Senior R&D Specialist Maria Jäntti, Ph.D., drives innovation with passion and purpose
Dr. Maria Jäntti, a Senior R&D Specialist, has had a scientific journey that is both impressive and inspiring. Her path has been one of diverse experiences, from animal physiology to cutting-edge drug development, and now, to playing a key role in our R&D initiatives.
Maria’s academic background is rooted in a deep passion for biology, which started in her youth with a love for animals and nature. She began her studies at the University of Oulu, earning a master’s degree in biology in 2009. Her master’s thesis focused on the effects of training on lipid metabolism in the swimming muscles of sea trout (Salmo trutta).
“I’ve always had a deep love for animals and nature, which led me to biology early on. I found it fascinating how living organisms function, and I wanted to explore that through my studies.”
Maria continued her academic journey at the University of Helsinki, where she earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2014. During her doctoral research, she investigated orexin receptor signaling, which plays a crucial role in understanding sleep regulation and metabolic processes. Following her PhD, Maria pursued a postdoctoral career, initially remaining in Helsinki, where she worked on drug discovery projects aimed at targeting the C1 domain of protein PKC. She later focused on inhibitors for Prolyl Oligopeptidase to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.
“When I look back, my time in Helsinki and the early days of my postdoc were pivotal in shaping how I approach scientific challenges. It was all about developing new approaches to treat diseases and make a real difference. That passion for problem-solving has stayed with me throughout my career.”
Her next adventure took her to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in Baltimore, USA, where she spent four years studying the effects of lipids on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in neuronal cells. This research was at the cutting edge of lipid biology, examining how lipid metabolism interacts with cellular stress responses—a topic with broad implications for neurodegenerative diseases.
“The research I did at NIDA in Baltimore was an exciting step forward. It focused on how lipids can influence cellular processes like stress responses. Seeing how a better understanding of lipid biology could unlock new pathways for treating neurological disorders was fascinating.”
Maria returned to Finland in 2023 and seized an exciting opportunity at Lynsight. Her diverse expertise, which spans cellular disease models, drug development, and lipid biology, made her a perfect fit for the company. At Lynsight, Maria participates in and leads key research and development projects, with a particular focus on DiagMMR’s performance and the establishment of testing conditions for it. Her role includes planning tests, analyzing data, and contributing to product development projects to drive the company forward.
“Joining Lynsight was the ideal next step for me. I am excited to apply my diverse background in research to real-world applications. I enjoy the challenge of translating our scientific findings into practical solutions that can positively impact people’s lives.”
What Maria enjoys most about working at Lynsight is the collaborative atmosphere. In her previous research positions, she often worked alone, but now she finds herself in a dynamic environment focused on teamwork and shared objectives. She appreciates the open exchange of ideas and feels comfortable asking questions without hesitation. Her motivation is largely due to the dedication of her colleagues, and she considers her short commute a fortunate bonus.
“I really appreciate the teamwork here. In my previous roles, I often focused on my own projects, which might have been distinct from the projects of others, but here at Lynsight, we’re all working towards the same goal. It’s such a great feeling to bounce ideas off each other and ask questions openly.”
Maria looks forward to Lynsight’s future, especially as the company expands its operations into the United States. The challenge of establishing a presence in a new market motivates her, and she is dedicated to ensuring the successful transfer and implementation of the company’s technology and products. Her ambition aligns with the company’s growth, and she is determined to contribute innovatively to its success.
“I am excited about the opportunity to help Lynsight grow and expand into the U.S. It is a significant challenge, but being involved in that process is motivating. Establishing new operations and introducing our technology to a larger audience presents a unique opportunity.”
Maria envisions her future as a journey of continuous learning and embracing new challenges. Although she has transitioned from academia, she still profoundly respects basic research and understands the complexities of balancing academic and commercial objectives. At Lynsight, she finds great fulfillment in her work, knowing that the products she helps develop have the potential to impact people’s lives significantly. She takes pride in the responsibility that comes with this impact, recognizing that her contributions can bring tangible benefits to those in need.
“While my work at Lynsight is more commercial than academic, I still carry the foundation of curiosity and discovery that led me to research. What motivates me most is knowing that our work here can directly make a difference in people’s lives, and that’s a responsibility I take seriously.”
Recently, Maria had the opportunity to represent Lynsight at a prestigious event in the United States. In November 2024, she attended the 28th CGA-IGC Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA. This premier event was an essential gathering for genetic counselors, physicians, scientists, and others involved in hereditary gastrointestinal cancer research and treatment. It allowed Maria to learn from and engage with experts in the field while showcasing Lynsight’s work to a broader audience.
“I attended the event with an open mind, eager to see what others in the field were working on and how our efforts could contribute to the bigger picture. Our participation in the CGA-IGC Annual Meeting was thrilling. It was encouraging to see the company so well represented. I enjoyed connecting with professionals in the field. The conversations with them highlighted to me the need for more means of detecting Lynch syndrome and the importance of getting our test to the markets.”
The experience has only fueled Maria’s drive to contribute further to Lynsight’s success. With each new challenge and every milestone, Maria continues to bring her unique expertise and passion for science, helping to shape the future of biotechnology and diagnostics at Lynsight.