KC

Konstantina Chachlaki

INSERM U1172, University Research Institute of Child Health and Precision, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois

Research areas: Medicine · Reproductive Medicine · Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones · Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior · Reproductive Biology and Fertility

ORCID iD 0000-0002-7496-3526
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About

As a neuroscientist I am dedicated to understanding the complex interactions within the neuroendocrine system and brain plasticity. Born in Greece on January 15, 1989, my academic journey took me across Europe, starting with a diploma in Biology from the University of Crete in 2010. I then pursued a Master’s degree in Brain and Mind Sciences at University College London and another in Integrative Biology and Physiology at the University Pierre & Marie Curie and École Normale Supérieure in Paris. I completed my Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Lille in 2016, where I also obtained my HDR in 2022.

Throughout my scientific career, I have focused on uncovering the vital role of nitric oxide (NO) in neuroendocrinology, particularly in processes ranging from childhood physiology to adulthood. In my current role as a researcher at Inserm U1172 in Lille, my research focuses on illuminating the vital role of NO in key stages like minipuberty, which governs not only fertility but also broader non-reproductive processes like cognition and metabolism. One of my notable contributions is the development of an innovative biosensor that enables precise study of NO dynamics. This is allowing us to shed light on how NO influences brain neurodevelopement which in turn affects overall physiology. These insights open up new therapeutic pathways with potential for significant impacts on human health.

I am deeply committed to translational research, focusing on bridging fundamental discoveries with practical applications to improve human health at every stage of life. As part of this commitment, I coordinate the miniNO cohorts of premature infants in collaboration with hospitals in Lille and Athens, where I also hold a research position in the University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine. This work is crucial for understanding the impact of prematurity on minipuberty and key physiological functions, allowing us to translate these findings into meaningful improvements in maternal and infant health care.

Beyond research, I have been involved in leading scientific collaborations, such as scientifically coordinating the European H2020 miniNO project (No 847941), and serving on scientific councils for organizations like the French Society of Endocrinology. My work has earned recognition, including the Espoirs de la recherche fellowship from the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale (FRM) and the Young Researcher Award from the French Society of Neuroendocrinology (SNE) while since 2019 I have been part of the EU Health Parliament working to facilitate the implementation and dissemination of research schemes.

I am also passionate about public engagement and mentoring. Through programs like Femmes & Sciences and Déclics, I aim to inspire the next generation of scientists while I also frequently participate in media and outreach initiatives to share the importance of research with a broader audience. My ultimate goal is to advance innovations that bring tangible improvements to human health across the lifespan.

Employment

  • INSERM U1172 miniNO scientific coordinator
    2020 - Present
  • University Research Institute of Child Health and Precision Researcher C Level
    2019 - Present
  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois
    2019 - 2020
  • Inserm U1172
    2017 - 2018

Education

Education history is unavailable.

Projects & Funding

  • The impact of nitric oxide signalling in regulating neuronal function during early development in minipuberty Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
    2022 - 2023
  • SIGNAL-miniCOVID ANRS | Emerging Infectious Diseases
    2022 - 2025
  • miniNO Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
    2020 - 2026
  • Deciphering the molecular complexity of the neuroendocrine control of reproduction Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale
    2019 - 2020
  • Nitric oxide treatment in newborns against altered minipuberty and the presence of comorbidities Projet Fédératif Hospitalo-Universitaire 1 000 jours pour la santé
    2018 - 2019

Publications (20)