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Natural Sciences

DR Una FitzGerald

B.Eng, M.Sc, Ph.D

 
researcher
 

Biography

Dr FitzGerald's research focus is on developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. After graduating from NUI Galway with a BE (Industrial) in 1983 and an MSc in Biotechnology in 1985, she worked in the biotech sector for five years before returning to academia to copmlete a PhD in molecular biology at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Dr FitzGerald returned to Ireland in 2003, taking up a lectureship in biomedical engineering at NUIG in 2005. Since then the main focus of the FitzGerald group has been multiple scelosis and other brain disorders including Parkinson's disease. The group has also studied the normal development of the cerebellum.

Dr FitzGerald is the Director of the Galway Neuroscience and she represents MS Ireland on the MS International Federation's International Medical and Scientific Board. She has also recently joined the committee of the Dementia and Neurodegeneratin Network, Ireland. Since May 2019, she is coordinating a €3.9 million EU-funded project that aims to work with researchers from Denmark, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic to create new devices and treatments for multiple sclerosis.

In effort to reduce the negative impact that lab research has on the enviroment, Dr FitzGerald initiated the 'Galway Green Labs' effort at NUIG, triggering the implmentation green practices the CÚRAM lab, in preparation for green lab certification' (see mygreenlab.org), which was awarded in late 2019. For more information on this achievement, watch our documentary movie 'The time to green our labs is now' (https://vimeo.com/375847945).

Research Interests

Summary of Neuroscience Rearch Topics
The overarching research theme is the investigation of the pathological processes occurring during multiple sclerosis (MS). We have completed many post-mortem MS tissue, pre-clinical and ex vivo studies, investigating endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling and modelling various aspects of disease pathology.   Our current major focus is the progressive phase of MS. This is a stage where, 10-15 years after diagnosis, people with MS experience worsening symptoms, leading to reduced mobility, increased fatigue and disruptions in cognitive functions.  We are the lead in an EU-wide Innovative Training Network Consortium that is aiming to develop a new approach to treating progessive MS (Marie-Curie-Sklodovska PMSMatTrain project 813263).  Collaborators in Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the Czech republic will work with Dr FitGerald, Prof Abhay Pandit and Dr Nathan Quinlan to train 15 PhDs who will become expert researchers in the progressive phase of MS.

In a Parkinson's disease-focused EU-funded project, also an innovative training network (BrainMatTrain), the group has collaborated with a consortium of early-stage researchers and principal investigators, focused on the development of novel biomaterials-based therapies for Parkinson's disease. In the FitzGerald group, a novel model of prodromal Parkinson's disease has been developed.

While neuroscience, brain function and neurodegenerative disorders are the primary focus of the FitzGerald group, the researchers are also striving to complete their work in a sustainable way. In November 2019, led by Dr FitzGerald, the CÚRAM lab became the first in Europe to gain 'Green Lab' certification, from 'My Green Lab'. 

Research Projects

  Project Start Date End Date
Engineering Underpinning Medicine
PMSMatTrain - ESR Account Dr Nathan Quinlan 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
PMSMatTrain 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
PMS Mat Train_Additional Funds 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
PMSMatTrain - ESR Account Prof. Abhay Pandit 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
****CO-ORDINATOR ACCOUNT**** PMSMatTrain 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
Development of Biomaterial-based Delivery Systems for Parkinson’s disease - an Integrated Pan-European Approach 01-JAN-16 31-DEC-19
GALWAY N KAREN DOYLE 20-MAY-09 31-DEC-20
ELISA 01-DEC-15 01-JUL-16
POLYMER-MEDIATED DELIVERY OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS-ALTERING SIRNA TO OLIGODENDROCYTES MS IRELAND: HRB (50 :50, ADMIN THROUGH MSI) UNA FITZGERALD 01-NOV-11 30-NOV-15
Multiple Sclerosis Research UNA FITZGERALD 101467 01-JAN-11 31-JUL-20
IRCSET FELLOWSHIP MARY NI FHLATHARTAIGH UNA FITZGE 01-OCT-08 30-SEP-13
FOUNDATION OFFICE 08-12 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RESEARC 01-JAN-08 31-DEC-22
SFI OVERHEADS EQUIPMENT UNA FITZGERALD 01-JAN-08 30-JUN-08
IICN SANOFI-AVENTIS AWARD UNA FITZGERALD 20-DEC-06 07-MAY-08
SFI ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS UNA FITZGERALD 01-MAY-06 30-SEP-09
MS AND GENERAL IRL UFITZ UNA FITZGERALD 01-NOV-05 31-DEC-17
MF 2005 MS PATIENTS UNA FITZGERALD 01-OCT-05 30-SEP-06

