Heela Sarlus

Heela Sarlus

Research Specialist

About me

We study the role of microglia in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multipel sclerosis and aim to devise myeloid cells as cellular therapy for these diseases. 

Research description

My research focus is to investigate the potential of 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

In addition I am also studying the potential of amniotic epithelial cells, a type of stem cell derived from human placenta, as a cellular therapy for neurodegenerative diseaeses (in collaborating with assoc. prof Roberto Gramignoli at KI). Currently, there is no cure for the progressive states of MS and our aim is to develop new strategies that target progressive MS.    

Teaching portfolio

 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.

Education

2015 - PhD degree in Medical Science, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

2008 - MSc in Molecular Biology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden