Presentation of most independent neuroscience research groups in Greece

1. Neuroscience Research in Greece
www.hsfn.gr
Departments and Universities where neuroscience labs operate
• National Kapodistrian University of Athens (Dept of Biology, School of
Nursing, Medical School)
• Aristotle Univesity of Thessaloniki (Dept of Biology, Medical School, Veterinary
School)
• University of Patras (Dept of Biology, Medical School)
• University of Crete (Dept of Biology, Medical School, )Dept of Psychology
• University of Ioannina (Medical School, Dept of Biomedial Application and
Technologies)
• University of Thrace (Medical School)
• Ionian University

2. Neuroscience Research in Greece
Research Institutes
• Foundation of Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH)
• Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnolgoy
• Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics
• BSRC Fleming
• Hellenic Pasteur Institute
• Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA)
• National Hellenic Research Foundation
www.hsfn.gr

3. Neuroscience Research in Greece -
Themes
www.hsfn.gr
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Neural basis of behaviour
• Neuropharmacology
• Neurophysiology
• Neuroanatomy
• Neuropsychology
• Clinical Neuroscience

4. www.hsfn.gr
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

5. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
Spiros Efthimiopoulos
Dept Biology, National & Kapodistrian
University of Athens
Molecular & Cellular Biology of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Interactions and metabolism of proteins involved in Alzheimer’s Disease
• The role of Amyloid Precursor protein in calcium homeostasis and in
synaptic signaling
• Targeting of tau into synaptic compartments
• Chatzistavraki M, Papazafiri P, Efthimiopoulos S. Amyloid precursor protein regulates depolarization-
induced calcium-mediated synaptic signaling in brain slices. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. In press
• Mavroeidi P, Mavrofrydi O, Pappa E, Panopoulou M, Papazafiri P, Ηaralambous S, Efthimiopoulos S.
(2017). Oxygen and glucose deprivation alter synaptic distribution of tau protein. J Alzheimer's Disease
60(2):593-604.
www.hsfn.gr

6. THE BIOCHEMISTRY LAB
Ass. Prof. Michaela Filiou
Department of Biological Applications and
Technology, University of Ioannina
Mitochondria, bioenergetics and novel therapeutic targets for
neuropsychiatric disorders
www.facebook.com/BiochemLabBET/
• Filiou MD and Sandi C. Anxiety and brain mitochondria: A bidirectional crosstalk. Trends Neurosci 2019
• Nussbaumer N, Asara JM, Teplytska L, Murphy MP, Logan A, Turck CW, Filiou MD. Selective mitochondrial
targeting exerts anxiolytic effects in vivo. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016
www.hsfn.gr

7. Labrakakis Lab
Charalampos Labrakakis, PhD
University of Ioannina
• Central and peripheral mechanisms of neuropathic pain
• GABAA receptor function in health and disease
• Bonin, R., Labrakakis, C., Eng, D.G., Whissell, P.D., De Koninck, Y. and Orser, B.A. (2011)
Pharmacological enhancement of δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors that generate a tonic inhibitory
conductance in spinal neurons attenuates acute nociception in mice. Pain 152:1317-1326
• Labrakakis C., Tong, C.K., Weissman T., Torsney, C. and MacDermott, A.B, (2003) Localization and
function of ATP and GABAA receptors expressed by nociceptors and other postnatal sensory neurons in
rat. J. Physiol (London) 549: 131-142
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www.hsfn.gr

8. Dimitra Mangoura, MD, PhD
Biomedical Research Foundation
of the Academy of Athens
Focusing on the major PKC/Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, we have identified PKC-ε and its
substrate the RasGAP neurofibromin (e.g., Oncogene 2006), as the dipole to study in order
to understand how RTK and GPCR signalling may elicit complex biological outcomes. Thus,
A. Our extensive research on CB1 signalling in neurons has revealed that PKCε is the
immediate CB1 effector for direct ERK activation and for amplification through trans-
activation of FGFR, all emanating from lipid rafts, to regulate an array of processes, from
neuronal differentiation to appetite. Most recently we documented a mechanistic model,
http://www.bioacademy.gr/lab/mangoura
1. Karouzaki, Peta, Tsirimonaki & Mangoura D. Neurochem Int, 131, 104582, 2019
2. Koliou, Fedonidis, Kalpachidou & Mangoura. J Neurochem, 136, 78-91, 2016
3. Peta, Samouil, Tsirimonaki & Mangoura. Cells, 2020
whereby transient recruitment of neurofibromin to the rafts deactivates
SOS1-activated H-Ras molecules to flow back to lipid rafts, thus filtering
out the plethora of H-Ras molecules and controlling signalling output1.
B. PKC-ε-phosphorylation of neurofibromin,
allows its accumulation in the nucleus and
then onto the mitotic spindle, all required for
proper chromosome congression2,3.
A B
www.hsfn.gr

