Research

Acutely stressful experiences trigger powerful neuroendocrine cascades that impact our entire bodies. Our multidisciplinary team studies how stress affects behavior through molecular changes in the brain, and how stress can epigenetically alter germ cells and influence offspring development. 

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We study neural signals and networks that orchestrate innate and acquired actions, choices, and habits.
A key focus is on genetically-defined "brain orchestrator" cells linked to nutrient sensing and brain disorders, such as brain-wide projecting hypothalamic neurons without which the normal flow of consciousness and context-appropriate actions are lost. 

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We examine the epigenetic basis of complex brain functions and physiology in mammals and focus in particular, on the mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance. The goal is to determine the molecular and cellular processes underlying the influence of life experiences on mental and physical health across generations. 

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In our lab, we want to understand the function of different classes of RNAs that originate from non-​coding parts of the genome (so-​called non-​coding RNAs) in mammalian synapse development and plasticity. A major focus is on microRNAs, small regulatory RNAs that control the expression of protein-​coding genes at the post-​transcriptional level.

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Our interdisciplinary team strives to understand the interface between the external and internal environment, the neuroendocrine system and epigenetics. We are particularly interested in how this interplay can epigenetically shape germ cells and influence offspring development to bring about complex behavioral phenotypes relevant for disease risk.  
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We develop bioinformatic methods for -omics data analysis (in particular transcriptomic and chromatin profiling) and apply them to investigate the control of gene expression underlying CNS pathophysiology.

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