The University of Barcelona (UB) has over 30 years of experience studying brain structure and function in physiological and pathological brain conditions in vitro and in vivo. Having spent the last 5 years modulating brain circuits with light, UB are ideally positioned to research the potential side-effects of DLT on the brain. With this expertise and infrastructure, UB will lead research on the potential side-effects and safety of DLT on the brain whilst supporting UM to interpret their results on the mechanisms of action of DLT on glioma.
Meet our Researchers
Dr. Masana is an expert in brain circuit monitoring and modulation using optical tools in mouse models of brain disorders. Currently, she serves as principal investigator at the Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, and is affiliated with the Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) and to the CIBERNED (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain).
Her research focuses on understanding neuronal circuitry alterations in brain diseases using advanced techniques such as in vivo optogenetics, fibre photometry, multimodal MRI and in vitro calcium imaging. By identifying and modulating altered circuits, her work aims to correct their associated symptoms. This includes motor, cognitive and affective behaviour, associated to neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and Chorea Acanthocytosis. In the context of GlioLight project, her experience will allow to test efficacy and safety of the light direct therapy in glioma mouse models.
Her research is supported by Catalan, Spanish and European grants, as well as private foundations and contracts. She has hosted 3 postdocs and supervised 5 PhD students and mentored several master and bachelor students.
Her research focuses on understanding neuronal circuitry alterations in brain diseases using advanced techniques such as in vivo optogenetics, fibre photometry, multimodal MRI and in vitro calcium imaging. By identifying and modulating altered circuits, her work aims to correct their associated symptoms. This includes motor, cognitive and affective behaviour, associated to neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and Chorea Acanthocytosis. In the context of GlioLight project, her experience will allow to test efficacy and safety of the light direct therapy in glioma mouse models.
Her research is supported by Catalan, Spanish and European grants, as well as private foundations and contracts. She has hosted 3 postdocs and supervised 5 PhD students and mentored several master and bachelor students.
Dr. Soriano is the head of an experimental research group focused on the understanding of the interplay between activity and connectivity in vitro, living neuronal networks. With more than 15 years of experience, the team combines experimental research with data analysis in the context of complex systems (network and information theory and biophysical modelling). Soriano’s research also explores network alterations in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson, and in synergy with medical teams in Barcelona. His research is supported by Catalan, Spanish and European grants as well as private foundations. Dr. Soriano has hosted 3 postdocs and has supervised 5 PhD theses and about 30 master’s and bachelor’s degree projects.
Maryam Givehchi completed her studies in Biotechnology in Mannheim, Germany. To broaden her experience, she engaged in internships and professional roles across both academia and industry, gaining valuable research skills. Her expertise covers in vivo techniques, molecular and cellular biology, advanced imaging, and functional assays. With a strong passion for scientific discovery, she is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Barcelona in the group of Mercè Masana. As part of the GlioLight project, she is eager to contribute to the development of an innovative therapeutic approach for glioma.
Dr. Negrini is an experienced neuroscientist with a strong background in neurodegenerative diseases and rodent models. During her PhD at Lund University, Sweden, she developed and studied rat and mouse models of Parkinson’s disease to investigate alterations in brain circuits and conduct functional, histological, genetic, and behavioural analyses. Currently, she is a postdoctoral researcher under the supervision of Mercè Masana at the University of Barcelona, where her research focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of direct light therapy in glioma using in vitro and in vivo mouse models. With expertise in a broad array of techniques, including primary cell cultures, adeno-associated virus production, surgical procedures, behavioural assessments, optogenetics, and calcium imaging, she is also expanding her skill set to include multimodal MRI and fiber photometry. Driven by her experience and dedication to advancing therapeutic strategies across a broad range of disease areas and targets, she looks forward to contributing to the GlioLight project.