9. NEUROGENETICS & AGEING
Nektarios Tavernarakis
IMBB-FORTH & Med-UoC, Heraklion
Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of necrotic cell death
and neurodegeneration, the interplay between cellular metabolism and
ageing, the mechanisms of sensory transduction and integration by the
nervous system, and the development of novel genetic tools for biomedical
research.
www.elegans.gr
• Palikaras K., Lionaki E. & Tavernarakis N. (2015) Nature, 521: 525-528.
• Kourtis N., Nikoletopoulou V. & Tavernarakis N. (2012) Nature, 490: 213-218.
www.hsfn.gr

10. www.hsfn.gr
Developmental Neurobiology

11. DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION OF CORTICAL
INTERNEURONS
Myrto Denaxa
Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”
We investigate the key steps in the normal process of interneuron development and
how perturbing this process results in brain dysfunction
https://www.fleming.gr/research/ifbr/denaxa-lab
EEG-Lhx6 control EEG-Lhx6mutant
A gene cascade for IN development Proposed mechanism for IN survival A mouse model for epilepsy
Denaxa et al, Cell Reports, 2012 Denaxa et al, J. Exp. Neur., 2018 Neves et al, Cerebral Cortex, 2013
• Denaxa M, Neves G, Rabinowitz A, Kemlo S, Liodis P, Burrone J, Pachnis V. (2018) Modulation of apoptosis controls
inhibitory interneuron number in the cortex. Cell Reports 12(22)
• Denaxa M, Kalaitzidou M, Garefalaki A, Achimastou A, Lasrado R, Maes T, Pachnis V. (2012) Maturation-promoting activity
of SATB1 in MGE-derived cortical interneurons. Cell Reports 2(5)
www.hsfn.gr

12. LAB OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Ilias Kazanis
Department of Biology, University of Patras
• Biology of postnatal brain Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) in health and disease
• Biology of Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells (OPCs)
• Kazanis I, Evans K, Andreopoulou E, Dimitriou D, Koutsakis C, Karadottir T, Franklin RJ. (2017)
Subependymal Zone-Derived Oligodendroblasts Respond to Focal Demyelination but Fail to Generate Myelin in
Young and Aged Mice. Stem Cell Reports, 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.01.007
• Kazanis I, Feichtner M, Lange S, Rotheneichner P, Hainzl S, Öller M, Schallmoser K, Rohde E, Reitsamer HA,
Couillard-Despres S, Bauer HC, Franklin RJ, Aigner L, Rivera FJ. (2015) Lesion-induced accumulation of
platelets promotes survival of adult neural stem / progenitor cells. Exp Neurol, 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.03.018
Milking of the subependymal zone
for the isolation of NSCs
Platelets as novel
regulators of NSCs
Neurogenesis in the
Substantia Nigra
www.hsfn.gr

13. NEUROSCIENCE
Domna Karagogeos
Univ. of Crete Medical School and Inst.
Mol. Biol. & Biotech.,FORTH, Heraklion
• We are studying myelination/ remyelination under development and
demyelinating conditions both in vivo and in primary oligodendrocyte
cultures
• Our second major field of focus is neuronal migration in the developing
brain and how it is affected by defects is cell distribution or cytoskeletal
defects
http://www.imbb.forth.gr/karagogeos
1. Zoupi L, Savvaki M, Kalemaki K, Kalafatakis I, Sidiropoulou K, Karagogeos D. (2018) The function of contactin-
2/TAG-1 in oligodendrocytes in health and demyelinating pathology Glia 66(3): 576-591.
2. Bastakis GG, Savvaki M, Stamatakis A, Vidaki M, Karagogeos D. (2015) Tag1 deficiency results in olfactory
dysfunction through impaired migration of mitral cells Development 142(24): 4318-28.
www.hsfn.gr

14. Panagiotis Politis
Biomedical Research Foundation
of the Academy of Athens
Lab and/or
institution logo
• Gene Regulation Networks in the control of neural differentiation in health
and disease
• Role of long non coding RNAs in brain development
http://www.bioacademy.gr/lab/politis/H8I/research
• Stergiopoulos A and Politis PK. (2016). Nuclear receptor NR5A2 controls neural stem cell fate decisions
during development. Nature Communications. 7:12230
• Kaltezioti V, et al, (2010). Prox1 regulates the Notch1-mediated inhibition of neurogenesis. PLoS Biology.
8(12):e1000565
www.hsfn.gr

