Research projects and techniques
Aging and Neurodegeneration in a Human Brain Tissue Model
- Studying and manipulating the mature human brain at a cellular level has historically been challenging. Recent success involves long-term culturing of surgically resected human brain tissue while preserving its mature structure and neuronal activity.
- Recent research highlights the critical role of glia cells in neurodegenerative diseases.
- The project combines expertise in brain slice cultures and immunology to create a novel tool for exploring neurodegenerative disease dynamics and molecular mechanisms.
- This innovative system has the potential to bridge the gap between animal and human studies, serving as a primary tool for investigating neurodegenerative disease processes and testing new therapeutics.
Epilepsy and the respiratory control of breathing – Implication for SUDEP
- SUDEP is the leading epilepsy-related cause of death, affecting all ages and epilepsy severities. While ASMs control seizures for many patients, they don't cure epilepsy and can have severe side effects.
- Roughly 30% of ASM-resistant epilepsy patients face ongoing seizures and higher SUDEP risk, necessitating safer treatments.
- Targeting new molecular anti-seizure treatments may yield novel drugs and early diagnosis biomarkers.
- Cardiorespiratory dysfunction post-seizures may be SUDEP's common mechanism. Brainstem involvement due to epilepsy activity can cause SUDEP. Mouse models and advanced tech allow precise brain network investigations.
- A critical need persists for understanding epilepsy and SUDEP mechanisms. Mouse models and precise methods are vital for translating findings into preventive and therapeutic strategies.
