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Staff Profiles

Dr Una Fitzgerald

B.Eng, M.Sc, Ph.D

Contact Details

Senior Lecturer
Biomedical Engineering,
School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering
Biomedical Sciences Building
E: una.fitzgerald@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Dr FitzGerald is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and a funded Principal Investigator within CÚRAM, the SFI-funded National Centre for Research on Medical Devices. After graduating from NUI Galway with a BE (Industrial) in 1983 and an MSc in Biotechnology in 1985, she worked in the biotech sector for five years before returning to academia to complete a PhD in molecular biology at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Dr FitzGerald returned to Ireland in 2003.
Una's main research focus is on developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease, and using this knowledge to develop novel devices for monitoring and treatment of MS. 

Dr FitzGerald was the Director of the Galway Neuroscience (2019-2020) and represented MS Ireland on the MS International Federation's International Medical and Scientific Board between 2020 and 2022. Representing the Galway Neuroscience Centre and CÚRAM, she joined the committee of the Dementia and Neurodegeneration Network, Ireland in 2020. Since May 2019, she is coordinating a €3.9 million EU-funded project that aims to work with researchers from Denmark, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic to create new devices and treatments for multiple sclerosis. University of Galway PhD candidates Malgorzata Dabrowska, Daniela Costa, Jack Hampson, Mansoor Al-Waeel, and Yagmur Bozkurt, were funded through this project. Click below to learn more about Malgorzata, Daniela and Jack's work. 



With funding from the Hardiman and Irish Research Council postgraduate scholarship scheme, as well as the SFI-EPSRC-funded LifETime Doctoral Training Network, Dr FitzGerald's team is also developing point-of-care devices for people with MS, with the aim of improving clinical management of this chronic, neurodegenerative disorder.   Links to recordings of students explaining their work, are below.

Bianca Castelli: https://vimeo.com/951549524
Shima Shapoori: https://vimeo.com/951550223

The LifETime scheme is also funding the 'MS-on-a-chip' project, which exploits cultures of different brain cell types within a microfluidic device as a platform for screening candidate therapeutic compounds for MS.

As part of the 'BrainMatTrain' EU Innovative Training Network, researchers in the group developed an organotypic brain slice culture system that mimics the pro-dromal (non-symptomatic) phase of Parkinson's disease.

In effort to reduce the negative impact that lab research has on the environment, Dr FitzGerald initiated the 'Galway Green Labs' effort at NUIG, triggering the implementation green practices the CÚRAM lab, in preparation for green lab certification' (see mygreenlab.org), which was awarded in late 2019. For more information on this achievement, watch the short documentary movie 'The time to green our labs is now' (https://vimeo.com/375847945). Dr FitzGerald's leadership in lab sustainability has led to the a chairing role in SEAI's working group for public sector labs (Jan 2020-Jan 2023). Out of the SEAI group, the Irish Green Labs network was formed and launched on 'Earth Day' 2022.  For more details, browse https://irishgreenlabs.org/.  As a direct result of these actions, by February 2023, Ireland had the largest number of labs per capita in the world, that were pursuing My Green Lab's green lab certification. 
In addition, the SFI-EPSRC-funded LifETime Doctoral Training Network has also funded PhD candidate Paola Serrano Bravo. Paola will focus on Sustainability, Engagement and Advocacy in Cell and Tissue Engineering. Click on link below, to learn more about Paola's research. 
https://vimeo.com/974983198

Research Interests

Summary of Neuroscience Rearch Topics
The overarching research theme is the investigation of the pathological processes occurring during multiple sclerosis (MS). We have completed many post-mortem MS tissue, pre-clinical and ex vivo studies, investigating endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling and modelling various aspects of disease pathology.   Our current major focus is the progressive phase of MS. This is a stage where, 10-15 years after diagnosis, people with MS experience worsening symptoms, leading to reduced mobility, increased fatigue and disruptions in cognitive functions.  We are the lead in an EU-wide Innovative Training Network Consortium that is aiming to develop a new approach to treating progessive MS (Marie-Curie-Sklodovska PMSMatTrain project 813263).  Collaborators in Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and the Czech republic will work with Dr FitGerald, Prof Abhay Pandit and Dr Nathan Quinlan to train 15 PhDs who will become expert researchers in the progressive phase of MS.

In a Parkinson's disease-focused EU-funded project, also an innovative training network (BrainMatTrain), the group has collaborated with a consortium of early-stage researchers and principal investigators, focused on the development of novel biomaterials-based therapies for Parkinson's disease. In the FitzGerald group, a novel model of prodromal Parkinson's disease has been developed.

While neuroscience, brain function and neurodegenerative disorders are the primary focus of the FitzGerald group, the researchers are also striving to complete their work in a sustainable way. In November 2019, led by Dr FitzGerald, the CÚRAM lab became the first in Europe to gain 'Green Lab' certification, from 'My Green Lab'. 

