Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology & Developmental Neurobiology

The Laboratory of Developmental Molecular Biology & Molecular Neurobiology (LABDBMN) focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the development and function of the nervous system, while also advancing molecular biology and microbiome-based applications in Health, Food, and Agriculture. In close collaboration with the Laboratory of Molecular Regulation & Development of Diagnostic Technology, the laboratory combines complementary expertise and shared state-of-the-art infrastructure in molecular and cellular biology, next-generation sequencing, PCR-based technologies, fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, bioinformatics, and experimental model systems. Recent research activities include studies on embryonic brain development, probiotic strain characterization, gut microbiome modulation and metabolic health, food microbiome analysis, and genome-based food authenticity assessment. By integrating fundamental research with applied molecular technologies, the laboratory contributes to innovation in developmental biology, molecular neurobiology, diagnostics, biotechnology, health, food, and agriculture.

Laboratory Details

Laboratory Title: Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology & Developmental Neurobiology

Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences

School: Μolecular Biology and Genetics

Email: mgrigor@mbg.duth.gr

Telephone: 003025510 30674

Website:

Official Gazette of Establishment:

Introduction - Presentation

The Laboratory of Developmental Molecular Biology & Molecular Neurobiology (LABDBMN) focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the development and function of the nervous system, while also advancing molecular biology and microbiome-based applications in Health, Food, and Agriculture. In close collaboration with the Laboratory of Molecular Regulation & Development of Diagnostic Technology, the laboratory combines complementary expertise and shared state-of-the-art infrastructure in molecular and cellular biology, next-generation sequencing, PCR-based technologies, fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, bioinformatics, and experimental model systems. Recent research activities include studies on embryonic brain development, probiotic strain characterization, gut microbiome modulation and metabolic health, food microbiome analysis, and genome-based food authenticity assessment. By integrating fundamental research with applied molecular technologies, the laboratory contributes to innovation in developmental biology, molecular neurobiology, diagnostics, biotechnology, health, food, and agriculture.

Field of Research

Cellular and molecular mechanisms in the development and operation of the nervous system. Development of microbiome applications in the fields of Health and Agriculture. Development of molecular biology applications in the fields of health and agriculture.

Laboratory Members

Name	Position/Capacity	Email	Telephone
Marirena Grigoriou	Professor, Director	mgrigor@mbg.duth.gr	2551030657
George Skavdis	Associate Professor	gskavdis@mbg.duth.gr	2551030626
Katerina Paleologou	Assistant Professor	apalaiol@mbg.duth.gr	2551030664
Nikistratos Siskos	Postdoctoral Researcher	nsiskos@mbg.duth.gr	2551030674
Konstantinos Tegopoulos	Postdoctoral Researcher	ktegopou@mbg.duth.gr	2551030674
Andreas Raphail Vasileiou	PhD Candidate	anvasile@mbg.duth.gr	2551030674
Imren Alioglu	PhD Candidate	ialiog@mbg.duth.gr	2551030674

Featured Research Programs

Programme Title	Duration	Funding
AGRO4+ – A Holistic Approach to Agriculture 4.0 for Young Farmers	2020-2023	Support for Regional Excellence action, EPAnEK – GSRT DUTH Budget: €508,048
Promotion of the Wine Identity of the Regional Unit of Drama through the Holistic Characterisation of the Natural and Microbial Environment – DRAMA TERROIR	2021-2023	Research – Create – Innovate” Action, NSRF, GSRT. DUTH Budget: € 101.537,9
Development of new wines by Oenops using a DNA molecular signature system for their authentication and traceability	2026-2029	Operational Programme Eastern Macedonia and Thrace 2021–2027, DUTH Budget: €115,500

Featured Publications

Chronological Order	APP	doi
2026	Farmakioti, I., Tegopoulos, K., Stylianopoulou, E., Siskos, N., Angelopoulou, L., Vasileiou, A. R., Karagianni, E., Kandylas, D., Fragkiskatou, F., Pavlatou, C., Tsaroucha, A., Ypsilantis, P., Kourkoutas, Y., Kolovos, P., Skavdis, G., & Grigoriou, M. E. (2026). Genomic characterization and preclinical evaluation of the candidate probiotic strain Lactococcus cremoris FBMS_5810. Frontiers in Microbiology, 17, Article 1812433. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1812433	10.3389/fmicb.2026.1812433
2025	Farmakioti, I., Stylianopoulou, E., Siskos, N., Karagianni, E., Kandylas, D., Vasileiou, A. R., Fragkiskatou, F., Somalou, P., Tsaroucha, A., Ypsilantis, P., Panas, P., Kourkoutas, Y., Skavdis, G., & Grigoriou, M. E. (2025). Enhancing gut microbiome and metabolic health in mice through administration of presumptive probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus pentosus PE11. Nutrients, 17(3), Article 442. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030442	10.3390/nu17030442
2024	Tegopoulos, K., Tsirka, T., Stekas, C., Gerasimidi, E., Skavdis, G., Kolovos, P., & Grigoriou, M. E. (2024). Spatiotemporal dynamics of Assyrtiko grape microbiota. Microorganisms, 12(3), Article 577. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030577	10.3390/microorganisms12030577