Metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases
Dr. Ana Messias
About us
Our group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying rare metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. We combine integrative structural biology with biochemical and biophysical approaches to understand how proteins function in health and how disease‑associated mutations disrupt these processes. Our long‑term goal is to translate mechanistic insights into strategies that support the development of targeted therapies.
A major focus of our work is Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA), in particular MPAN (Mitochondrial‑Membrane Protein‑Associated Neurodegeneration). MPAN is caused by mutations in C19orf12, a protein with an as yet undefined biological role. We aim to elucidate the molecular and cellular functions of C19orf12 and to understand how pathogenic variants lead to neurodegeneration. This research is currently supported by NBIA Suisse, with previous funding from NBIA Poland and NBIADA (USA).
A second research direction addresses FA2H‑associated neurodegeneration, another NBIA‑related disorder caused by mutations in fatty acid 2‑hydroxylase (FA2H). In collaboration with Dr. Sunita Venkateswaran (Children's Hospital of Western Ontario, Canada) and with support from a patient‑led organization, we investigate how FA2H variants alter enzyme structure and function. By integrating structural and biochemical analyses, we aim to define the mechanistic basis of FA2H‑related disease and identify potential therapeutic entry points.
Together, these research programs contribute to Helmholtz Munich’s mission to generate transformative biomedical insights and translate them into meaningful improvements for patients and families affected by rare neurodegenerative diseases.
Publications
Zhang, F. ; Dorn, T. ; Gnutti, B. ; Anikster, Y. ; Kuebler, S. ; Ahrens-Nicklas, R. ; Gosselin, R. ; Rahman, S. ; Durst, R. ; Zanuttigh, E. ; Güra, M. ; Poch, C.M. ; Meier, A.B. ; Laugwitz, K.L. ; Schüller, H.J. ; Messias, A.C. ; Sibon, O.C. ; Finazzi, D. ; Rippert, A.L. ; Li, D. ; Truxal, K. ; Nandi, D. ; Lampert, B.C. ; Yeo, M. ; Gardham, A. ; Nissan, B. ; Horowitz Cederboim, S. ; Moretti, A. ; Iuso, A.
Pantethine ameliorates dilated cardiomyopathy features in PPCS deficiency disorder in patients and cell line models.Klingelhuber, F. ; Frendo-Cumbo, S. ; Omar-Hmeadi, M. ; Massier, L. ; Kakimoto, P. ; Taylor, A.J. ; Couchet, M. ; Ribicic, S. ; Wabitsch, M. ; Messias, A.C. ; Iuso, A. ; Müller, T.D. ; Rydén, M. ; Mejhert, N. ; Krahmer, N.
A spatiotemporal proteomic map of human adipogenesis.Zanuttigh, E. ; Derderian, K. ; Güra, M. ; Geerlof, A. ; Di Meo, I. ; Cavestro, C. ; Hempfling, S. ; Ortiz Collazos, S. ; Mauthe, M. ; Kmiec, T. ; Cammarota, E. ; Panzeri, M.C. ; Klopstock, T. ; Sattler, M. ; Winkelmann, J. ; Messias, A.C. ; Iuso, A.
Identification of autophagy as a functional target suitable for the pharmacological treatment of mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) in vitro.Chora, A.F. ; Pedroso, D. ; Kyriakou, E. ; Pejanovic, N. ; Colaço, H. ; Gozzelino, R. ; Barros, A. ; Willmann, K. ; Velho, T.R. ; Moita, C. ; Santos, I. ; Pereira, P. ; Carvalho, S. ; Martins, F.B. ; Ferreira, J.A. ; de Almeida, S.F. ; Benes, V. ; Anrather, J. ; Weis, S. ; Soares, M.P. ; Geerlof, A. ; Neefjes, J.J. ; Sattler, M. ; Messias, A.C. ; Neves Costa, A. ; Moita, L.F.
DNA damage independent inhibition of NF-kB transcription by anthracyclines.Niu, Z. ; Prade, E. ; Malideli, E. ; Hille, K. ; Jussupow, A. ; Mideksa, Y.G. ; Yan, L.M. ; Qian, C. ; Fleisch, M. ; Messias, A.C. ; Sarkar, R. ; Sattler, M. ; Lamb, D.C. ; Feige, M.J. ; Camilloni, C. ; Kapurniotu, A. ; Reif, B.
Structural insight into IAPP-derived amyloid inhibitors and their mechanism of action.Jussupow, A. ; Messias, A.C. ; Stehle, R. ; Geerlof, A. ; Solbak, S.M.Ø. ; Paissoni, C. ; Bach, A. ; Sattler, M. ; Camilloni, C.
The dynamics of linear polyubiquitin.de Angelis, M. ; Schriever, S.C. ; Kyriakou, E. ; Sattler, M. ; Messias, A.C. ; Schramm, K.-W. ; Pfluger, P.T.
Detection and quantification of the anti-obesity drug celastrol in murine liver and brain.Niu, Z. ; Prade, E. ; Malideli, E. ; Hille, K. ; Jussupow, A. ; Mideksa, Y.G. ; Yan, L.M. ; Qian, C. ; Fleisch, M. ; Messias, A.C. ; Sarkar, R. ; Sattler, M. ; Lamb, D.C. ; Feige, M.J. ; Camilloni, C. ; Kapurniotu, A. ; Reif, B.
Structural insight into IAPP-derived amyloid inhibitors and their mechanism of action.Ostertag, M.S. ; Messias, A.C. ; Sattler, M. ; Popowicz, G.M.
The structure of the SPOP-Pdx1 interface reveals insights into the phosphorylation-dependent binding regulation.Harrison, L. ; Schriever, S.C. ; Feuchtinger, A. ; Kyriakou, E. ; Baumann, P. ; Pfuhlmann, K. ; Messias, A.C. ; Walch, A.K. ; Tschöp, M.H. ; Pfluger, P.T.
Fluorescent blood-brain barrier tracing shows intact leptin transport in obese mice.
We gratefully acknowledge financial support by Doreen Turner, a family member of an individual with FAHN, administered via CHEO Canada
Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
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