Oscar Ramirez Molina

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet. My research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, with particular interest in Alzheimer’s disease.

I study how intracellular cholinergic signaling, mitochondrial function, calcium homeostasis, and cellular stress responses interact during neurodegeneration. A major focus of my work is understanding how alterations in these pathways contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal vulnerability, including the involvement of signaling pathways such as AMPK and mechanisms associated with mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs).

My broader research goal is to identify molecular mechanisms that connect metabolic dysfunction, cholinergic signaling, and neuronal degeneration, and to explore their potential relevance as therapeutic targets in Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.

My research interests focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. I am especially interested in:

• Intracellular cholinergic signaling
• Mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetics
• Calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial calcium signaling
• Mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs)
• AMPK signaling and cellular energy sensing
• Oxidative and cellular stress responses
• Mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction and cell death
• Molecular pathways linking cholinergic dysfunction, metabolism, and neurodegeneration

I have experience in teaching and supporting undergraduate students in laboratory-based courses in biochemistry and related biomedical sciences. My teaching has included practical laboratory supervision, guidance in experimental procedures, and support in understanding key concepts in cellular and molecular biology.

I am particularly interested in helping students connect theoretical knowledge with experimental practice, develop critical thinking, and gain confidence in laboratory work.