15. STEM CELL LABORATORY
Stavros Taraviras
Medical School, University of Patras
Lab and/or
institution logo
• Our group research is focused on understanding how regulatory
mechanisms acting at the level of cell cycle regulation, transcriptional
control and chromatin organization are intergraded in order to achieve
neural stem/progenitor cell maintenance and commitment/differentiation
and how deregulation of these processes leads to neurodevelopmental
and neurodegenative diseases in humans.
http://stemcellslab.upatras.gr/
• 1. GemC1 is a critical switch for neural stem cell generation in the postnatal brain. Lalioti et al., Glia. 2019
Dec;67(12):2360-2373.
• 2. Mcidas and GemC1 are key regulators for the generation of multiciliated ependymal cells in the adult
neurogenic niche. Kyrousi et al., Development. 2015 Nov 1;142(21):3661-74.
www.hsfn.gr

16. NEURAL STEM CELLS & NEUROIMAGING GROUP
Dimitra Thomaidou
Hellenic Pasteur Institute
• Papadimitriou E, Koutsoudaki PN, Karagkouni D, Karamitros T, Chroni-Tzartou D, Margariti M, Gemissis, C, Thanou I, Tzartos S, Hatzigeorgiou A,
Thomaidou D (2020) Cooperative action of miR-124 and ISX9 in instructing direct reprogramming of mouse astrocytes to induced-neurons in
vitro and in vivo. BioRivix
• Aravantinou-Fatorou K, Ortega, F, Chroni-Tzartou D., Antoniou, Poulopoulou C., N., Politis P.K., Berninger B. Matsas R and Thomaidou D.
(2015) Cend1 and Neurogenin2 reprogram mouse astrocytes and embryonic fibroblasts to induced neural precursor cells and differentiated
neurons, Stem Cell Reports; 5(3): 405-18
• Direct Reprogramming of astrocytes to induced-neurons using Transcription Factors,
miRNAs and small neurogenic molecules: study of the molecular mechanism and in
vivo therapeutic effect
• Study of Neurovascular Unit (NVU) dynamics after neuroinflammation: an open
window into the brain through 2-photon intravital imaging
• Effect of chemical brain lesion on adult neurogenesis occurring in neurogenic and non-
neurogenic brain areas
www.hsfn.gr

17. www.hsfn.gr
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neural basis of behaviour

18. LABORATORY OF VISUAL COGNITION
Georgia Gregoriou
Medical School, University of Crete and
IACM-FORTH, Heraklion
Neural mechanisms of visual attention and memory.
• Encoding and decoding of cognitive and
behavioral parameters from single neurons
and neuronal ensembles in prefrontal,
parietal and mid-level visual areas.
• Local and long-range circuit dynamics
during different behavioral states.
http://physiology.med.uoc.gr/?n=LaboratoryOfVisualCognition.Home
• P. Sapountzis, S. Paneri and G.G. Gregoriou. (2018) Distinct roles of prefrontal and parietal areas in the
encoding of attentional priority. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 115(37):E8755-E8764
• G.G. Gregoriou, A.F. Rossi, L.G. Ungerleider and R. Desimone (2014) Lesions of prefrontal cortex reduce
attentional modulation of neuronal responses and synchrony in V4. Nature Neurosci. 17:1003-1011
Frequency
Time
Now recruiting PhD students and postdocs!
Contact gregoriou@uoc.gr
www.hsfn.gr

19. LABORATORY OF BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
George Panagis
University of Crete, Rethymno
• My research focuses on the pharmacological and neural mechanisms for
reward, drug addiction, and psychiatric disorders.
• I also conduct basic research in order to delineate the roles of
predisposing and/or protective factors in the development of drug abuse
and addiction.
• Experimental approaches include various behavioral methodologies,
(intracranial self-stimulation, place preference, open field, elevated plus
maze, forced swim test), intra-cerebral, and systemic pharmacology).
• Katsidoni, V., Anagnostou, I., & Panagis, G. (2013). Cannabidiol inhibits the reward-facilitating effect of
morphine: involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus, Addiction Biology, 18, 286-296.
• Pitsilis, G., Spyridakos, D., Nomikos, G.G., & Panagis, G. (2017). Adolescent female cannabinoid exposure
alters the reward-facilitating effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and d-amphetamine in the adult male
offspring. Frontiers in Neuropharmacology, Front. Pharmacol. 8:225. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2017.0022.
www.hsfn.gr