Contract Researchers

  Researcher Name Project Role Funding Body
Dr. Jill McMahon Multiple Sclerosis Research Senior Researcher

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2020) 'Dysregulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function following exposure to a dopamine metabolite: implications for Parkinson's disease'
Bagnoli E, Diviney T, FitzGerald U (2020) 'Dysregulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function following exposure to a dopamine metabolite: implications for Parkinson's disease'. European Journal Of Neuroscence, [Details]
(2019) 'Profile of the unfolded protein response in rat cerebellar cortical development'
Naughton, M;McMahon, J;Healy, S;FitzGerald, U (2019) 'Profile of the unfolded protein response in rat cerebellar cortical development'. The Journal Of Comparative Neurology, 527 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'ATPase activity of human binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) variants is enhanced by signal sequence and physiological concentrations of Mn2+'
Bandla, S,Diaz, S,Nasheuer, HP,FitzGerald, U (2019) 'ATPase activity of human binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) variants is enhanced by signal sequence and physiological concentrations of Mn2+'. FEBS open bio, [DOI] [Details]
(2005) 'CD95-mediated alteration in Hsp70 levels is dependent on protein stabilization'
Concannon, CG;FitzGerald, U;Holmberg, CI;Szegezdi, E;Sistonen, L;Samali, A (2005) 'CD95-mediated alteration in Hsp70 levels is dependent on protein stabilization'. Cell Stress & Chaperones, 10 :59-65 [Details]
(2011) 'Partial XBP1 Knockdown Does Not Affect Viability of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Exposed to New Models of Hypoxia and Ischemia In Vitro'
Kraskiewicz, H;FitzGerald, U (2011) 'Partial XBP1 Knockdown Does Not Affect Viability of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Exposed to New Models of Hypoxia and Ischemia In Vitro'. Journal Of Neuroscience Research, 89 :661-673 [DOI] [Details]
(2013) 'Calreticulin and other components of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat and human inflammatory demyelination'
Fhlathartaigh, MN;McMahon, J;Reynolds, R;Connolly, D;Higgins, E;Counihan, T;FitzGerald, U (2013) 'Calreticulin and other components of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat and human inflammatory demyelination'. Acta Neuropathologica Communications, 1 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Significant glial alterations in response to iron loading in a novel organotypic hippocampal slice culture model'
Healy, S;McMahon, J;Owens, P;FitzGerald, U (2016) 'Significant glial alterations in response to iron loading in a novel organotypic hippocampal slice culture model'. Scientific Reports, 6 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'UPR Induction Prevents Iron Accumulation and Oligodendrocyt Loss in ex vivo Cultured Hippocampal Slices'
Healy, S,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2018) 'UPR Induction Prevents Iron Accumulation and Oligodendrocyt Loss in ex vivo Cultured Hippocampal Slices'. Frontiers In Neuroscience, 12 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'Mitral cells and the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor: The sweet smell of success?'
Bagnoli, E,FitzGerald, U (2019) 'Mitral cells and the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor: The sweet smell of success?'. European Journal Of Neuroscience, 49 :422-439 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Threshold-based segmentation of fluorescent and chromogenic images of microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in FIJI'
Healy, S,McMahon, J,Owens, P,Dockery, P,FitzGerald, U (2018) 'Threshold-based segmentation of fluorescent and chromogenic images of microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in FIJI'. Journal Of Neuroscience Methods, 295 :87-103 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Ulk4 deficiency leads to hypomyelination in mice'
Liu, M,Xu, P,Guan, ZL,Qian, XH,Dockery, P,Fitzgerald, U,O'Brien, T,Shen, SB (2018) 'Ulk4 deficiency leads to hypomyelination in mice'. Glia, 66 :175-190 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Ulk4 Is Essential for Ciliogenesis and CSF Flow'
Liu, M,Guan, ZL,Shen, Q,Lalor, P,Fitzgerald, U,O'Brien, T,Dockery, P,Shen, SB (2016) 'Ulk4 Is Essential for Ciliogenesis and CSF Flow'. Journal Of Neuroscience, 36 :7589-7600 [DOI] [Details]
(2013) 'An ex-vivo multiple sclerosis model of inflammatory demyelination using hyperbranched polymer'
Mathew, A;Pakan, JMP;Collin, EC;Wang, WX;McDermott, KW;Fitzgerald, U;Reynolds, R;Pandit, AS (2013) 'An ex-vivo multiple sclerosis model of inflammatory demyelination using hyperbranched polymer'. Biomaterials, 34 :5872-5882 [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'Differential activation of ER stress pathways in myelinating cerebellar tracts'