Research Projects

  Project Start Date End Date
Engineering Underpinning Medicine 01-SEP-19 31-AUG-24
PMSMatTrain - ESR Account Dr Nathan Quinlan 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
PMSMatTrain 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
PMS Mat Train_Additional Funds 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
PMSMatTrain - ESR Account Prof. Abhay Pandit 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
****CO-ORDINATOR ACCOUNT**** PMSMatTrain 01-MAY-19 30-APR-23
Development of Biomaterial-based Delivery Systems for Parkinson’s disease - an Integrated Pan-European Approach 01-JAN-16 31-DEC-19
GALWAY N KAREN DOYLE 20-MAY-09 31-DEC-20
ELISA 01-DEC-15 01-JUL-16
POLYMER-MEDIATED DELIVERY OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS-ALTERING SIRNA TO OLIGODENDROCYTES MS IRELAND: HRB (50 :50, ADMIN THROUGH MSI) UNA FITZGERALD 01-NOV-11 30-NOV-15
Multiple Sclerosis Research UNA FITZGERALD 101467 01-JAN-11 31-JUL-20
IRCSET FELLOWSHIP MARY NI FHLATHARTAIGH UNA FITZGE 01-OCT-08 30-SEP-13
FOUNDATION OFFICE 08-12 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RESEARC 01-JAN-08 31-DEC-22
SFI OVERHEADS EQUIPMENT UNA FITZGERALD 01-JAN-08 30-JUN-08
IICN SANOFI-AVENTIS AWARD UNA FITZGERALD 20-DEC-06 07-MAY-08
SFI ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS UNA FITZGERALD 01-MAY-06 30-SEP-09
MS AND GENERAL IRL UFITZ UNA FITZGERALD 01-NOV-05 31-DEC-17
MF 2005 MS PATIENTS UNA FITZGERALD 01-OCT-05 30-SEP-06

Contract Researchers

  Researcher Name Project Role Funding Body
Dr. Jill McMahon Multiple Sclerosis Research Senior Researcher NUI Galway