20. LABORATORY OF MOVEMENT PHYSIOLOGY
Vassilis Raos
Associate Professor of Physiology
University of Crete Medical School
COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE / Social Cognition
To decipher the mechanisms and processes that underlie social cognition
by investigating the underlying neural dynamics at the micro-, meso- and
macroscale level. To understand how a unified percept of the observed
action emerges.
SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCE / Motor Control
To study the role of the frontal cortical areas in monitoring the progress of
self and others’ actions as they unfold. To verify whether the view of the
continuously changing configuration of a hand approaching to an object is
part of a physiological process detecting whether the ongoing response
deviates from its goal.
http://physiology.med.uoc.gr/?n=VassilisRaos.Contact
• Papadourakis V, Raos V. 2019. Neurons in the macaque dorsal premotor cortex respond to execution and
observation of actions. Cereb Cortex 29(10):4223-4237
• Savaki HE, Raos V. 2019. Action Perception and Motor Imagery: Mental Practice of Action. Prog Neurobiol
175:107-125
www.hsfn.gr

21. LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR
COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
EFTHIMIOS MC SKOULAKIS
Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”
1. MOLECULES, SIGNALING PATHWAYS AND NEURONAL CIRCUITS ESSENTIAL FOR STIMULUS
PERCEPTION AND PROCESSING AND RELEVANT DYSFUNCTIONS (ADHD, ASD, Schizophrenia
endophenotypes)
2. MOLECULES, SIGNALING PATHWAYS AND NEURONAL CIRCUITS INVOLVED IN ASSOCIATIVE
LEARNING AND TRANSLATION-DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT MEMORIES AND RELEVANT
DYSFUNCTIONS (Neurofibromatosis 1, Rasopathies, Fragile X)
• Temporally specific engagement of distinct neuronal circuits regulating olfactory habituation
in Drosophila.Semelidou O, Acevedo SF, Skoulakis EM. Elife. 2018 Dec 21;7:e39569.
• Drosophila Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Regulates Habituation Latency and Facilitation in Distinct Mushroom Body
Neurons. Roussou IG, Papanikolopoulou K, Savakis C, Skoulakis EMC. J Neurosci. 2019 Oct 30;39(44):8730-8743.
https://www.fleming.gr/skoulakis-lab
www.hsfn.gr

22. BIOLOGY-BIOCHEMISTRY LAB
Antonis Stamatakis
NKUA, Athens
• Effects of genes & early life experiences on brain structure and behaviour
• Effects of endocrine disruptors (EDCs) on behaviour
http://scholar.uoa.gr/astam
• Kalpachidou T et al. “Effects of a Neonatal Experience Involving Reward Through Maternal Contact on the
Noradrenergic System of the Rat Prefrontal Cortex.” Cereb Cortex. 26(9):3866-77, 2016.
• Repouskou A et al. “Long term transcriptional and behavioral effects in mice developmentally exposed to a
mixture of endocrine disruptors associated with delayed human neurodevelopment. An EDC-MixRisk
Consortium study”. Scientific Reports, https://rdcu.be/b4KEd, 2020
Fras1 codes for an extracellular protein and its transcripts are detected in
choroid plexuses and in cortical, hippocampal and amygdalar areas. Fras1-/-
mice exhibit aberrant extracellular matrix organization (WFA labeling) as well
as impaired behaviour. Kalpachidou et al., EJN, 2020 doi: 10.1111/ejn.14759
www.hsfn.gr

23. LABORATORY OF COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
Despina A. Tata, PhD
Associate Professor
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Study of:
• Early and adult psychological stress
• Environmental enrichment
on various aspects of behavior (cognition, emotion, exploration), brain
(anatomy, neurochemistry) and stress-related neuroendocrine response
1. Dandi, E., Kalamari, A., Touloumi, O., Lagoudaki, R., Nousiopoulou, E., Simeonidou, C., Spandou, E., Tata, D.A.
(2018). The role of environmental enrichment following maternal separation: effects on behavior, stress reactivity
and synaptophysin / BDNF expression in hippocampus. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, 67,
19-32.
2. Tata, D. A., & Anderson, B. J. (2010). The effects of chronic glucocorticoid exposure on dendritic length, synapse
numbers and glial volume in animal models: implications for hippocampal volume reductions in depression.
Physiology & Behavior, 99 (2), 186-193.
ARISTOTLE
UNIVERSITY OF
THESSALONIKI
www.hsfn.gr

24. www.hsfn.gr
Neuropharmacology

25. REGENERATIVE PHARMACOLOGY LAB
Ioannis Charalampopoulos
Medical School, University of Crete &
IMBB-FORTH
• Molecular pharmacology of neurotrophin receptors on adult neurogenesis
in Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Neurotrophin signaling in neuronal cells and neural stem cells in the adult
brain.
• Development of novel synthetic analogs as neurotrophin mimetics.
• Development of 3D scaffolds for ex vivo reconstruction of specific
neuronal networks.
http://regenera-pharm.med.uoc.gr
• Charalampopoulos I, Vicario A, Pediaditakis I, Gravanis A, Simi A, Ibáñez CF. Genetic dissection of
neurotrophin signaling through the p75 neurotrophin receptor. Cell Rep. 2012 Dec 27;2(6):1563-70.
• Charalampopoulos I, Tsatsanis C, Dermitzaki E, Alexaki VI, Castanas E, Margioris AN, Gravanis A.
Dehydroepiandrosterone and allopregnanolone protect sympathoadrenal medulla cells against apoptosis
via antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 May 25;101(21):8209-14.
www.hsfn.gr

26. NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Christina Dalla
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
• Sex differences in models of depression and antidepressant response
• GPER1 neuroestrogen membrane receptor: a novel, rapid-acting,
promising target for psychopharmacology
http://psychopharmacology.med.uoa.gr
• Kokras, N., Hodes, G. E., Bangasser, D. A., & Dalla, C. (2019). Sex differences in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis: An obstacle
to antidepressant drug development?. British journal of pharmacology, 176(21), 4090-4106
• Kafetzopoulos V, Kokras N, Sotiropoulos I, Oliveira JF, Leite-Almeida H, Vasalou A, Sardinha VM, Papadopoulou-Daifoti Z, Almeida OF,
Antoniou K, Sousa N, Dalla C. The nucleus reuniens: a key node in the neurocircuitry of stress and depression. Mol Psychiatry. 2017
Apr 11.
www.hsfn.gr

27. LABORATORY OF CELLULAR SIGNALING AND MOLECULAR
PHARMACOLOGY
Zafiroula (Iro) Georgoussi, PhD
Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre
for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
• Research interest 1: Elucidation of novel signaling pathways of opioid
receptors implicated in neurite outgrowth, differentiation, autophagy and
neuronal plasticity
http://bio.demokritos.gr/el/the-institute/personnel/
• Pallaki et al., (2017) Neuropharmacology,117:408-421
• Papakonstantinou et al., (2015) Cellular Signaling, 27, 104-114
• Research interest 2 : Identification of
transcription factors and genes which
function is altered upon opioid agonist
administration
• Research interest 3: Characterization of new
bioactive opioid compounds using cell based
assays (high throughput screens) to identify
“smart drugs” to alleviate pain or other
diseases of the CNS
www.hsfn.gr

28. LABORATORY OF MOLECULAR
PHARMACOLOGY
George Liapakis
University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
• Elucidation of the structure and function of type 1 receptor (CRF1R) for
the corticotropin releasing factor and development of small CRF1R
antagonists with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.
• Development of novel GnRH analogues.
Figure. Interaction of the small antagonist,
antalarmin, with the CRF1R.
• Structural-functional analysis of the third transmembrane domain of the corticotropin-releasing factor type 1
receptor: role in activation and allosteric antagonism. Spyridaki K, Matsoukas MT, Cordomi A, Gkountelias
K, Papadokostaki M, Mavromoustakos T, Logothetis DE, Margioris AN, Pardo L, Liapakis G. J Biol Chem.
2014 Jul 4;289(27):18966-77.
• Family B G Protein-coupled Receptors and their Ligands: From Structure to Function.. Liapakis G,
Matsoukas MT, Karageorgos V, Venihaki M, Mavromoustakos T. Curr Med Chem. 2017;24(31):3323-3355
www.hsfn.gr

29. www.hsfn.gr
Neuropsychology

30. LABORATORY OF NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Stella Giakoumaki
University of Crete, Rethymno
• Endophenotypic indices in the schizophrenia-spectrum
• The neuropsychological profile of schizotypy in the general population
and in individuals at risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders
• The association of schizotypy with emotion processing
• Neuropsychological correlates of temperament and character
https://keme.uoc.gr/index.php/en/laboratories/school-of-social-sciences/laboratory-of-neuropsychology
• Zouraraki C., Karagiannopoulou L., Karamaouna P., Pallis E.G., Giakoumaki S.G. (2019). Schizotypal
Traits, Neurocognition, and Paternal Age in Unaffected First Degree Relatives of Patients With Familial or
Sporadic Schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res, 273:422-429.
• Gkintoni E., Pallis E.G., Bitsios P., Giakoumaki S.G. (2017). Neurocognitive Performance,
Psychopathology and Social Functioning in Individuals at High Risk for Schizophrenia or Psychotic Bipolar
Disorder. J Affect Disord, 208:512-520.
www.hsfn.gr

31. www.hsfn.gr
Neurophysiology
Neuroanatomy

32. LABORATORY OF PHYSIOLOGY
Dpt. Medicine,
Efstratios K. Kosmidis
Aristotle University, Thessaloniki
• Optogenetics, genetically encoded voltage indicators
• Computational neuroscience
http://physiology.med.auth.gr/users/kosmidis
• Baker, BJ, Lee H, Pieribone VA, Cohen LB, Isacoff EY, Knopfel T, Kosmidis EK. 2007. Three fluorescent
protein voltage sensors exhibit low plasma membrane expression in mammalian cells. Journal of
Neuroscience Methods. 161:32-38.
• Kosmidis, EK, Pakdaman K. 2003. An analysis of the reliability phenomenon in the FitzHugh-Nagumo
model. Journal of Computational Neuroscience. 14:5-22.
www.hsfn.gr

