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.
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.
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
Pilar Martinez Martinez (M.P.)
Professor in Neuroinflammation of Neuropsychiatric disorders
Member of the Maastricht UMC+ Research Committee (WMUMC+)
Track coordinator Master Biomedical Sciences Pathophysiology and Inflammation