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2023) 'Prodromal Parkinson's disease and the catecholaldehyde hypothesis: Insight from olfactory bulb organotypic cultures'
Enrico Bagnoli, Alexandre Trotier, Jill McMahon, Leo R. Quinlan, Manus Biggs, Abhay Pandit, Una FitzGerald (2023) 'Prodromal Parkinson's disease and the catecholaldehyde hypothesis: Insight from olfactory bulb organotypic cultures'. Faseb Journal, 37 (12) [DOI] [Details]
(2023) 'Micromotion Derived Fluid Shear Stress Mediates Peri-Electrode Gliosis through Mechanosensitive Ion Channels'
Trotier A, Bagnoli E, Walski T, Evers J, Pugliese E, Lowery M, Kilcoyne M, Fitzgerald U, Biggs M. (2023) 'Micromotion Derived Fluid Shear Stress Mediates Peri-Electrode Gliosis through Mechanosensitive Ion Channels'. Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany), 10 [Details]
(2021) 'A flexible strain-responsive sensor fabricated from a biocompatible electronic ink via an additive-manufacturing process'
James Britton, Katarzyna Krukiewicz, Malu Chandran, Jorge Fernandez, Anup Poudel, Jose-Ramon Sarasua, Una FitzGerald, Manus J.P. Biggs (2021) 'A flexible strain-responsive sensor fabricated from a biocompatible electronic ink via an additive-manufacturing process'. Materials & Design, 206 [DOI] [Details]
(2022) 'Macromolecular crowding in the development of a three-dimensional organotypic human breast cancer model'
Naledi Shologu, Mehmet Gurdal, Eva Szegezdi, Una FitzGerald, Dimitrios I. Zeugolis (2022) 'Macromolecular crowding in the development of a three-dimensional organotypic human breast cancer model'. Biomaterials, 287 [DOI] [Details]
(2021) 'Dysregulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function following exposure to a dopamine metabolite: Implications for Parkinson's disease'
Bagnoli, E,Diviney, T,FitzGerald, U (2021) 'Dysregulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function following exposure to a dopamine metabolite: Implications for Parkinson's disease'. European Journal Of Neuroscience, 53 (9):2960-2972 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'Profile of the unfolded protein response in rat cerebellar cortical development'
Naughton, M;McMahon, J;Healy, S;FitzGerald, U (2019) 'Profile of the unfolded protein response in rat cerebellar cortical development'. The Journal Of Comparative Neurology, 527 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'Mitral cells and the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor: The sweet smell of success?'
Bagnoli, E,FitzGerald, U (2019) 'Mitral cells and the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor: The sweet smell of success?'. European Journal Of Neuroscience, 49 :422-439 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'ATPase activity of human binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) variants is enhanced by signal sequence and physiological concentrations of Mn2+'
Bandla, S,Diaz, S,Nasheuer, HP,FitzGerald, U (2019) 'ATPase activity of human binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) variants is enhanced by signal sequence and physiological concentrations of Mn2+'. FEBS open bio, [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'A lifetime of stress: ATF6 in development and homeostasis'
Hillary, RF;FitzGerald, U (2018) 'A lifetime of stress: ATF6 in development and homeostasis'. Journal Of Biomedical Science, 25 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'UPR Induction Prevents Iron Accumulation and Oligodendrocyt Loss in ex vivo Cultured Hippocampal Slices'
Healy, S,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2018) 'UPR Induction Prevents Iron Accumulation and Oligodendrocyt Loss in ex vivo Cultured Hippocampal Slices'. Frontiers In Neuroscience, 12 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Threshold-based segmentation of fluorescent and chromogenic images of microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in FIJI'
Healy, S,McMahon, J,Owens, P,Dockery, P,FitzGerald, U (2018) 'Threshold-based segmentation of fluorescent and chromogenic images of microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in FIJI'. Journal Of Neuroscience Methods, 295 :87-103 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Ulk4 deficiency leads to hypomyelination in mice'
Liu, M,Xu, P,Guan, ZL,Qian, XH,Dockery, P,Fitzgerald, U,O'Brien, T,Shen, SB (2018) 'Ulk4 deficiency leads to hypomyelination in mice'. Glia, 66 :175-190 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Interplay of Inflammatory Mediators with Epigenetics and Cartilage Modifications in Osteoarthritis'
Raman, S;FitzGerald, U;Murphy, JM (2018) 'Interplay of Inflammatory Mediators with Epigenetics and Cartilage Modifications in Osteoarthritis'. FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, 6 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Seeing the wood for the trees: towards improved quantification of glial cells in central nervous system tissue'
Healy, S;McMahon, J;FitzGerald, U (2018) 'Seeing the wood for the trees: towards improved quantification of glial cells in central nervous system tissue'. NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH, 13 :1520-1523 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'MARCKS and MARCKS-like proteins in development and regeneration'
El Amri, M;Fitzgerald, U;Schlosser, G (2018) 'MARCKS and MARCKS-like proteins in development and regeneration'. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE, 25 [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Modelling iron mismanagement in neurodegenerative disease in vitro: paradigms, pitfalls, possibilities & practical considerations'
Healy, S;McMahon, JM;FitzGerald, U (2017) 'Modelling iron mismanagement in neurodegenerative disease in vitro: paradigms, pitfalls, possibilities & practical considerations'. PROGRESS IN NEUROBIOLOGY, 158 :1-14 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'The role of the unfolded protein response in myelination'
Naughton MC;McMahon JM;FitzGerald UF; (2016) 'The role of the unfolded protein response in myelination'. Neural Regeneration Research, 11 (3) [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Significant glial alterations in response to iron loading in a novel organotypic hippocampal slice culture model'
Healy, S;McMahon, J;Owens, P;FitzGerald, U (2016) 'Significant glial alterations in response to iron loading in a novel organotypic hippocampal slice culture model'. Scientific Reports, 6 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'In vitro and ex vivo models of multiple sclerosis'
Madill M;Fitzgerald D;O'Connell KE;Dev KK;Shen S;FitzGerald U; (2016) 'In vitro and ex vivo models of multiple sclerosis'. Drug discovery today, [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Ulk4 Is Essential for Ciliogenesis and CSF Flow'
Liu, M,Guan, ZL,Shen, Q,Lalor, P,Fitzgerald, U,O'Brien, T,Dockery, P,Shen, SB (2016) 'Ulk4 Is Essential for Ciliogenesis and CSF Flow'. Journal Of Neuroscience, 36 :7589-7600 [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'Differential activation of ER stress pathways in myelinating cerebellar tracts'
Naughton, MC,McMahon, JM,FitzGerald, U (2015) 'Differential activation of ER stress pathways in myelinating cerebellar tracts'. International Journal Of Developmental Neuroscience, 47 :347-360 [DOI] [Details]
(2013) 'Calreticulin and other components of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat and human inflammatory demyelination'
Fhlathartaigh, MN;McMahon, J;Reynolds, R;Connolly, D;Higgins, E;Counihan, T;FitzGerald, U (2013) 'Calreticulin and other components of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat and human inflammatory demyelination'. Acta Neuropathologica Communications, 1 [DOI] [Details]
(2013) 'An ex-vivo multiple sclerosis model of inflammatory demyelination using hyperbranched polymer'
