Dr. Androniki Kretsovali | Molecular Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award
Research Director | Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology | Greece
Dr. Androniki Kretsovali is a distinguished Greek molecular biologist currently serving as Research Director at the Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IMBB) within the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH). She earned her B.Sc. in Chemistry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, followed by a DEA in Biochemistry from the University of Paris XI, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Paris VII. She also completed postdoctoral fellowships at Paris VII and at IMBB in Heraklion. Throughout her career, she has advanced through multiple positions at IMBB, from research contracts and staff scientist roles to principal researcher and now Research Director. Dr. Kretsovali has played a pivotal role in both research and education, supervising numerous Ph.D., M.Sc., and undergraduate students. Her scientific focus on stem cell pluripotency, epigenetic regulation, and neural stem cell biology has positioned her as a leading figure in molecular biology research in Greece.
Professional Profile
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Education
Dr. Kretsovali’s academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She then pursued advanced studies in France, earning a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA) in Biochemistry from the University of Paris XI, followed by a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry from the University of Paris VII. Furthering her expertise, she completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Paris VII and at the Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology in Heraklion, Greece. This combination of foundational scientific education in Greece and specialized research training in France equipped her with the necessary skills to investigate complex molecular and cellular mechanisms. Her international academic background provided her with a strong theoretical base, extensive laboratory experience, and a multidisciplinary perspective on molecular biology, epigenetics, and stem cell research, laying the groundwork for her future achievements as a senior research leader.
Experience
Dr. Kretsovali has had a progressive research career at the Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IMBB) within FORTH. She began with a research contract before being appointed as Staff Scientist B, followed by promotion to Staff Scientist A. She then served as Principal Researcher before her appointment as Research Director. Earlier in her career, she worked as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Crete, where she taught undergraduate courses in Biochemistry. Beyond her primary research roles, she has been actively involved in postgraduate education, delivering lectures for various master’s and doctoral programs at the University of Crete and the University of Athens. She has supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory research projects, contributing to both their scientific development and to the advancement of her research programs. Her experience spans molecular biology, stem cell science, epigenetics, and neurodegeneration research.
Research Interest
Dr. Kretsovali’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate embryonic stem cell pluripotency, induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming, and neural stem cell differentiation and survival. Her work examines how transcriptional and epigenetic regulators, as well as signaling pathways, control stem cell fate decisions. Using a combination of gene silencing, genome-wide approaches, proteomics, small molecule interventions, and biomaterials, her team investigates the balance between self-renewal and differentiation. In recent years, she has explored the neuroprotective role of the Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein (PML) in models of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, particularly in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. Her group also studies synthetic microneurotrophins and their potential in neural repair strategies. This dual focus on stem cell biology and neurodegeneration not only advances fundamental understanding of cell fate regulation but also has potential applications in regenerative medicine and the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Awards
No specific awards, honors, or recognitions are documented in the provided material or in publicly accessible databases. It is possible that Dr. Kretsovali has received acknowledgments for research excellence, academic contributions, or institutional service that are not currently listed in the available sources. Her long-standing leadership roles, significant research output, and extensive contributions to postgraduate education and mentorship suggest that she is highly regarded within her professional community. For a complete awards record, further institutional or personal documentation would be required to supplement this application.
Top Noted Publications
Selected publications with hyperlinks, journal names, and titles:
Title: Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein Regulates Stem Cell Pluripotency Through Novel Sumoylation Targets
journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2023
Cited: 42 articles
Title: Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein Regulates Angiogenesis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition to Limit Metastasis in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
journal: Molecular Oncology
Year: 2022
Cited: 56 articles
Title: Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein and Stem Cells: From Cancer to Pluripotency
journal: International Journal of Developmental Biology
Year: 2021
Cited: 38 articles
Title: Adenovirus Fibers as Ultra-Stable Vehicles for Intracellular Nanoparticle and Protein Delivery
journal: Biomolecules
Year: 2021
Cited: 27 articles
Title: Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein Controls Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Modulating Forkhead Transcription Factors
journal: Molecular Oncology
Year: 2020
Cited: 44 articles
Title: Designer Amyloid Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Potential Use as Gene Transfer Vehicles
journal: Biomolecules
Year: 2020
Cited: 19 articles
Title: Groucho Related Gene 5 (GRG5) is Involved in Embryonic and Neural Stem Cell State Decisions
journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2019
Cited: 51 articles
Conclusion
Dr. Androniki Kretsovali is an exceptional candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her career blends scientific excellence, innovation, leadership, and mentorship. Her groundbreaking contributions to stem cell biology and neurodegeneration research not only advance fundamental science but also hold promise for addressing urgent societal health challenges. Recognizing her with this award would honor a researcher whose work embodies the spirit of excellence, persistence, and inspiration for the next generation of women scientists.