Naughton, MC,McMahon, JM,FitzGerald, U (2015) 'Differential activation of ER stress pathways in myelinating cerebellar tracts'. International Journal Of Developmental Neuroscience, 47 :347-360 [DOI] [Details]
(2012) 'Increased expression of ER stress- and hypoxia-associated molecules in grey matter lesions in multiple sclerosis'
McMahon, J. M.,McQuaid, S.,Reynolds, R.,FitzGerald, U. F. (2012) 'Increased expression of ER stress- and hypoxia-associated molecules in grey matter lesions in multiple sclerosis'. Mult Scler, 18 (1010):1437-47 [Details]
(2011) 'Expression profiles of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules in demyelinating lesions and multiple sclerosis'
Cunnea, P,Mhaille, AN,McQuaid, S,Farrell, M,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2011) 'Expression profiles of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules in demyelinating lesions and multiple sclerosis'. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 17 :808-818 [DOI] [Details]
(2010) 'Methods for Monitoring Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and the Unfolded Protein Response'
Samali, A., Fitzgerald, U., Deegan, S., & Gupta, S. (2010) 'Methods for Monitoring Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and the Unfolded Protein Response'. International Journal Of Cell Biology, [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2010) 'Gene expression analysis of the microvascular compartment in multiple sclerosis using laser microdissected blood vessels'
Cunnea, P,McMahon, J,O'Connell, E,Mashayekhi, K,Fitzgerald, U,McQuaid, S (2010) 'Gene expression analysis of the microvascular compartment in multiple sclerosis using laser microdissected blood vessels'. Acta Neuropathologica, 119 :601-615 [DOI] [Details]
(2009) 'The effects of blood-brain barrier disruption on glial cell function in Multiple Sclerosis'
Stephen McQuaid, Paula Cunnea, Jill McMahon, Una FitzGerald (2009) 'The effects of blood-brain barrier disruption on glial cell function in Multiple Sclerosis'. Biochemical Society Transactions, [Details]
(2008) 'Increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related signaling pathway molecules in multiple sclerosis lesions'
Mhaille, AN,McQuaid, S,Windebank, A,Cunnea, P,McMahon, J,Samali, A,FitzGerald, U (2008) 'Increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related signaling pathway molecules in multiple sclerosis lesions'. Journal Of Neuropathology And Experimental Neurology, 67 :200-211 [Details]
(2007) 'Absence of aquaporin-4 expression in lesions of neuromyelitis optica but increased expression in multiple sclerosis lesions and normal-appearing white matter'
Sinclair, C,Kirk, J,Herron, B,Fitzgerald, U,McQuaid, S (2007) 'Absence of aquaporin-4 expression in lesions of neuromyelitis optica but increased expression in multiple sclerosis lesions and normal-appearing white matter'. Acta Neuropathologica, 113 :187-194 [DOI] [Details]
(2005) 'Role of Mayven, a Kelch-related protein in oligodendrocyte process formation'
Williams, SK,Spence, HJ,Rodgers, RR,Ozanne, BW,Fitzgerald, U,Barnett, SC (2005) 'Role of Mayven, a Kelch-related protein in oligodendrocyte process formation'. Journal Of Neuroscience Research, 81 :622-631 [DOI] [Details]
(2003) 'Caspase-12 and ER-stress-mediated apoptosis - The story so far'
Szegezdi, E,Fitzgerald, U,Samali, A,Diederich, M (2003) 'Caspase-12 and ER-stress-mediated apoptosis - The story so far'. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 1010 :186-194 [DOI] [Details]
(2003) 'In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age'
Stenson-Cox C, FitzGerald U, Samali A (2003) 'In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age'. Biochemical Pharmacology, 66 (8):1469-1474 [Details]
(2003) 'Caspase-12 and ER-stress-mediated apoptosis: the story so far'
Szegezdi E, Fitzgerald U, Samali A (2003) 'Caspase-12 and ER-stress-mediated apoptosis: the story so far'. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1010 :186-194 [Details]
(2003) 'Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes'
O'Mahoney ME, Logue S, Szegezdi E, Stenson-Cox C, Fitzgerald U, Samali A (2003) 'Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes'. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1010 :728-732 [Details]
(2003) 'Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes'
O'Mahoney, M. E.,Logue, S.,Szegezdi, E.,Stenson-Cox, C.,Fitzgerald, U.,Samali, A. (2003) 'Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes'. Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci, 1010 :728-732 [Details]
(2003) 'In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age'