Mathew, A;Pakan, JMP;Collin, EC;Wang, WX;McDermott, KW;Fitzgerald, U;Reynolds, R;Pandit, AS (2013) 'An ex-vivo multiple sclerosis model of inflammatory demyelination using hyperbranched polymer'. Biomaterials, 34 :5872-5882 [DOI] [Details]
(2012) 'InterfERing with endoplasmic reticulum stress'
Kraskiewicz, H,FitzGerald, U (2012) 'InterfERing with endoplasmic reticulum stress'. Trends In Pharmacological Sciences, 33 :53-63 [DOI] [Details]
(2012) 'Increased expression of ER stress- and hypoxia-associated molecules in grey matter lesions in multiple sclerosis'
McMahon, JM;McQuaid, S;Reynolds, R;FitzGerald, UF (2012) 'Increased expression of ER stress- and hypoxia-associated molecules in grey matter lesions in multiple sclerosis'. Multiple Sclerosis, 18 :1437-1447 [DOI] [Details]
(2011) 'Expression profiles of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules in demyelinating lesions and multiple sclerosis'
Cunnea, P,Mhaille, AN,McQuaid, S,Farrell, M,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2011) 'Expression profiles of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules in demyelinating lesions and multiple sclerosis'. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 17 :808-818 [DOI] [Details]
(2011) 'Partial XBP1 Knockdown Does Not Affect Viability of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Exposed to New Models of Hypoxia and Ischemia In Vitro'
Kraskiewicz, H;FitzGerald, U (2011) 'Partial XBP1 Knockdown Does Not Affect Viability of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Exposed to New Models of Hypoxia and Ischemia In Vitro'. Journal Of Neuroscience Research, 89 :661-673 [DOI] [Details]
(2010) 'Gene expression analysis of the microvascular compartment in multiple sclerosis using laser microdissected blood vessels'
Cunnea, P,McMahon, J,O'Connell, E,Mashayekhi, K,Fitzgerald, U,McQuaid, S (2010) 'Gene expression analysis of the microvascular compartment in multiple sclerosis using laser microdissected blood vessels'. Acta Neuropathologica, 119 :601-615 [DOI] [Details]
(2010) 'Methods for Monitoring Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and the Unfolded Protein Response'
Samali, A., Fitzgerald, U., Deegan, S., & Gupta, S. (2010) 'Methods for Monitoring Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and the Unfolded Protein Response'. International Journal Of Cell Biology, [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2008) 'Increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related signaling pathway molecules in multiple sclerosis lesions'
Mhaille, AN,McQuaid, S,Windebank, A,Cunnea, P,McMahon, J,Samali, A,FitzGerald, U (2008) 'Increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related signaling pathway molecules in multiple sclerosis lesions'. Journal Of Neuropathology And Experimental Neurology, 67 :200-211 [Details]
(2007) 'Absence of aquaporin-4 expression in lesions of neuromyelitis optica but increased expression in multiple sclerosis lesions and normal-appearing white matter'
Sinclair, C,Kirk, J,Herron, B,Fitzgerald, U,McQuaid, S (2007) 'Absence of aquaporin-4 expression in lesions of neuromyelitis optica but increased expression in multiple sclerosis lesions and normal-appearing white matter'. Acta Neuropathologica, 113 :187-194 [DOI] [Details]
(2005) 'Role of Mayven, a Kelch-related protein in oligodendrocyte process formation'
Williams, SK,Spence, HJ,Rodgers, RR,Ozanne, BW,Fitzgerald, U,Barnett, SC (2005) 'Role of Mayven, a Kelch-related protein in oligodendrocyte process formation'. Journal Of Neuroscience Research, 81 :622-631 [DOI] [Details]
(2005) 'CD95-mediated alteration in Hsp70 levels is dependent on protein stabilization'
Concannon, CG;FitzGerald, U;Holmberg, CI;Szegezdi, E;Sistonen, L;Samali, A (2005) 'CD95-mediated alteration in Hsp70 levels is dependent on protein stabilization'. Cell Stress & Chaperones, 10 :59-65 [Details]
(2003) 'Transcription factor expression and cellular redox in immature oligodendrocyte cell death: effect of Bcl-2'
FitzGerald UF;Gilbey T;Brodie S;Barnett SC; (2003) 'Transcription factor expression and cellular redox in immature oligodendrocyte cell death: effect of Bcl-2'. Molecular And Cellular Neurosciences, 22 (4) [DOI] [Details]
(2003) 'In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age'
Stenson-Cox, C.M., FitzGerald, U., Samali, A. (2003) 'In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age'. Biochem Biopharm, 66 :1469-1474 [Details]
(2003) 'Caspase-12 and ER-stress-mediated apoptosis: the story so far'
Szegezdi E, Fitzgerald U, Samali A (2003) 'Caspase-12 and ER-stress-mediated apoptosis: the story so far'. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1010 :186-194 [Details]
(2003) 'Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes'
O'Mahoney ME, Logue S, Szegezdi E, Stenson-Cox C, Fitzgerald U, Samali A (2003) 'Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes'. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1010 :728-732 [Details]
(2002) 'Identification of growth factors that promote long-term proliferation of olfactory ensheathing cells and modulate their antigenic phenotype'
Alexander CL;Fitzgerald UF;Barnett SC; (2002) 'Identification of growth factors that promote long-term proliferation of olfactory ensheathing cells and modulate their antigenic phenotype'. Glia, 37 (4) [Details]
(2000) 'Krp1, a novel kelch related protein that is involved in pseudopod elongation in transformed cells'
Spence, H.J., Johnston, I., Ewart, K., Buchanan, S.J., FitzGerald, U, Ozanne, B.W. (2000) 'Krp1, a novel kelch related protein that is involved in pseudopod elongation in transformed cells'. Oncogene, 19 :1266-1276 [Details]
(2000) 'Umbilical cord endothelial cells expressing large T antigen: comparison with primary cultures and effect of cell age'
Fitzgerald U;Hettle S;MacDonald C;McLean JS; (2000) 'Umbilical cord endothelial cells expressing large T antigen: comparison with primary cultures and effect of cell age'. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Animal, 36 (4) [DOI] [Details]
(2000) 'AP-1 activity during the growth, differentiation, and death of O-2A lineage cells'
FitzGerald, U., and Barnett, S.C. (2000) 'AP-1 activity during the growth, differentiation, and death of O-2A lineage cells'. Mol Cell Neurosci, 16 :453-469 [Details]
(1994) 'Production of Immortal Human Endothelial-Cell Lines by Strontium Phosphate Transfection and Electroporation of SV40 Sequences'
FitzGerald, U;McLean, JS;MacDonald, C (1994) 'Production of Immortal Human Endothelial-Cell Lines by Strontium Phosphate Transfection and Electroporation of SV40 Sequences'. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Animal, 30A :236-242 [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2006) 'Molecular basis of inhibition of apoptosis by Heat shock proteins'
Gill C., Meyer M., FitzGerald U., Samali A. (2006) 'Molecular basis of inhibition of apoptosis by Heat shock proteins' In: Stress response: a molecular Biology approach. India: Research Signpost. [Details]
(2005) 'Heat shock proteins in regulation of neural apoptosis'
FitzGerald U., Gorman A.M., Samali A. (2005) 'Heat shock proteins in regulation of neural apoptosis' In: Heat Shock Proteins in Neural Cells. :53-62 USA: Landes Bioscience. [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2021) XV European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
Development of the coronal cortical slices in the ex vivo organotypic culture. Variability in viability over the rostral rostral-caudal axis (2021) Development of the coronal cortical slices in the ex vivo organotypic culture. Variability in viability over the rostral rostral-caudal axis XV European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , 05-JUL-21 - 09-JUL-21 [Details]
(2019) XIV European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
Bagnoli, E,MacMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2019) Can we mimic prodromal Parkinson's disease in a dish? A story of the olfactory bulb and DOPAL XIV European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.255-256 [Details]