33. Marigoula Margarity
Associate Professor
Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology
Department of Biology, University of Patras
Our research is focused on
• the delineation of the action of thyroid hormones in CNS through studying
behavioral parameters, oxidative markers, and metabolic profile using
metabolomics analysis in specific brain regions of adult mice
• the mechanisms of neurodegeneration afforded by the application of neurotoxins
on mice and on various cell cultures systems
• mechanisms of neuroprotection afforded using various plant extracts in adult
mice by determining oxidant markers, anti-amyloid
properties, anti-cholinesterase actions and behavior
Publications
• C. G. Vasilopoulou, C. Constantinou, D. Giannakopoulou, P. Giompres and M. Margarity*. «Effect of adult onset
hypothyroidism on behavioral parameters and acetylcholinesterase isoforms activity in specific brain regions ofmale
mice». Physiology & Behavior 164; 284–291, 2016.
• Linardaki Z.I., Orkoula A.G. Kokkosis A, Lamari F.N, and Margarity M. «Investigation of the neuroprotective action of
saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in aluminium-exposed adult mice through behavioral and neurobiochemical assessment».
Food & Chemical Toxicology, 52: 163-170, 2013.
http://www.biology.upatras.gr/personel/margariti/
www.hsfn.gr

34. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY TEAM
LAB OF PHYSIOLOGY
Costas Papatheodoropoulos
University of Patras, Patras.
Lab and/or
institution logo
• Functional diversification along the dorsal-ventral axis of the
hippocampus at the cellular, molecular and local network level.
• Synaptic plasticity and rhythmogenesis in the hippocampus.
• Trompoukis, G., and Papatheodoropoulos, C. (2020). Dorsal-Ventral Differences in Modulation of Synaptic
Transmission in the Hippocampus. Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience 12, 24.
• Kouvaros, S., and Papatheodoropoulos, C. (2016). Theta burst stimulation-induced LTP: Differences and
similarities between the dorsal and ventral CA1 hippocampal synapses. Hippocampus 26, 1542-1559.
Dorsal
Ventral
 LTP
D1R
β-AR  Synaptic
Plasticity
 Inhibition
a5GABAaR
www.hsfn.gr

35. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR
LAB
Kyriaki Sidiropoulou
Dept of Biology, University of Crete &
IMBB-FORTH
Our research aims to understand the mechanisms underlying prefrontal
cortical function in health and disease
www.sidiropouloulab.com
• Chalkiadaki, Velli, Kyriazidis, Stavroulaki, Chatzaki, Aivaliotis and K. Sidiropoulou (2018) Development of the
MAM model of schizophrenia in mice: Sex similarities and differences in hippocampal and prefrontal cortical
function, Neuropharmacology,
• Konstantoudaki, Chalkiadaki, Vassileiou, Kalemaki, Karagogeos and K. Sidiropoulou (2018) Prefrontal cortical specific
differences in behavior and synaptic plasticity between adolescent and adult mice, Journal of Neurophysiology,
www.hsfn.gr

36. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY LAB
Irini Skaliora
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens
• Cortical networks, epilepsy, endogenous brain activity, nicotinic modulation,
functional connectivity
• Fear conditioning by proxy: the role of sex, circadian rhythms, and high-
affinity nicotinic receptors
• Sigalas et al (2020) “Changes in functional connectivity during persistent activity (Up states) are enhanced in the
presence of partial disinhibition” - in revisions.
• Rigas et al (2018) Long-Term Effects of Early Life Seizures on Endogenous Local Network Activity of the Mouse
Neocortex. Front. Synaptic Neurosci. 10:43.
http://www.bioacademy.gr/faculty-details/Gcs/irini
Mg2+ Switch S1BF
Young
S1BF
Adult
CA3
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37. LABORATORY OF THEORETICAL AND APPLIED
NEUROSCIENCE
Lazaros C. Triarhou, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
Fields of interest
• Integrative and Evolutionary Neuroscience
• Classical and Historical Neuroanatomy
https://www.uom.gr/en/esp/laboratory-of-theoretical-and-applied-neurosciences
• von Economo, C., Koskinas, G.N., Triarhou, L.C.: Atlas of Cytoarchitectonics of the Adult Human Cerebral
Cortex (first English edition). Karger, Basel, 2008, x+182 pp. · ISBN 978-3-8055-8289-6
• Triarhou LC: The comparative neurology of neocortical gyration and the quest for functional
specialization. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience 11(96): 1–6, 2017. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00096
www.hsfn.gr

