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We are passionate about the mechanisms of neuronal circuit formation in health and disease

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We will soon be moving to the University of Vienna! Stay tuned for open positions

Research Interests

Neuronal cells have uniquely complex morphologies that reflects their ability to connect with up to tens of thousands of neurons in the mammalian central nervous system. An interplay between genes and the environment dictates the formation of neuronal circuits. Experiences during early life in particular, when the brain is highly plastic, shapes neuronal circuits that are maintained throughout lifetime, and can therefore confer susceptibility or resilience to several neurological diseases. We are particularly interested in the role of non-coding RNA, such as microRNA (miRNA), in postnatal development. We previously showed that intracellular membrane organelles act as platforms for miRNA production and activity, which was important for neuronal dendrite development. In addition, we recenlty showed that miRNAs secreted in neuronal extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate circuit formation during neurotrophin signaling. We are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of synaptic miRNA secretion and function in the nervous system. In addition, we are exploring candidate non-coding RNA that play a role in depression-like behaviors caused by early life adversity. As EVs and other nanoparticles hold promise in RNA-based therapies, we aim to combine knowledge from fundamental and translational research to contribute to the development of novel therapies for neurological diseases.

About the PI

Ass. Prof. Anna Antoniou

Anna Antoniou is completed her PhD in molecular Neuroscience at the MRC Center for Synaptic Plasticity at the University of Bristol, UK. She then received post-doctoral fellowships by the MRC, EMBO and the Alexander von Humboldt foundation and moved to Germany to investigate the mechanisms of neuronal microRNA production. In 2022, Anna started her group at the University of Bonn Medical Center (located at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases). Research in her group focuses the role of neuronal microRNA and other non-coding RNA in neuronal circuit formation and function. She was recently appointed as Assistant Professor at the University of Vienna.

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The Team

Dr. Heba Ali

Postdoctoral Researcher

With a background in Neuroscience and in Pharmacy, I aim to understand how molecular networks shape neuronal circuits and affect behavior. My current research focuses on early life stress and its role in the emergence of mental health disorders in adulthood. I combine expertise in animal behavior, microscopy, and data science to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking early experiences to long-term changes in brain function. Outside the lab, I enjoy swimming, listening to music, and spending time with my cats :)

Yuzhou Zeng

Doctoral Researcher

For my doctoral thesis I am investigating how microRNAs are sorted into extracellular vesicles in neurons. I have studied neuroscience internationally, starting with a BSc at the University of Bristol and an MPhil at the University of Cambridge. Now based in Germany, I am continuing my research into the molecular mechanisms of the nervous system. Outside the lab, I enjoy photography, baking, and playing the piano.

Aditi Saha

Masters Student

I’m a curious mind with interest in all things molecular! My Master thesis project focuses on molecular insights into miRNA pathways during cell stress. Along the way, I’ve also become a bit of a microscopy enthusiast, while studying the localization and formation of RNA granules. When I am not at the lab, I'm probably indulged in creating some scenic art at home!

Selina Luhmann

Masters Student

I did my Bachelor degree in Bioscience at the University of Münster, and got interested in neuroscience while writing my bachelor thesis at the department of Neurobiology and behaviour. I then moved to Düsseldorf and continued my studies at the Heinrich Heine University in the Masters degree „Translational Neuroscience“. Currently, I’m writing my Master thesis at the DZNE. In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities, mainly cycling and hiking. I also do Judo about twice a week.

Key Publications

Zeng, Y., Antoniou, A. (2025) Regulation of synaptic mitochondria by extracellular vesicles and its implications for neuronal metabolism and synaptic plasticity. Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism, in press.
Szegő ÉM, Höfs L, Antoniou A, Dinter E, Bernhardt N, Schneider A, Di Monte DA, Falkenburger H. (2025) Intermittent fasting reduces alpha-synuclein pathology and functional decline in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Nature Communications, in press.
Antoniou, A.*, Auderset, L., Kaurani, L., Sebastian, E., Zeng, Y., Allahham, M., Cases-Cunillera, S., Schoch, S., Gründemann, J., Fischer, A., & Schneider, A.* (2023). Neuronal extracellular vesicles and associated microRNAs induce circuit connectivity downstream BDNF. Cell reports, 42(2), 112063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112063 *co-corresponding author
Antoniou, A.*, Khudayberdiev, S., Idziak, A., Bicker, S., Jacob, R., Schratt, G.* (2018). The dynamic recruitment of TRBP to neuronal membranes mediates dendritogenesis during development. EMBO Reports, 19(3), e44853. DOI:10.15252/embr.201744853 *co-corresponding author
Weiss, K.*, Antoniou, A.*, Schratt, G. (2015). Non-coding mechanisms of local mRNA translation in neuronal dendrites. European Journal of Cell Biology, 94(7-9):363-7. DOI:10.1016/j.ejcb.2015.05.011 *equal contribution
Antoniou, A., Baptista, M., Carney, N., Hanley, J.G. (2014). PICK1 links Argonaute 2 to endosomes in neuronal dendrites and regulates miRNA activity. EMBO Reports, 15(5): 548-56. DOI:10.1002/embr.201337631
Fiore, R., Rajman, M., Schwale, C., Bicker, S., Antoniou, A., Bruehl, C., Draguhn, A., Schratt, G. (2014). MiR-134-dependent regulation of Pumilio-2 is necessary for homeostatic synaptic depression. EMBO Journal, 33(19):2231-46. DOI:10.15252/embj.201487921
Rocca, D.L.*, Amici, M.*, Antoniou, A.*, Blanco Suarez, E., Halemani, R., Murk, K., McGarvey, J., Jaafari, N., Mellor, J.R., Collingridge, G.L., Hanley, J.G. (2013). The small GTPase Arf1 regulates Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization via PICK1 to control AMPA receptor trafficking, dendritic spine size and synaptic plasticity. Neuron, 79(2): 293-307. DOI:10.1016/j.neuron.2013.05.003 *equal contribution