Pilar Martinez Martinez (M.P.)

Pilar Martinez-Martinez, Ph.D., PI, is trained in molecular biology, biochemistry and neuroimmunology. She is Professor of 'Neuroinflammation in neuropsychiatric disorders at the department of Psychiatry and Psychology Division Neuroscience at the School for Mental Health and Neuroscience at Maastricht University. She is the PI of several European grants examining neuroinflammation with special focus in neurodegenerative diseases and its relationship with the sphingolipid metabolism. Specifically, she has studied CERT and developed the technology to measure and to modulate CERT expression levels. Additionally she has long lasting expertise in translational neurosciences, and her research focus on understanding the molecular pathogenic mechanisms and uses new therapeutic approaches in animal models with peripheral nervous system and central nervous system disease.

Expertises

We study the role of lipids and their transporters in the early inflammatory process of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we investigate the function/dysfunction of danger signal molecules.

Additionally, we collaborate with expert industrial- and academic partners in analytical technologies and health sciences in the Euregion (Interreg-Eurolipids).

We aim to develop new methods to diagnose psychosis with autoimmune origin in order to enable specific immunosuppressive treatment of patients.

In MG we are investigating the possible use of proteasome inhibitors for targeting autoimmune long-living plasma cells. These plasma cells are resistant against broad-range immunosuppressants and since they keep producing autoantibodies this is a major problem in the current treatment of MG and other antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. 

Career history

Doctoral degree
University/College of Higher Education: University of Biology Valencia, Spain

Starting date:                                     01/01/1998

Completion date:                               01/12/2003

Supervisor (‘promotor’):                      Dr. J. Saus

Title of thesis:                                    “GPBP, the phosphorylation of serines and folding of autoantigens in autoimmunity” CUM LAUDE

 

Postdoctoral employee          12/2003-12/2008        Maastricht University

Assistant professor (UD)       01/01/2009 to 2015    Maastricht University

Associate professor (UHD)    01/01/2015 to 2017    Maastricht University

Full Professor (Hoogleraar)   October 2017 to date  Maastricht University