38. LAB. OF ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY AND
EMBRYOLOGY
School of Vet. Medicine
Anastasia S. Tsingotjidou
Aristotle University, Thessaloniki
• Animal models of neuropathies associated with
diseases (diabetes and Waldenström’s
macroglobulinemia) or chemotherapy
• Sensory spinal and supraspinal pathways, with
specific interest in sheep oxytocin secretion
during lactation
http://astsing.webpages.auth.gr/en/
• M.Chiotelli, A. S. Tsingotjidou, E.Ziv, I. Grivas, R. Kalman (2008) Histological assessment of diabetic
neuropathy in desert gerbil (Psammomys obesus). Presented at the2nd joint meeting of ESLAV/LAVA,
Dublin, Ireland.
• E. K. Kosmidis, A. S. Tsingotjidou, L. Iliadis, C. Batzios andG. C. Papadopoulos (2009). A sparsely
connected network to model the relay stations of the sheep milk ejection reflex. Neurocomputing, (73)1-3
Special Issue: 80-86.
Sand rat sciatic nerve semithin
sections affected by diabetes
(right column)
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39. www.hsfn.gr
Computational Neuroscience

40. A.K. Moschovakis, M.D., Ph.D.
Computational Neuroscience, IACM, FORTH &
Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Medical School,
University of Crete
•Neural Control of movement
http://www.iacm.forth.gr/index_main.php?l=en&group=5&page=about
The representation of the horizontal meridian in the
primate superior colliculus (From: A.K. Moschovakis,
G.G. Gregoriou, and H.E. Savaki. Functional imaging of the
primate superior colliculus during saccades to visual targets.
Nature Neurosci. 4: 1026-1031, 2001)
• Neromyliotis, E. and Moschovakis, A. Response properties of saccade related neurons of the post-arcuate premotor
cortex. J. Neurophysiol. 119: 2291–2306, 2018.
• Kardamakis, Α. and Moschovakis, A. The optimal control of gaze shifts. J. Neurosci. 29: 7723-7730, (2009).
www.hsfn.gr

41. Panayiota Poirazi
IMBB-FORTH, Heraklion
Investigating the role of dendrites in brain function with computational
models
www.dendrites.gr
• Poirazi P. & Papoutsi A. Illuminating dendritic function with computational models. Nature Reviews
Neuroscience, 11 May 2020.
• Tzilivaki A., Kastellakis G., Poirazi P. Challenging the point neuron dogma: FS basket cells as 2-stage
nonlinear integrators. Nat Commun, 2019 Aug 14.
Ionic Mechanisms
INa
IKdr
IA
INap
Ih
ID
ICaT
ICaL
ICaN
IfAHP
IsAHP
ImAHP
Calcium buffering mechanism.
Synaptic Mechanisms
NMDA, Ca++ AMPA, GABAA (autapse)
FS Basket Cell models
Tzilivaki et al, Nat. Comm. 2019
CA1 network model
Turi et al, Neuron, 2019
Shuman et al, Nat. Neurosc., 2020
Human L2/3 neuron model
Gidon et al. Science 2020
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42. BIOINFORMATICS AND HUMAN
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY (BIHELAB),
Panayiotis Vlamos
Dept. of Informatics, Ionian University
Lab and/or
institution logo
Research Interests
• Computational neurodegeneration
• Digital and computational biomarkers in
neurodegenerative diseases
• Identification of novel biomarkers and
clinical trials
• Mathematical modelling and
computational mathematics
• Pathways and key molecules in
neurodegenerative diseases
http://bihelab.di.ionio.gr
• AG Vrahatis, IS Kotsireas, P Vlamos (2020), A Systems Biology Approach for the Identification of Active Molecular Pathways During
the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease, Springer, Advances in Experimental Biology and Medicine, GeNeDis 2018, 303-314
• A Plerou, P Vlamos (2016), Evaluation of Mathematical Cognitive Functions with the Use of EEG Brain Imaging, Experimental
Multimedia Systems for Interactivity and Strategic Innovation, IGI publishing
Research Interests
• Protein misfolding models
• Models of mitochondrial dysfunction in
neurogenerative diseases
• Design and development of biosensors
• Omics data analytics
• Machine learning and decision support
systems in medicine and healthcare
• Learning methodologies and
neuroeducation
Other
• Organizer of the Genetics, Geriatrics and Neurodegenerative diseases congress, Genedis
• Leading the Hellenic Initiative Against Alzheimer’s Diseases (HIAAD)
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43. www.hsfn.gr
Clinical Neuroscience