(2019) BNA 2019 Festival of Neuroscience
Okolo, A; Shearer, J; Prendergast, J; Douglas, A; McMahon, J; Fitzgerald, U; Doyle, K (2019) Change in ATF6 and CHOP expression in the brain following ischemic stroke and reperfusion BNA 2019 Festival of Neuroscience Dublin, Ireland, , 14-APR-19 - 17-APR-19 [Details]
(2018) FENS
Healy, S,McMahon, J,Owens, P,Dockery, P,FitzGerald, U (2018) Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of binarization algorithms for image analysis of glial cells 3D in ex vivo slice cultures FENS , pp.416-416 [Details]
(2017) XIII European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
Naughton, M,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2017) Distinct UPR profiles during maturation of glial and neuronal progenitors of the cerebellum XIII European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.151-152 [Details]
(2016) Irish Neurological Association
Healy, S,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2016) Oligodendrocyte loss in hippocampal slice culture model of iron accumulation Irish Neurological Association , pp.179-180 [Details]
(2015) Frontiers in Neurology
Healy, S,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2015) Ferrocene perturbs iron metabolism in organotypic hippocampal slices Frontiers in Neurology , pp.12-13 [Details]
(2015) XII European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
Healy S, McMahon J, FitzGerald U (2015) Iron loading with ferrocene induces iron mismanagement in organotypic hippocampal slices XII European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease Bilbao, , 10-JUL-15 [Details]
(2015) Frontiers in Neurology
McMahon, J,Naughton, M,Healy, S,FitzGerald, U (2015) Endoplasmic reticulum stress: jack of all trades in multiple sclerosis Frontiers in Neurology , pp.6-6 [Details]
(2014) Frontiers in Neurology
Naughton, M,McMahon, J,Fitzgerald, U (2014) Increased endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling in rat white matter development Frontiers in Neurology , pp.84-85 [Details]
(2014) Frontiers in Neurology
Healy, S,Naughton, M,McMahon, J,FitzGerald, U (2014) Iron loading in brain slices: development of a novel in vitro platform to assess the impact of an iron-loaded environment in multiple sclerosis (MS) Frontiers in Neurology , pp.84-84 [Details]
(2014) Frontiers in Neurology
McMahon, J,Higgins, E,Garvey, A,Counihan, T,Fitzgerald, U (2014) Endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated proteins in saliva: potential biomarkers for multiple sclerosis? Frontiers in Neurology Dublin, , 10-MAY-14 [Details]
(2013) XI European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
FitzGerald, U,McMahon, J,Ni Fhlathartaigh, M,Cunnea, P,Ni Mhaille, A,McQuaid, S,Farrel, M,Reynolds, R,Connolly, D (2013) Calreticulin: a new twist in the endoplasmic reticulum and multiple sclerosis tale XI European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.25-26 [Details]
(2013) XI European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
FitzGerald, U,Fhlathartaigh, MN,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R (2013) Expression of calreticulin and other endoplasmic reticulum stress molecules in a rat model of inflammatory demyelination XI European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.173-173 [Details]
(2013) Frontiers in Neurology
Fhlathartaigh, MN,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R,FitzGerald, U (2013) Pathological expression of calreticulin and other endoplasmic reticulum stress molecules in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model of multiple sclerosis Frontiers in Neurology , pp.122-122 [Details]
(2013) Frontiers in Neurology
Fhlathartaigh, MN,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R,FitzGerald, U (2013) Profile of Calreticulin and Other Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Molecules in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis Frontiers in Neurology , pp.10-10 [Details]
(2013) Frontiers in Neurology
Higgins, E,McMahon, J,Counihan, T,FitzGerald, U (2013) Is B cell immunoglobulin (BiP) a useful biomarker for Multiple Sclerosis? Frontiers in Neurology , pp.10-10 [Details]
(2011) Frontiers in Neurology
McMahon, J,McQuaid, S,Farrell, M,FitzGerald, U (2011) Is ER stress and/or hypoxia involved in the pathology of grey matter lesion development in multiple sclerosis? Frontiers in Neurology , pp.39-39 [Details]
(2011) Frontiers in Neurology
Ni Fhlathartaigh, M,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R,FitzGerald, U (2011) Endoplasmic reticulum stress as a component of demyelination in a cortical experimental allergic encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis Frontiers in Neurology , pp.45-45 [Details]
(2011) Frontiers in Neurology
Kraskiewicz, H,McMahon, J,McCabe, C,Macrae, M,FitzGerald, U (2011) Detection of markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress in a rat focal cerebral ischaemia model Frontiers in Neurology , pp.50-51 [Details]
(2011) X European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
McMahon, J,McQuaid, S,Reynolds, R,Fitzgerald, U (2011) Expression of er stress- and hypoxia-associated molecules in grey matter lesions in multiple sclerosis X European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.62-63 [Details]
(2011) X European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
Fhlathartaigh, MN,McMahon, J,Reynolds, R,FitzGerald, U (2011) Characterization of markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress in an experimental allergic encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis X European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.145-145 [Details]
(2009) IX European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
Mcmahon, J,Mhaille, AN,Mcquaid, S,Farrell, M,Cunnea, P,Dolphin, C,Samali, A,Fitzgerald, U (2009) What is endoplasmic reticulum stress doing during multiple sclerosis progression? IX European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.68-68 [Details]
(2009) IX European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
Kraskiewicz, H,Ni Mhaille, A,Roemer, S,Lucchinetti, C,Fitzgerald, U (2009) Detection of markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress in infarcted human brain and in newly-developed in vitro models of oligodendrocyte ischaemia IX European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.59-59 [Details]
(2009) Neuroscience Ireland Conference
McQuaid, S,Cunnea, P,McMahon, J,Fitzgerald, U (2009) The effects of blood-brain barrier disruption on glial cell function in multiple sclerosis Neuroscience Ireland Conference , pp.329-331 [DOI] [Details]
(2009) Biochemical Society Conference
McQuaid, S;Cunnea, P;McMahon, J;Fitzgerald, U (2009) The effects of blood-brain barrier disruption on glial cell function in multiple sclerosis Biochemical Society Conference , pp.329-331 [DOI] [Details]
(2007) VIII European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease
Mhaille, AN,McQuaid, S,Windebank, A,Cunnea, P,McMahon, J,Samali, A,FitzGerald, U (2007) Endoplasmic reticulum stress in multiple sclerosis VIII European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease , pp.65-66 [Details]
(2005) Biochemical Society
Stenson-Cox, CM,Holohan, C,Fitzgerald, U,Samali, A (2005) Staurosporine-induced cell death requires caspase and non-caspase dependant proteolytic mechanisms in a cell specific manner Biochemical Society , pp.862-862 [Details]
(2003) Biochemical Pharmacology
Stenson-Cox, C,FitzGerald, U,Samali, A (2003) In the cut and thrust of apoptosis, serine proteases come of age Biochemical Pharmacology , pp.1469-1474 [DOI] [Details]
(2003) Apoptosis: From signaling pathways to therapeutic tools
O'Mahoney, ME,Logue, S,Szegezdi, E,Stenson-Cox, C,Fitzgerald, U,Samali, A (2003) Hypoxia and ischemia induce nuclear condensation and caspase activation in cardiomyocytes Apoptosis: From signaling pathways to therapeutic tools , pp.728-732 [DOI] [Details]

