Dr. Maria Krasilnikova

Biography

Maria Krasilnikova is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of diseases associated with trinucleotide repeat expansions, such as Friedreich's Ataxia. She studies the roles of microsatellites, which are repeated stretches of nucleotides that appear throughout the human genome. While these microsatellites generally do not interfere with genome function, in certain cases, they can be linked to severe genetic disorders. Krasilnikova's investigations have shown that expansions of trinucleotide repeats (e.g., CAG, CCG, GAA) can lead to serious neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease and myotonic dystrophy. One of her main research goals is to uncover the biological mechanisms that contribute to repeat expansions and their transmission across generations. Krasilnikova employs various cellular and molecular models, such as yeast and monkey fibroblasts, to explore these processes. Her findings are crucial for developing potential treatments for these genetic disorders. Through her work, she aims to explain how specific factors contribute to the dynamics of repeat expansions, ultimately informing strategies for intervention and treatment of related hereditary conditions.

Research Interests

Experience