Stenson-Cox, C.M., FitzGerald, U., Samali, A. (2003) 'In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age'. Biochem Biopharm, 66 :1469-1474 [Details]
(2000) 'AP-1 activity during the growth, differentiation, and death of O-2A lineage cells'
FitzGerald, U., and Barnett, S.C. (2000) 'AP-1 activity during the growth, differentiation, and death of O-2A lineage cells'. Mol Cell Neurosci, 16 :453-469 [Details]
(2000) 'Krp1, a novel kelch related protein that is involved in pseudopod elongation in transformed cells'
Spence, H.J., Johnston, I., Ewart, K., Buchanan, S.J., FitzGerald, U, Ozanne, B.W. (2000) 'Krp1, a novel kelch related protein that is involved in pseudopod elongation in transformed cells'. Oncogene, 19 :1266-1276 [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2006) 'Molecular basis of inhibition of apoptosis by Heat shock proteins'
Gill C., Meyer M., Samali A. (2006) 'Molecular basis of inhibition of apoptosis by Heat shock proteins' In: Stress response: a molecular Biology approach. India: Research Signpost. [Details]
(2005) 'Heat shock proteins in regulation of neural apoptosis'
FitzGerald U., Gorman A.M., Samali A. (2005) 'Heat shock proteins in regulation of neural apoptosis' In: Heat Shock Proteins in Neural Cells. USA: Landes Bioscience. [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2019) BNA 2019 Festival of Neuroscience
Okolo, A; Shearer, J; Prendergast, J; Douglas, A; McMahon, J; Fitzgerald, U; Doyle, K (2019) CHANGE IN ATF6 AND CHOP EXPRESSION IN THE BRAIN, FOLLOWING ISCHEMIC STROKE AND REPERFUSION BNA 2019 Festival of Neuroscience Dublin, Ireland, , 14-APR-19 - 17-APR-19 [Details]
(2003) BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Stenson-Cox, C;FitzGerald, U;Samali, A (2003) In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY , pp.1469-1474 [DOI] [Details]
(2003) APOPTOSIS: FROM SIGNALING PATHWAYS TO THERAPEUTIC TOOLS
O'Mahoney, ME;Logue, S;Szegezdi, E;Stenson-Cox, C;Fitzgerald, U;Samali, A (2003) Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes APOPTOSIS: FROM SIGNALING PATHWAYS TO THERAPEUTIC TOOLS , pp.728-732 [DOI] [Details]
(2003) APOPTOSIS: FROM SIGNALING PATHWAYS TO THERAPEUTIC TOOLS
Szegezdi, E;Fitzgerald, U;Samali, A (2003) Caspase-12 and ER-stress-mediated apoptosis - The story so far APOPTOSIS: FROM SIGNALING PATHWAYS TO THERAPEUTIC TOOLS , pp.186-194 [DOI] [Details]
(2009) BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS
McQuaid, S;Cunnea, P;McMahon, J;Fitzgerald, U (2009) The effects of blood-brain barrier disruption on glial cell function in multiple sclerosis BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS , pp.329-331 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) Oligodendrocyte loss in hippocampal slice culture model of iron accumulation
Healy, S,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2016) IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE Oligodendrocyte loss in hippocampal slice culture model of iron accumulation , pp.179-180 [Details]
(2015) Ferrocene perturbs iron metabolism in organotypic hippocampal slices
Healy, S,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2015) IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE Ferrocene perturbs iron metabolism in organotypic hippocampal slices , pp.12-13 [Details]
(2009) The effects of blood-brain barrier disruption on glial cell function in multiple sclerosis
McQuaid, S,Cunnea, P,McMahon, J,Fitzgerald, U (2009) BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS The effects of blood-brain barrier disruption on glial cell function in multiple sclerosis , pp.329-331 [DOI] [Details]
(2003) Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes
O'Mahoney, ME,Logue, S,Szegezdi, E,Stenson-Cox, C,Fitzgerald, U,Samali, A (2003) APOPTOSIS: FROM SIGNALING PATHWAYS TO THERAPEUTIC TOOLS Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes , pp.728-732 [DOI] [Details]
(2003) In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age
Stenson-Cox, C,FitzGerald, U,Samali, A (2003) BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age , pp.1469-1474 [DOI] [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2015) Iron loading with ferrocene induces iron mismanagement in organotypic hippocampal slices,
Healy, S,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2015) GLIA Conference. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Iron loading with ferrocene induces iron mismanagement in organotypic hippocampal slices, Bilbao , 10-JUL-15. [Details]
(2014) Endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated proteins in saliva: potential biomarkers for multiple sclerosis?,
McMahon, J,Higgins, E,Garvey, A,Counihan, T,Fitzgerald, U (2014) IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated proteins in saliva: potential biomarkers for multiple sclerosis?, Dublin , 10-MAY-14. [Details]