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2022) Selective Toxicity of BIP Inducer X Towards Microglia and Oligodendrocytes In In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models of Myelination.
Enrico Bagnoli, Eugenia Pugliese, Bandla Sravanthi, Siobhán Cleary, Lorna Hayden, Diana Arseni, Jill McMahon, Cathal Seoighe, Christopher Linington, Heinz-Peter Nasheuer, Una FitzGerald (2022) Selective Toxicity of BIP Inducer X Towards Microglia and Oligodendrocytes In In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models of Myelination. SSRN, U.S.A. [DOI] [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2022) Galway Neuroscience Centre Annual Research Day,
Bianca Castelli, Jill McMahon, Jonathan Cooper, Una FitzGerald (2022) Generation of oxidative stress in B104 cells as positive controls for a point-of-care (POC) device. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Galway Neuroscience Centre Annual Research Day, Galway, Ireland , 02-DEC-22 - 02-DEC-22. [Details]
(2021) Galway Neuroscience Centre Annual Research Day 2021,
Daniela AD Costa, Jill McMahon, Tanja Kuhlmann, Una FitzGerald (2021) Characterisation of neuronal subpopulations and assessment of an excitotoxic vulnerability in rat cortical cell cultures. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Galway Neuroscience Centre Annual Research Day 2021, Galway, Ireland , 10-DEC-21 - 10-DEC-21. [Details]
(2021) MS Masterclass at the The 4th Annual Northern Ireland MS Research Network Symposium,
Daniela AD Costa, Jill McMahon, Una FitzGerald (2021) Screening of cortical inter- and projection neuronal markers in in vitro mixed cell model. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], MS Masterclass at the The 4th Annual Northern Ireland MS Research Network Symposium, Virtual , 15-JUN-21 - 15-JUN-21. [Details]
(2021) MS Masterclass at the The 4th Annual Northern Ireland MS Research Network Symposium,
Daniela AD Costa, Jill McMahon, Una FitzGerald (2021) Screening of cortical inter- and projection neuronal markers in in vitro mixed cell model. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], MS Masterclass at the The 4th Annual Northern Ireland MS Research Network Symposium, Virtual , 15-JUN-21 - 15-JUN-21. [Details]
(2021) European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students (ENCODS) 2021,
Daniela AD Costa, Jill McMahon, Una FitzGerald (2021) Validation of layer-specific markers of cortical inter- and projection neurons in in vitro mixed cell model. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students (ENCODS) 2021, Virtual , 04-JUN-21 - 06-JUN-21. [Details]
(2021) European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students (ENCODS) 2021,
Daniela AD Costa, Jill McMahon, Una FitzGerald (2021) Validation of layer-specific markers of cortical inter- and projection neurons in in vitro mixed cell model. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], European Neuroscience Conference by Doctoral Students (ENCODS) 2021, Virtual , 04-JUN-21 - 06-JUN-21. [Details]
(2022) Galway Neuroscience Centre Annual Research Day 2022,
Ma¿gorzata D¿browska, Jill McMahon, Una FitzGerald (2022) Organotypic brain slice culture from neonatal and adult rats as ex-vivo platform for neurodegenerative disease research. [Poster Presentation], Galway Neuroscience Centre Annual Research Day 2022, Galway, Ireland , 02-DEC-22 - 02-DEC-22. [Details]
(2022) Multiple Sclerosis Masterclass 2022 The 5th Annual Northern Ireland MS Research Network Symposium,
Ma¿gorzata D¿browska, Jill McMahon, Una FitzGerald (2022) Defining the impact of macromolecular crowding agents on the deposition of collagen by meningeal fibroblast. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Multiple Sclerosis Masterclass 2022 The 5th Annual Northern Ireland MS Research Network Symposium, Belfast, Northern Ireland , 12-SEP-22 - 13-SEP-22. [Details]
(2022) NEURONUS 2022 Neuroscience Forum 12th International Scientific Conference,
Ma¿gorzata D¿browska, Patrick C Hurley, Meletios Nikolaos Doulgkeroglou, Jill Mary McMahon, Dimitrios Zeugolis, Una FitzGerald (2022) Determining the impact of molecular crowding agents on deposition of collagen by cultured meningeal cells. [Poster Presentation], NEURONUS 2022 Neuroscience Forum 12th International Scientific Conference, Krakow, Poland , 15-OCT-22 - 17-OCT-22. [Details]
(2022) FENS Forum,
a¿gorzata D¿browska, Jill Mary McMahon, Bertrand Huard, Una FitzGerald (2022) Rostral-to-caudal increase in metabolic activity of ex vivo slices of neonatal rat brain. [Poster Presentation], FENS Forum, Paris, France , 09-JUL-22 - 13-JUL-22. [Details]
(2021) MS Masterclass at the The 4th Annual Northern Ireland MS Research Network Symposium,
Ma¿gorzata D¿browska, Dr Enrico Bagnoli, Dr Jill Mary McMahon, Dr Una FitzGerald (2021) Cortical organotypic slice cultures as a platform for examining cortical pathology in progressive MS. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], MS Masterclass at the The 4th Annual Northern Ireland MS Research Network Symposium, Virtual , 15-JUN-21 - 15-JUN-21. [Details]
(2020) 4th Frontiers in Traumatic Brain Injury,
Trotier A., Bagnoli E., Walski T., Kilcoyne M., FitzGerald U., Biggs M. (2020) Fluid flow shear stress activates ion channel mechanosensors in a novel glial scar in vitro model. [Poster Presentation], 4th Frontiers in Traumatic Brain Injury, Virtual , 16-JUN-20 - 16-JUN-20. [Details]
(2020) Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscience Symposium,
Bagnoli E., McMahon J., FitzGerald U. (2020) Application of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification test in a cohort of Irish Parkinson’s patients: can it predict disease diagnosis?. [Poster Presentation], Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscience Symposium, Virtual , 06-NOV-20 - 06-NOV-20. [Details]
(2020) FENS,
Bagnoli E., Trotier A., McMahon J., Biggs M., FitzGerald U. (2020) DOPAL exposure causes Parkinson’s-like pathology in a novel organotypic model of the prodromal phase. [Poster Presentation], FENS, Virtual , 11-JUL-20 - 15-JUL-20. [Details]

