The 2024 Valda and Bernard Õun Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipient is Keerthana Chithanathan

The Valda and Bernard Õun Memorial Fund was established to support and recognize biomedical research at the University of Tartu. This year, the €5,000 scholarship was awarded to Keerthana Chithanathan, a 4th-year PhD student in neuroscience at the University of Tartu, whose research focuses on the roles of microRNA-146 (miR-146a and miR-146b) in brain health, specifically in relation to neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and microglial function.

Keerthana Chithanathan

According to Chithanathan, her research group is the first to link miR-146b to cognitive function and memory. “Although these microRNAs have been widely studied for their role in inflammation, our studies show that miR-146b is enriched in neurons, where it promotes neurogenesis, which is essential for maintaining cognitive abilities,” she explains.

Additionally, Chithanathan has found that miR-146b modulates neuroinflammation and enhances synaptic pruning in microglial cells, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy brain circuits. Her research also highlights the key role of miR-146a in microglial aging, particularly under metabolic stress caused by a high-fat diet, which can lead to cognitive decline.

“Our findings suggest that miR-146a has the potential to reverse microglial senescence, offering a therapeutic strategy to slow premature brain aging and address obesity-related cognitive issues,” she adds. These research findings open new avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on the activation of aging programs and enhanced neurogenesis.

As she nears the completion of her PhD, Chithanathan considers attending neuroscience conferences crucial for sharing her findings and building collaborations, which has been her main motivation for applying for the Õun scholarship.

The scholarship was awarded at the Dean's reception on October 11, which was part of the University of Tartu Faculty of Medicine’s anniversary celebrations. The Friday evening reception and formal dinner provided an opportunity to recognize the top presenters at the scientific conference and to award the Faculty of Medicine medals and scholarships.

The Valda and Bernard Õun Memorial Fund, established within the University of Tartu Foundation, aims to recognize published or submitted biomedical research by University of Tartu students (including master’s and doctoral students). The scholarship amount is €5,000, supported by an initial donation of €500,000, designated to the foundation through Valda Õun’s will.

Photos: Kelly Jõesoo