Research
Check out our general research interests and ongoing projects below!
The core topic of our research is the investigation of oscillatory and synaptic correlates of aberrant emotional and cognitive behaviour in neuropsychiatric disorders. We are particularly interested in identification of physiological and pathological alterations in brain-wide network oscillations (in vitro and in vivo) and their relation to molecular and cellular factors in the control of emotional behaviour.
We combine different methods including stress protocols as well as emotional and cognitive behavioural testing in transgenic mouse models. We use ex vivo (slice physiology), in vivo LFP electrophysiology, targeted stereotactic injections of pharmaceuticals, genetic and chemogenetic (DREADDs) viral vectors (AAV, lenti), engram labelling methods (robust activity marking) that allow the localized manipulation of specific circuits and molecular factors in a cell-type specific manner.
We have recently started to gain interest in “brain-body interaction” with the aim to build causal bridges across the disciplines of neuropsychiatry and memory dysfunction with gut physiology and immunology.
Interrogation of synaptic and oscillatory function in the limbic regions
Circuit- and cell-type-specific interventions: Behaviour + Electrophysiology
Interrogation of hippocampal engrams in the dorso-ventral axis of the hippocampus
Interrogation of aberrant microglia physiology and gut microbiome and its impact on hippocampal function