Abstract

  Year Publication
(2014) Iron loading in brain slices: development of a novel in vitro platform to assess the impact of an iron-loaded environment in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Healy, S,Naughton, M,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2014) Iron loading in brain slices: development of a novel in vitro platform to assess the impact of an iron-loaded environment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Abstract [Details]
(2014) Increased endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling in rat white matter development.
Naughton, M,McMahon, J,Fitzgerald, U (2014) Increased endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling in rat white matter development. Abstract [Details]
(2013) Is B cell immunoglobulin (BiP) a useful biomarker for Multiple Sclerosis?.
Higgins, E,McMahon, J,Counihan, T,FitzGerald, U (2013) Is B cell immunoglobulin (BiP) a useful biomarker for Multiple Sclerosis?. Abstract [Details]
(2011) ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS AS A COMPONENT OF DEMYELINATION IN A CORTICAL EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS MODEL OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.
Ni Fhlathartaigh, M,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R,FitzGerald, U (2011) ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS AS A COMPONENT OF DEMYELINATION IN A CORTICAL EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS MODEL OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. Abstract [Details]
(2011) IS ER-STRESS AND/OR HYPOXIA INVOLVED IN THE PATHOLOGY OF GREY MATTER LESION DEVELOPMENT IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?.
McMahon, J,McQuaid, S,Farrell, M,FitzGerald, U (2011) IS ER-STRESS AND/OR HYPOXIA INVOLVED IN THE PATHOLOGY OF GREY MATTER LESION DEVELOPMENT IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?. Abstract [Details]
(2011) CHARACTERIZATION OF MARKERS OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS MODEL OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.
Fhlathartaigh, MN,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R,FitzGerald, U (2011) CHARACTERIZATION OF MARKERS OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS MODEL OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. Abstract [Details]
(2011) EXPRESSION OF ER STRESS- AND HYPOXIA-ASSOCIATED MOLECULES IN GREY MATTER LESIONS IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.
McMahon, J,McQuaid, S,Reynolds, R,Fitzgerald, U (2011) EXPRESSION OF ER STRESS- AND HYPOXIA-ASSOCIATED MOLECULES IN GREY MATTER LESIONS IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. Abstract [Details]
(2009) DETECTION OF MARKERS OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS IN INFARCTED HUMAN BRAIN AND IN NEWLY-DEVELOPED IN VITRO MODELS OF OLIGODENDROCYTE ISCHAEMIA.
Kraskiewicz, H,Ni Mhaille, A,Roemer, S,Lucchinetti, C,Fitzgerald, U (2009) DETECTION OF MARKERS OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS IN INFARCTED HUMAN BRAIN AND IN NEWLY-DEVELOPED IN VITRO MODELS OF OLIGODENDROCYTE ISCHAEMIA. Abstract [Details]
(2009) WHAT IS ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS DOING DURING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PROGRESSION?.
Mcmahon, J,Mhaille, AN,Mcquaid, S,Farrell, M,Cunnea, P,Dolphin, C,Samali, A,Fitzgerald, U (2009) WHAT IS ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS DOING DURING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PROGRESSION?. Abstract [Details]
(2007) Endoplasmic reticulum stress in multiple sclerosis.
Mhaille, AN,McQuaid, S,Windebank, A,Cunnea, P,McMahon, J,Samali, A,FitzGerald, U (2007) Endoplasmic reticulum stress in multiple sclerosis. Abstract [Details]
(2005) Staurosporine-induced cell death requires caspase and non-caspase dependant proteolytic mechanisms in a cell specific manner.
Stenson-Cox, CM,Holohan, C,Fitzgerald, U,Samali, A (2005) Staurosporine-induced cell death requires caspase and non-caspase dependant proteolytic mechanisms in a cell specific manner. Abstract [Details]

