Disruptions in energy metabolism are increasingly recognized as one of the key factors contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Ismail Gbadamosi analyzed the role of the TDP-43 protein and disturbances in energy homeostasis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), focusing on the vulnerability of motor neurons to damage. Understanding these mechanisms may open the door to new therapeutic strategies.
“Imagine two individuals recently diagnosed with ALS. One has spent years maintaining peak physical fitness, while the other lives with metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Gbadamosi, who earned his Ph.D. in Neurobiology with distinction in January 2026 at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. “Intuitively, one might expect the athlete to fare better. Yet epidemiological data point to a far more complex picture, revealing an unexpected and still poorly understood relationship between metabolism and ALS.”
This observation – often referred to as the metabolic paradox of ALS – opens Dr. Gbadamosi’s doctoral dissertation and leads to a central question: how do changes in cellular metabolism contribute to neurodegeneration?
A Molecular Neurobiologist with an Interdisciplinary Background
Dr. Gbadamosi began his scientific journey at the University of Ilorin in Nigeria, where he studied human anatomy and pursued doctoral training in neurotoxicology. Through the Ernst Mach Fellowship at the Medical University of Vienna, he investigated how cells regulate proteins and respond to changes in their environment. This experience directed his interests toward neuroscience and molecular biology.
After moving to Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued his research at the intersection of RNA biology, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. This path ultimately led to his Ph.D. in Neurobiology at the Nencki Institute.
Metabolism in ALS
Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that metabolic factors typically considered unfavorable for overall health may influence disease risk or progression in unexpected ways. This points to a still poorly understood link between systemic metabolism and neurodegeneration.
In his doctoral work, Dr. Gbadamosi examined how dysfunction of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 affects cellular energy regulation in disease-relevant neuronal models. His findings show that disruptions in TDP-43 function can alter how neurons respond metabolically. Motor neurons exhibit distinct metabolic adaptations compared to other neural cell types.
Due to their exceptionally high energy demands, motor neurons are particularly sensitive to metabolic disturbances, which may partly explain their selective vulnerability in ALS. Dr. Gbadamosi continues to investigate how metabolic processes respond to cellular stress and whether these changes can be experimentally modulated.
Although translating these findings into therapies will require further research, understanding how disruptions in energy balance arise may help identify new therapeutic targets and intervention strategies.
From Stem Cells to Motor Neurons
Dr. Gbadamosi continues his research at Łukasiewicz – PORT as a Senior Research Specialist in the Translational Neuropsychiatry Research Group. His work includes the use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models that can be differentiated into motor neurons. These models are complemented with patient-derived data and biological samples, allowing molecular observations to be linked with disease-relevant contexts.
According to Dr. Gbadamosi, future therapies for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases will require more precise strategies targeting specific cell types and differences in disease mechanisms between them.
The resercher is investigating whether metabolic balance in neurons can be restored and what drives its disruption. In the future, this could enable the development of therapies that not only alleviate symptoms but also support neurons in regaining their normal function.
Scientific Activity and International Engagement
Beyond his doctoral work, Dr. Gbadamosi is actively engaged in international research focused on metabolism and neurodegeneration. His work has been recognized through prestigious fellowships and grants, including the EMBO Scientific Exchange Grant and the STER NAWA program.
He has received multiple awards for scientific presentations, including recognition as Best PhD Student at the Nencki Institute. He has authored more than 25 scientific publications and has made transcriptomic datasets publicly available, contributing to open and reproducible neuroscience.
The researcher also collaborates with journals such as the Journal of Neurochemistry and the Journal of Anatomical Sciences, contributing to the peer review process and supporting high publication standards.
In addition, Dr. Gbadamosi is actively involved in scientific training and community building. In 2025, he organized the first ISN PORT Neuroscience School on the Role of Metabolism in Neurodegeneration, bringing together early-career researchers and international experts.
From a Young Researcher’s Perspective
Dr. Gbadamosi describes his Ph.D. defense as a culmination of several years of research. Thanks to strong preparation, the discussion with the examination committee took the form of a clear and substantive exchange.
When asked what matters most for early-career scientists, he emphasizes motivation, strong mentorship, and intellectual openness: “Good mentorship and commitment are essential in science. Many of the skills we need can be learned, but they require persistence, curiosity, and the right support.”
