Photo: Jonne Renvall/Tampere University
In her doctoral dissertation, M.Sc. Venla Harju developed new in vitro models based on human stem cells to simulate stroke-related damage in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) environments. The results showed that the 3D model better captures structural damage to neurons, while the 2D model is currently more suitable for studying functional changes and recovery. In addition, Harju investigated platelet-derived extracellular vesicles as a potential therapeutic approach for stroke. In the future, these more human-relevant stroke models could accelerate therapeutic development and reduce reliance on animal experiments.
The doctoral dissertation of M.Sc. Venla Harju in the field of biosciences titled Ischemic Stroke In vitro – Towards Multi-Dimensional Human Stem Cell-based Neuronal Models will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology at Tampere University on 18 June 2026.
The Opponent will be Associate Professor Ana Paula Pêgo from University of Porto, Portugal. The Custos will be Adjunct Professor Susanna Narkilahti from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University.