ANET/COS

  Year Publication
(2018) Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of binarization algorithms for image analysis of glial cells 3D in ex vivo slice cultures.
Healy, S,McMahon, J,Owens, P,Dockery, P,FitzGerald, U (2018) Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of binarization algorithms for image analysis of glial cells 3D in ex vivo slice cultures. ANET/COS [Details]

Conference Paper

  Year Publication
(2015) Endoplasmic reticulum stress: jack of all trades in multiple sclerosis.
McMahon, J,Naughton, M,Healy, S,FitzGerald, U (2015) Endoplasmic reticulum stress: jack of all trades in multiple sclerosis. Conference Paper [Details]

Editorial

  Year Publication
(2019) Can we mimic prodromal Parkinson's disease in a dish? A story of the olfactory bulb and DOPAL.
Bagnoli, E,MacMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2019) Can we mimic prodromal Parkinson's disease in a dish? A story of the olfactory bulb and DOPAL. Editorial [Details]

Meeting

  Year Publication
(2013) Profile of Calreticulin and Other Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Molecules in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis.
Fhlathartaigh, MN,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R,FitzGerald, U (2013) Profile of Calreticulin and Other Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Molecules in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Meeting [Details]
(2013) Pathological expression of calreticulin and other endoplasmic reticulum stress molecules in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model of multiple sclerosis.
Fhlathartaigh, MN,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R,FitzGerald, U (2013) Pathological expression of calreticulin and other endoplasmic reticulum stress molecules in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model of multiple sclerosis. Meeting [Details]
(2013) CALRETICULIN: A NEW TWIST IN THE ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TALE.
FitzGerald, U,McMahon, J,Ni Fhlathartaigh, M,Cunnea, P,Ni Mhaille, A,McQuaid, S,Farrel, M,Reynolds, R,Connolly, D (2013) CALRETICULIN: A NEW TWIST IN THE ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TALE. Meeting [Details]
(2013) EXPRESSION OF CALRETICULIN AND OTHER ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS MOLECULES IN A RAT MODEL OF INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATION.
FitzGerald, U,Fhlathartaigh, MN,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R (2013) EXPRESSION OF CALRETICULIN AND OTHER ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS MOLECULES IN A RAT MODEL OF INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATION. Meeting [Details]
(2011) DETECTION OF MARKERS OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS IN A RAT FOCAL CEREBRAL ISCHAEMIA MODEL.
Kraskiewicz, H,McMahon, J,McCabe, C,Macrae, M,FitzGerald, U (2011) DETECTION OF MARKERS OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS IN A RAT FOCAL CEREBRAL ISCHAEMIA MODEL. Meeting [Details]

