Venture Builder (Undergraduate Research Scholar), NanoTRIZ Innovation Institute

Research Interests:

Research Philosophy: Prof. I. A. Vinnikov is a molecular neurobiologist studying how coding and non-coding gene networks regulate metabolism, aging, and neurodegeneration. His research focuses on the mechanistic basis of chronic metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly obesity, insulin resistance, and Parkinson’s disease. By combining in vivo disease models, neuronal circuit analysis, microRNA biology, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene manipulation, Prof. Vinnikov develops mechanistic and translational frameworks for identifying pathological pathways and testing therapeutic interventions.

Core Research Pillars:

Hypothalamic Regulation of Energy Homeostasis: Prof. Vinnikov has pioneered studies on how specific neuronal populations in the hypothalamus regulate appetite, body weight, and metabolic balance. His work demonstrated that hypothalamic microRNAs such as miR-103 and miR-29a protect against hyperphagic obesity and insulin resistance by regulating PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Nras-linked pathways. His group also studies paraventricular and arcuate hypothalamic circuits involved in feeding behavior and endocrine control.

MicroRNAs in Aging and Neurodegeneration: A major focus of Prof. Vinnikov’s research is the role of microRNAs in maintaining neuronal integrity during aging. His studies showed that age-related decline of microRNAs in dopamine neurons contributes to neuronal vulnerability and that Dicer-dependent microRNA pathways are essential for adult dopamine neuron survival. This work established a mechanistic link between aging, microRNA dysregulation, and Parkinsonian neurodegeneration.

CRISPR-Cas9 and Coding/Non-Coding Gene Circuit Analysis: Prof. Vinnikov develops and applies advanced CRISPR-Cas9 approaches to dissect coding and non-coding regulatory circuits in vivo. His laboratory introduced developmentally uncoupled self-inhibiting in situ CRISPR-Cas9 strategies to validate obesity-related neuronal pathways with improved specificity. He also contributed methodological advances through the development of Noodles, an all-in-one system for efficient on-target CRISPR guide RNA validation.

Longevity Pathways and Conserved Stress Responses: Prof. Vinnikov investigates conserved pathways controlling lifespan and stress resistance using both mice and C. elegans. His work demonstrated that vitamin A activates the SKN-1/NRF2 pathway across species, enhancing oxidative stress resistance and extending lifespan in nematodes. This research connects nutritional regulation with conserved anti-aging mechanisms relevant to age-related disease.

Scientific Impact and Leadership: Prof. Vinnikov’s research has produced influential contributions in metabolic neurobiology, molecular genetics, and translational physiology, with publications in Nature Medicine, Journal of Neuroscience, Cell Death & Disease, Molecular Metabolism, Aging Cell, Obesity, and MethodsX. His work is distinguished by the integration of mechanistic rigor with disease relevance, especially in obesity, insulin resistance, and neurodegeneration. Through studies in mice, C. elegans, and cellular systems, he has helped define how neuronal circuits and non-coding RNAs govern organismal health across the lifespan.

Selected Publications:

Isermann, B.; Vinnikov, I. A.; et al. Activated protein C protects against diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting endothelial and podocyte apoptosis. Nature Medicine, 13, 1349–1358 (2007).

Vinnikov, I. A.; Hajdukiewicz, K.; Reymann, J.; et al. Hypothalamic miR-103 protects from hyperphagic obesity in mice. Journal of Neuroscience, 34, 10659–10674 (2014).

Chmielarz, P.; Konovalova, J.; Najam, S. S.; et al. Dicer and microRNAs protect adult dopamine neurons. Cell Death & Disease, 8, e2813 (2017).

Ma, Y.; Murgia, N.; Liu, Y.; et al. Neuronal miR-29a protects from obesity in adult mice. Molecular Metabolism, 61, 101507 (2022).

Sirakawin, C.; Lin, D.; Zhou, Z.; et al. SKN-1/NRF2 upregulation by vitamin A is conserved from nematodes to mammals and is critical for lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans. Aging Cell, 23, e14064 (2024).

Liu, Y.; Lin, D.; Najam, S. S.; et al. Functional redundancy between glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in mature corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons protects from obesity. Obesity, 32, 1885–1896 (2024).

Lin, D.; Najam, S. S.; Liu, Y.; et al. Noodles, the all-in-one system for on-target efficiency analysis of CRISPR guide RNAs. MethodsX, 12, 102481 (2024).