44. Laboratory of Neurobiology, Histochemistry
and Electron Microscopy
Maria T. Panayotacopoulou, Ph.D
Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research
Institute, University of Athens, Athens
• Research interest 1: Chemical and Molecular Neuroanatomy
• Research interest 2: Perinatal hypoxia and early brain programming in humans
The main research interest of our lab is the cellular effects of perinatal hypoxic/ ischemic
injury on the neonatal human brain. Epigenetic factors in critical periods of brain
development, in combination with the genetic substratum of the individual, could predispose
infant survivors of severe perinatal hypoxia/ischemia to neurological and psychiatric
disorders later in life. We use immunohistochemistry and image analysis morphometric
methods to study infant postmortem brain tissues collected from the Greek Brain Bank,
member of the BrainNet Europe.
www.epipsi.gr/index.php/research/89-neurobiologias-istoxhmeias-lab
1) Giannopoulou, I. Pagida, M.A., Brianna, D. and Panayotacopoulou, M.T (2018) Perimatal hypoxia
as a risk factor for psychopathology later in life: the role of dopamine and neurotrophins, Hormones
17 (1) : 25-32
2) Pagida, M.A, Konstantinidou, E., Crysanthou-Piterou, M., Patsouris, E. and Panayotacopoulou, M.T.
(2020) Apoptotic Markers in the Midbrain of the Human Neonate After Perinatal Hypoxic/Ischemic
Injury, J Neuropath Exp Neurol 79(1) : 86-1011
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45. LABORATORY OF COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND
SENSORIMOTOR CONTROL
Professor Nikos Smyrnis
University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision
Medicine Research Institute “COSTAS STEFANIS”, Athens
• Study of cognitive functions in sensorimotor control and the control of eye
movements
• Study of cognitive dysfunction using sensorimotor and oculomotor
paradigms in psychiatric and neurological disorders.
https://www.epipsi.gr/index.php/research/94-aisuhtikokinhtikou-elegxou-lab
• Panagiotaropoulou G, Thrapsanioti E, Pappa E, Grigoras C, Mylonas D, Karavasilis E, Velonakis G, Kelekis N, Smyrnis N (2019)
Hypo-activity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex relates to increased reaction time variability in patients with schizophrenia.
Neuroimage Clinical, 23:101853.
• Valakos D, d'Avossa G, Mylonas D, Butler J, Klein C, Smyrnis N (2020) P300 response modulation reflects breaches of non-
probabilistic expectations. Scientific Reports, Scientific Reports, in press.
www.hsfn.gr

46. LABORATORY OF NEURODEGENERATIVE
DISEASES
Leonidas Stefanis
BRFAA, Athens
• The molecular pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease
• The role of protein degradation systems in neurodegeneration
http://www.bioacademy.gr/lab/stefanis
Impairment of chaperone-mediated autophagy induces dopaminergic neurodegeneration in rats. Xilouri M, Brekk
OR, Polissidis A, …., Stefanis L. Autophagy. 2016 Nov;12(11):2230-2247
Boosting chaperone-mediated autophagy in vivo mitigates α-synuclein-induced neurodegeneration. Xilouri M,
Brekk OR…….Kirik D, Stefanis L. Brain. 2013 Jul;136(Pt 7):2130-46
Downregulation in the substantia nigra of rats of Lamp2a,
the rate-limiting component of the Chaperone-Mediated
Autophagy (CMA) pathway, with an Adeno-Associated
Virus (AAV) encoding the L2 shRNA, leads to degeneration
of EGFP- and Tyrosine Hydorxylase (TH)-positive fibers in
the striatum, at 8 weeks after nigral injections, providing
evidence that the pathway of CMA is essential for the
survival of nigral dopaminergic neurons (Xilouri et al., 2016)
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47. NEUROGENETICS / NEUROLOGY
LABORATORY
Ioannis Zaganas, MD, PhD
University of Crete, Medical School,
Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Research Interests:
• Dissecting the role of genetic and environmental factors in the
pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as
other neural and non-neural phenotypes
• Establishing procedures for the use of next generation sequencing
techniques in the diagnostic investigation of neurogenetic and other
diseases
• Understanding the functional properties and role of glutamate
dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in glutamate metabolism and glutamate-
induced neurodegeneration
1) Zaganas I, Simos P, Basta M, et al. The Cretan Aging Cohort: cohort description and burden of dementia
and mild cognitive impairment. Am J Alzheimer Dis Other Demen 34: 23-33, 2019
2) Michaelidou K, Tsiverdis I, Erimaki S, Papadimitriou D, Amoiridis G, Papadimitriou A, Mitsias P, Zaganas
I. Whole exome sequencing establishes diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth 4J, 1C, and X1 subtypes. Mol
Genet Genomic Med 8: e1141, 2020
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