I am Gabriele Kulkoviene, a PhD student from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania. My research focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction in inflammatory skin diseases, particularly psoriasis. I study how psoriasis-like inflammation alters mitochondrial structure and function—such as fragmentation, cristae organization, membrane potential, ROS production—and how these changes affect metabolism and inflammatory mediator secretion in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. In parallel, I work with plant-derived nanovesicles, which have shown promising therapeutic potential due to their ability to enhance cell penetration and preserve metabolites. Currently, I am exploring their ability to modulate mitochondrial function and inflammatory responses.
The COST action has provided valuable opportunities to apply my skills in advanced 3D skin models. Through a Training School, I gained hands-on experience in primary skin cell isolation, and during STSM at Prof. Sandrine Dubrac’s lab I applied plant-derived nanovesicles to human epidermal equivalents – an important step towards validating their therapeutic potential in a more physiologically relevant model. Beyond technical training, the COST action connected me with inspiring researchers and sparked new ideas for my future career as an early-career scientist.
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