ANET/COS

  Year Publication
(2017) Induced pluripotent stem cells - a window into MS disease?.
Una FitzGerald (2017) Induced pluripotent stem cells - a window into MS disease?. Dublin: MS Ireland ANET/COS [Details]
(2016) A National Biobank for Neurological Disorders?.
Una FitzGerald (2016) A National Biobank for Neurological Disorders?. Dublin: MS Ireland ANET/COS [Details]
(2014) Myelination research - NUI Galway.
Una FitzGerald (2014) Myelination research - NUI Galway. Dublin: MS Ireland ANET/COS [Details]
(2011) Twenty Tweets.
Una FitzGerald (2011) Twenty Tweets. UK: British Neuroscience Association ANET/COS [Details]
(2011) Bluffer's guide to Neuroscience Podcasts.
Una FitzGerald (2011) Bluffer's guide to Neuroscience Podcasts. UK: British Neuroscience Association publication ANET/COS [Details]

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Neuroscience Ireland Member 01-AUG-06 /
British Neuroscience Association Member 01-OCT-03 / 01-JAN-19
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Symposium Member 01-APR-19 / 30-APR-20
SNS Subcommittee for Taught Postgraduate Programmes First Chair (proposed the setting up of the committee) 01-OCT-15 / 31-JUL-17
Biochemistry Society Member 01-OCT-03 /
Irish Institute of Clinical Science Member of Board of DIrectors, representing neuroscientists 20-DEC-14 /
MS Ireland Member of Expert Panel 01-JAN-16 /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
SEAI Working Group for Public Sector Labs First Chair 04-DEC-19 / 12-DEC-20
Dementia Research Network Ireland Representing NUIG Galway Neuroscience Centre and CÚRAM 01-NOV-19 / 31-OCT-21
CÚRAM Steering Committee Education 01-FEB-19 / 12-DEC-20
Galway Neuroscience Centre Director 01-JAN-19 / 31-DEC-20
MSIF International Medical and Scientific Board Representing MS Ireland 01-JAN-18 / 12-DEC-21
Neuroscience Ireland Conference Organising Committee Organisation of Neuroscience Ireland Conference at NUIG, 2017 03-OCT-16 / 25-AUG-17
MS Ireland Advisory Committee Member of Board of Advisors, representing neuroscientists 01-JAN-16 /
College of Science Graduate Studies Committee Representing postgraduate taught programmes in the College of Sience 02-NOV-15 /
Board of Directors of the Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience Representing Neuroscientists 06-DEC-14 / 10-DEC-16
School of Natural Science Executive Committee Representing postgraduate taught programmes 24-SEP-14 /

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
University of Glasgow Postdoctoral Researcher 01-OCT-97 / 31-JUL-02
NUI Galway Lecturer (below-the-bar), Biomedical Engineering Science 01-AUG-11 / 30-SEP-12
NUI Galway Lecturer (above-the-bar) Biomedical Engineering Science 01-OCT-12 / 31-AUG-26
NUI Galway Lecturer (fixed term) Biomedical Engineering Science 01-JAN-05 / 31-JUL-08
NUIG Postdoctoral Researcher (senior scientist) 01-OCT-03 / 31-JAN-06

