The Biomedical Research Institute (BRI) of FORTH at Ioannina was founded in 1998 as an independent institute. In 2001, BRI joined the Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH) becoming its seventh Institute. BRI consists of 18 research teams that comprise of 140 members (postdoctoral students, PhD candidates, post- and undergraduate students, technicians, administrating personnel). The groups of BRI work in basic molecular and cellular biology areas of biomedical research with high interest in public health and biomedicine, such as vascular biology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, cancer biology, neurobiology, and biomedical technology.
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View All21.06.2023
Evi Vasili has been awarded highly prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships by the European Commission
The European Commission awarded Evi Vasili with one of the prestigious and highly competitive Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) postdoctoral fellowships
Read More08.11.2016
Researchers of IMBB-BR/Ioannina show that specific cellular internalization routes play critical role in blood vessel formation
Cellular functions (such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, differentiation, tissue formation etc) are controlled by extracellular ligands. Binding of the ligands
Read More17.04.2014
VEGF Signaling Integrates the UPR Machinery of the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Physiological Responses such as Angiogenesis
The ER is the major intracellular reservoir of calcium and is important in the biogenesis of peroxisomes and autophagosomes. Moreover,
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Savvas Christoforidis
Our group studies the interplay between endocytosis, signaling and exocytosis in endothelial cells and the role they play in vascular physiology.Activated endothelial cells and/or endothelial dysfunction are implicated in the most life-threatening diseases, such as cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases as well as in cancer-angiogenesis. Intriguingly, key vasoactive players of the above pathophysiological processes are stored in specific granules (called Weibel Palade bodies) in endothelial cells. Upon activation of receptors at the cell surface of endothelial cells, Weibel Palade bodies fuse with plasma membrane and release their vasoactive molecules in the blood stream.Our studies have the following aims:1. To shed light on the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for Weibel Palade body trafficking and exocytosis.2. To identify the cell surface receptors and the corresponding signaling cascades that trigger Weibel Palade body exocytosis.3. To track the endocytic routes followed by activated receptors of endothelial cells and the role of these routes in signaling and Weibel Palade body exocytosis.4. To get functional insights into the role of the above processes in vascular physiology and in serious vascular diseases.These studies will shed light on the molecular and functional links between secretion, endocytosis and signalling, as well as on their spatial and temporal coordination. Ultimately, the knowledge generated by these studies will contribute to the design of more effective therapeutic approaches for vascular diseases.
Vassilis Douris
Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance. Our goal is:• To understand how specific mutations and gene regulation shape resistance phenotypes in natural populations• To investigate synergistic interactions among different mechanisms and their impact in fitness• To explore novel resistance mechanisms and develop applications towards potential new compounds and synergistsWe work with Drosophila models and insect cell culture and use molecular biology, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics approaches, CRISPR/Cas9 genome modification and functional protein expression. We expect to create a collaborative network of scientific interactions, promoting scientific advancement and social outreach.
Michaela Filiou
Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. Our goal is:• To understand how mitochondria, organelles that fuel cells with energy, shape stress- and anxiety- related behaviors• To identify molecular signatures and candidate biomarkers for neuropsychiatric phenotypes and treatment responses• To explore the potential of mitochondria as therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disordersWe work with mouse models, patient samples and cell culture and we use behavioral biology, proteomics/metabolomics approaches, protein biochemistry and pharmacology. Our vision is to create a collaborative environment, fostering scientific growth and communication.
Maria Georgiadou
In the Cell Signalling and Metabolism laboratory we are interested in understanding the interactions between the tumour and its microenvironment, including how the extracellular matrix regulates signaling pathways, cell metabolism and gene transcription and how this is relevant for cell behavior and response to treatment. Our goal is to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets to prevent resistance to anti-cancer agents.
Christos G. Gkogkas
The complex polygenic nature of brain disorders, such as neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorders, fragile X syndrome, intellectual disability) neuropsychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia) and neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) along with the plethora of contributing non-genetic factors have impeded our efforts to understand and treat them. By studying converging signalling, molecular and cellular pathways, we can shed fresh light on the causality of brain disorders.Proteins catalyse most of the reactions in the cell on which life depends. Translational control is defined as the sum of regulatory events that dictate changes in protein synthesis, per mRNA, per unit of time, and it is a powerful means to alter protein abundance. Our lab is particularly interested in understanding the molecular and signalling mechanisms of translational control in the brain and how they control complex brain functions and behaviours, such as learning, memory, social interactions, anxiety and fear and how they affect brain health (e.g.neurodegeneration).