Reviews

  Year Publication
(2018) Seeing the wood for the trees: towards improved quantification of glial cells in central nervous system tissue.
Healy, S;McMahon, J;FitzGerald, U (2018) Seeing the wood for the trees: towards improved quantification of glial cells in central nervous system tissue. MUMBAI: Reviews [DOI] [Details]
(2018) Interplay of Inflammatory Mediators with Epigenetics and Cartilage Modifications in Osteoarthritis.
Raman, S;FitzGerald, U;Murphy, JM (2018) Interplay of Inflammatory Mediators with Epigenetics and Cartilage Modifications in Osteoarthritis. LAUSANNE: Reviews [DOI] [Details]
(2018) A lifetime of stress: ATF6 in development and homeostasis.
Hillary, RF;FitzGerald, U (2018) A lifetime of stress: ATF6 in development and homeostasis. LONDON: Reviews [DOI] [Details]
(2018) MARCKS and MARCKS-like proteins in development and regeneration.
El Amri, M;Fitzgerald, U;Schlosser, G (2018) MARCKS and MARCKS-like proteins in development and regeneration. LONDON: Reviews [DOI] [Details]
(2017) Modelling iron mismanagement in neurodegenerative disease in vitro: paradigms, pitfalls, possibilities & practical considerations.
Healy, S;McMahon, JM;FitzGerald, U (2017) Modelling iron mismanagement in neurodegenerative disease in vitro: paradigms, pitfalls, possibilities & practical considerations. OXFORD: Reviews [DOI] [Details]
(2016) In vitro and ex vivo models of multiple sclerosis.
Madill M;Fitzgerald D;O'Connell KE;Dev KK;Shen S;FitzGerald U; (2016) In vitro and ex vivo models of multiple sclerosis. Reviews [DOI] [Details]
(2012) InterfERing with endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Kraskiewicz, H,FitzGerald, U (2012) InterfERing with endoplasmic reticulum stress. Reviews [DOI] [Details]

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Neuroscience Ireland Member 01-AUG-06 /
Biochemistry Society Member 01-OCT-03 /
Irish Institute of Clinical Science Member of Board of DIrectors, representing neuroscientists 20-DEC-14 /
MS Ireland Member of Expert Panel 01-JAN-16 /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Neuroscience Ireland Conference Organising Committee Organisation of Neuroscience Ireland Conference at NUIG, 2017 03-OCT-16 / 25-AUG-17
MS Ireland Advisory Committee Member of Board of Advisors, representing neuroscientists 01-JAN-16 /
College of Science Graduate Studies Committee Representing postgraduate taught programmes in the College of Sience 02-NOV-15 /
Board of Directors of the Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience Representing Neuroscientists 06-DEC-14 / 10-DEC-16
School of Natural Science Executive Committee Representing postgraduate taught programmes 24-SEP-14 /

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
University of Glasgow Postdoctoral Researcher 01-OCT-97 / 31-JUL-02
NUIG Postdoctoral Researcher (senior scientist) 01-OCT-03 / 31-JAN-06

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
1993 University of Strathclyde PhD Molecular Biology
1985 UCG (now NUI Galway) MASTERS OF SCIENCE Biotechnology
1983 UCG (now NUI Galway) BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING Industrial Engineering
2005 NUI Galway Diploma Gaeilge

Community Engagement

  Title Type From / To
Outreach Science Festival 23-NOV-14 /
Outreach Brain Awareness Week 07-MAR-12 / 08-MAR-12

Reviews

  Journal Role
Journal Of Neuropathology And Experimental Neurology Editor
Febs Letters Reviewer
Neural Regeneration Research Reviewer
Multiple Sclerosis Journal Reviewer
Journal Of Neuroscience Research Reviewer
Brain Research Reviewer
Brain Research Reviewer

Teaching Interests

Director of the MSc in Biomedical Science (via distance learning/modular).
Lecturer on the MSc in Biomedical Science (FT) and the MSc in Regenerative Medicine.
Contributor to MSc programmes in Physics (Workshop on Scientific Writing).