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
1993 University of Strathclyde PhD Molecular Biology
1981 London College of Music Diploma of Associate Pianoforte Playing
2019 NUI Galway Postgraduate Diploma in Academic Practice Academic Practice
2009 NUI Galway Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
2002 Samhail Mór Ostaig, University of the Highlands and Islands Cúrsa Intrigidh Scottish Gaelic
1985 UCG (now NUI Galway) MASTERS OF SCIENCE Biotechnology
1983 UCG (now NUI Galway) BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING Industrial Engineering
2005 NUI Galway Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge Gaeilge

Community Engagement

  Title Type From / To
Advocacy Green Labs Initiative 09-SEP-18 / 31-AUG-20
Outreach Science Festival 23-NOV-14 /
Advocacy World MS Day 01-MAY-08 / 12-DEC-20
Advocacy Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Working Group for Public Sector Labs 05-DEC-19 / 30-NOV-22
Board Membership International Medical and Scientific Board of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation 01-SEP-17 / 31-DEC-22
Advocacy Dementia Research Network Ireland 01-NOV-19 / 31-OCT-22
Outreach Brain Awareness Week 07-MAR-12 / 08-MAR-12

Reviews

  Journal Role
Journal Of Neuropathology And Experimental Neurology Editor
Acta Neuropathologica Reviewer
Febs Letters Reviewer
Neural Regeneration Research Reviewer
Multiple Sclerosis Journal Reviewer
Journal Of Neuroscience Research Reviewer
Brain Research Reviewer
Brain Research Reviewer

Other Activities

  Description

Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology.

Teaching Interests

Director of the MSc in Biomedical Science (via distance learning/modular).
Lecturer on the MSc in Biomedical Science (FT, 2006-2017); MSc in Regenerative Medicine (2008-present); MSc in Biodiversity and Land-use Planning (2019-present); MSc in Environmental Leadership (2019-present).
Contributor to MSc programmes in Physics (Workshop on Scientific Writing).

Current Postgraduate Students (Taught)

  Name Degree Primary Supervisor
Lianne Carey Msc Y
John Exton Msc Y
Thomas Tuohy Msc Y
Aoife McConnan Msc
Deirdre Ryan Msc Y
Jacqueline Roche Msc Y

Recent Postgraduate Students

  Graduation Name Degree Primary Supervisor
2012 Honorata Kraskiewicz PhD Y
2008 Aoife Ni Mhaille PhD Y
2017 Sinead Healy PhD Y
2013 Mary Ni Fhlathartaigh PhD Y

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
Distance/blended learning module for MSc students Molecular and Cellular Biology BES514 Cell structure and function; How cells obtain energy; Reproduction at the cellular level; Molecular Biology; Biotechnoloy; DNA recombination.
Sem 1, 2007-present (alternate years); MSc Molecular and Regenerative Medicine BES510 Module Director; Deliver content relating to drug discovery and Neurodegenerative disorders; Deliver approx one quarter to one third of module content.
Sem2, MSc Specialised Studies PH5101 Workshop on Scientific Writing
Sem1 - MSc Specialised Studies IE585 Workshop on Scientific Writing
Sem2 2005-16, delivered to FT Biomed MSc students Molecular Medicine BES554 Quarter of module - on neurodegenerative disorders
Semester 2, delivered to FT Biomed MSc students Scientific Writing BES519 Publication metrics (journal, author, country); Publication ethics; Grammar; Preparation of a mini-review.
From 2005-2015 (Full-time Biomed MSc students) Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology BES503 As for BES514

Internal Collaborators

  Name Description of Collaboration
Professor Abhay Pandit
Prof. Pandit leads the CURAM medical device centre, overseeing projects in a wide range of clinical disciplines and applications. His extensive expertise in the biomaterials space is essential to ongoing studies of the possible use of biomaterials to treat chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
Dr. Manus Biggs
Dr. FitzGerald is a co-supervisor of researcher focused on the development of mechanically- and electrically-responsive scaffolds that could aid repair of the spinal cord following injury.
Professor Sanbing Shen
Professor Shen's group currently generates iPS cells from individuals with a range of brain disorders. The collaboration is based on transferring protocols that enable production of iPS cells from individuals with MS and from healthy control donors.
Professor Heinz-Peter Nasheuer
Provision of expertise on and oversight of production and biochemical characterisation of recombinant proteins in E. coli.
Dr. Karen Doyle
Dr. FitzGerald is a co-supervisor of researcher focusing on chronic damage to the nervous system caused by stroke.
Professor Peter Dockery
Prof. Dockery provides expertise and protocols for rigourous analysis of stained tissue sections and cultured brain slices.

External Collaborators

  Name Organisation / Institute Country Description of Collaboration
Professor Richard Reynolds Imperial College, London ENGLAND
Multiple Sclerosis research, particularly post-mortem human MS tissue studies and models of multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Denise Fitzgerald Queen's University, Belfast UNITED KINGDOM
MS Biomarker project
Professor Claude Bernard Monash University, Melbourne AUSTRALIA
Sharing of protocols and expertise for the development of induced pluripotent stem cells and oligodendrocytes from individuals with multiple sclerosis and from healthy donors. Collaborative project exploiting model of de- and re-myelination.
Professor Christopher Linington Glasgow University SCOTLAND
Testing of novel therapeutics in inflammatory model of multiple sclerosis and sharing of protocols/expertise relating to explant model of de- and re-myelination.