In addition to the 85 billion neurons in the brain, we find at least as many glial cells. The research focus of GliaLab is to discover physiological roles of a subtype of glial cells called astrocytes, in the awake-behaving and sleeping brain as well as identifying roles of astrocytes in brain disorders.
Astrocytes serve a wide array of functions in the brain. On the one hand, they are caretakers of the brain by controlling the composition of the extracellular fluids. In particular they are key for removing excess neurotransmitter and K+ in relation to neuronal activity. Moreover, they display a rich repertoire of cellular signaling, that likely enable them to more directly interact with neurons.
Our main research interests are as follows:
Since the discovery that astrocytes can react with and communicate by local or spreading Ca2+ elevations, a range of different mechanisms have been linked to these signals. For instance, such signals have been proposed to influence neuronal network activity by release of transmitter substances in, or close by, synapses. Similarly, astrocytic Ca2+ signals have been proposed to influence vascular tone. Currently, we're trying to outline the role of astroglial Ca2+ signals in brain/sleep state changes and in memory encoding and consolidation.
In 2013 a seminal paper described extracellular fluid may circulate from the perivascular spaces of arteries, through the parenchyma, before exiting the brain, taking waste products with it. This circulation system, or 'brain washing' system, was coined the 'glymphatic system', and was proposed to play a role in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. To answer these questions we work with advanced imaging techniques. Most importantly, two-photon microscopy in awake head-fixed mice, in combination with electrophysiology and molecular strategies.
CSD is the phenomenon underlying the perceptual disturbances of the migraine aura, and although first discovered over 70 years ago, key aspects of these events are still unknown. We are currently trying to identify the roles of astrocytes in CSD. We are also investigating putative roles of astrocytes in seizure propagation and in epileptogenesis.
