Professor Dr. Maria Trojanowska

Biography

Dr. Trojanowska’s research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate extracellular matrix synthesis in healthy tissues and pathological conditions, particularly in fibrosis and tumorigenesis. The majority of her studies are centered on the pathogenesis of scleroderma, an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular abnormalities and prominent fibrosis of the skin. Her laboratory employs molecular and cellular approaches, along with experimental models, to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for uncontrolled ECM deposition and vessel degeneration in scleroderma. Additionally, her investigations relate to the activation of tumor stroma and the molecular mechanisms that mediate the controlled regulation of ECM turnover in healthy connective tissue, addressing dysregulation processes involved in tumorigenesis. Recent studies, in collaboration with Dr. Lafyatis, are examining the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in systemic sclerosis.

Research Interests

Experience