Current Postgraduate Students (Taught)

  Name Degree Primary Supervisor
Lianne Carey Msc Y
John Exton Msc Y
Thomas Tuohy Msc Y
Aoife McConnan Msc
Deirdre Ryan Msc Y
Jacqueline Roche Msc Y

Recent Postgraduate Students

  Graduation Name Degree Primary Supervisor
2012 Honorata Kraskiewicz PhD Y
2008 Aoife Ni Mhaille PhD Y
2017 Sinead Healy PhD Y
2013 Mary Ni Fhlathartaigh PhD Y

Current Postgraduate Students (Research)

  Student Degree Type Type
Sravanthi Bandla Doctorate - Structured PhD (Science) Supervisor
Adaobi Okolo Doctorate - Structured Ph.D (Medicine) Co-supervisor (1)
Enrico Bagnoli Doctorate - Structured PhD (Science) Supervisor

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
Distance/blended learning module for MSc students Molecular and Cellular Biology BES514 Cell structure and function; How cells obtain energy; Reproduction at the cellular level; Molecular Biology; Biotechnoloy; DNA recombination.
Sem 1, 2007-present (alternate years); MSc Molecular and Regenerative Medicine BES510 Module Director; Deliver content relating to drug discovery and Neurodegenerative disorders; Deliver approx one quarter to one third of module content.
Sem2, MSc Specialised Studies PH5101 Workshop on Scientific Writing
Sem1 - MSc Specialised Studies IE585 Workshop on Scientific Writing
Molecular Medicine
Sem2 2005-16, delivered to FT Biomed MSc students Molecular Medicine BES554 Quarter of module - on neurodegenerative disorders
Semester 2, delivered to FT Biomed MSc students Scientific Writing BES519 Publication metrics (journal, author, country); Publication ethics; Grammar; Preparation of a mini-review.
From 2005-2015 (Full-time Biomed MSc students) Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology BES503 As for BES514

Internal Collaborators

  Name Description of Collaboration
Professor Abhay Pandit
Prof. Pandit leads the CURAM medical device centre, overseeing projects in a wide range of clinical disciplines and applications. His extensive expertise in the biomaterials space is essential to ongoing studies of the possible use of biomaterials to treat chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
Dr. Manus Biggs
Dr. FitzGerald is a co-supervisor of researcher focused on the development of mechanically- and electrically-responsive scaffolds that could aid repair of the spinal cord following injury.
Professor Sanbing Shen
Professor Shen's group currently generates iPS cells from individuals with a range of brain disorders. The collaboration is based on transferring protocols that enable production of iPS cells from individuals with MS and from healthy control donors.
Professor Heinz-Peter Nasheuer
Provision of expertise on and oversight of production and biochemical characterisation of recombinant proteins in E. coli.
Dr. Karen Doyle
Dr. FitzGerald is a co-supervisor of researcher focusing on chronic damage to the nervous system caused by stroke.
Professor Peter Dockery
Prof. Dockery provides expertise and protocols for rigourous analysis of stained tissue sections and cultured brain slices.

External Collaborators

  Name Organisation / Institute Country Description of Collaboration
Professor Richard Reynolds Imperial College, London ENGLAND
Multiple Sclerosis research, particularly post-mortem human MS tissue studies and models of multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Denise Fitzgerald Queen's University, Belfast UNITED KINGDOM
MS Biomarker project
Professor Claude Bernard Monash University, Melbourne AUSTRALIA
Sharing of protocols and expertise for the development of induced pluripotent stem cells and oligodendrocytes from individuals with multiple sclerosis and from healthy donors. Collaborative project exploiting model of de- and re-myelination.
Professor Christopher Linington Glasgow University SCOTLAND
Testing of novel therapeutics in inflammatory model of multiple sclerosis and sharing of protocols/expertise relating to explant model of de- and re-myelination.