigating the potential of amniotic epithelial cells (AECs), a type
of stem cell derived from human placenta, as a cellular therapy for
neurodegenerative diseases, in collaboration with Dr. Gramignoli at
Karolinska Institutet. Currently, there is no cure for amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and progressive states of
multiple sclerosis (MS). These neurodegenerative diseases are characterized
by excessive inflammation in the brain and compromised microglial function.
AECs are present in the placenta at the interphase between the maternal and
fetal tissue, possessing strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory
properties. By transferring AECs in the disease model of ALS, AD and MS
respectively, we aim to reduce inflammation in brain, and promote
regenerative responses.
I am also investigating microglia replacement therapy in the context of
neurodegenerative diseases using /in vivo/ and /in vitro/ models. We remove
dysfunctional microglia from the central nervous system using genetic and
pharmacological approaches and repopulate the brain with healthy donor
microglia-like cells that we develop/ in vitro/.
Inflammation and changes in bioenergetics are closely interrelated processes.
In ALS, metabolic changes in liver including giant mitochondria with
accumulation of crystalline like structure were described three decades ago.
Moreover, increased levels of liver derived acute phase proteins in ALS
patients which correlate with disease progression is indicative of ongoing
inflammation in the liver. Considering the role of liver as a major metabolic
organ regulating important functions in carbohydrate, fat and protein
metabolism, it is highly plausible that metabolic changes in liver will
impact CNS function in and vice versa. We aim to study the metabolic profile
of ALS microglia/macrophages in the liver and brain respectively to identify
whether metabolic changes in the liver macrophages and CNS microglia are
mirrored. We expect to identify inflammatory or metabolic drivers of CNS
dysfunction in the liver of ALS mice with the long term goal to identify
peripheral therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
Teaching
- 2020 - current
Teaching biochemistry in Scandinavian Chiropractor institute, Stockholm,
Sweden
2018 – 2020
Different teaching activities: Lectured the autonomic nervous system,
laboratory work involving the hearing and vestibular lab and seminars
including motor functions to medical students at Karolinska Institutet.
Articles
-
Article: ACTA BIOMATERIALIA. 2022;142:36-48
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Article: HEARING RESEARCH. 2022;415:108395
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Article: EMBO JOURNAL. 2021;40(24):e108662
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Article: CELL REPORTS. 2021;36(13):109758
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Article: NEUROSCIENCE. 2020;448:14-27
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Article: FASEB JOURNAL. 2020;34(10):13978-13992
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Article: JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. 2019;146(5):3960-3966
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Article: CURRENT BIOLOGY. 2019;29(15):2477-2487.e6
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Article: JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE. 2015;48(2):495-505
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Article: JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION. 2013;10:99
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Article: JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE. 2012;16(10):2401-2412
All other publications
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Review: ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS. 2020;8(1):217
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Review: HEARING RESEARCH. 2019;377:53-60
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Review: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION. 2017;127(9):3240-3249
Employments
- Research Specialist, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 2022-
Degrees and Education
- Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 2015