Dr Magda Atilano

Dr. Atilano is a cell biologist researcher studying the pathogenic mechanisms that connect endolysosomal gene mutations to Parkinson's disease (PD). Her research employs the powerful combination of Drosophila (fruit flies) and human neuronal models to elucidate novel therapeutic targets for PD, aiming to identify points of intervention that can safeguard against age-related diseases.

Before joining the Kinghorn Lab, Magda worked as part of Professor Dame Linda Partridge's research group, where she unravelled the intricate role of insulin signalling in Drosophila models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) associated with C9orf72-repeat expansion.

She graduated in Biochemistry before obtaining a Ph.D. in Microbiology/Immunity from Universidade Nova de Lisboa/ITQB. Following her doctoral studies, she was awarded an EMBO Fellowship at Oxford University to investigate the intricate cross-regulation between innate immunity, metabolism, and the gut microbiome.