Tamara Yawno-Fegan
Dr Tamara Yawno-Fegan
Senior Research Fellow
Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University (Australia)
Session: Using large animal translational models and how to do it better – Wednesday 14 May (8.30-10am)
Tamara Yawno is a renowned developmental neuroscientist with over 17 years of experience investigating neurodevelopment in large animal models of cerebral palsy. Her exceptional translational research includes ground-breaking work on ganaxolone for neonatal seizures, which is now part of a multi-centre collaboration to trial ganaxolone against standard therapy in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Tamara’s recent research focuses on the role of placental stem cells in brain development and their neuroprotective actions in compromised pregnancies. A key aspect of her work involves extracellular vesicles (EVs), bioactive particles secreted by placental stem cells. Containing proteins, lipids, and RNA, EVs show potential as therapeutic agents. Tamara’s studies suggest that EVs may promote neuroprotection in the developing brain, offering a promising avenue for treating brain injury and neurodevelopmental disorders like cerebral palsy. By exploring EV-mediated cellular communication, she hopes to uncover new insights that could lead to novel regenerative therapies.
