Pioneering the future of brain science

What we’re working on

1. 01

   Glial Biology

   Astrocytes have emerged as major players in intercellular signaling, which contribute to brain information processing, synaptic plasticity and neurovascular coupling. Astrocyte intracellular calcium signals are central to this communication and are triggered by neurotransmitter receptors in response to synaptic input. Recent evidence illustrates different populations of astrocyte calcium signals can occur, which vary in subcellular location, intensity and duration. With genetic calcium indicators in vivo our lab has been at the forefront in studying astrocyte dynamics at the sub-cellular level in the awake behaving mouse. We also investigate astrocyte plasticity, proliferation and migration in models of astrocytopathy.

   
2. 02

   Brain Energy Metabolism

   For decades the notion that glucose is taken up and metabolized by individual brain cells according to their relative need was carved in stone. Things are much more complex. We now know that the metabolic support of the brain is a concerted effort between the vascular system, glial cells, and neurons. We introduced the combined use of genetically encoded substrate sensors and two-photon laser scanning microscopy in the intact brain. This toolset brings research on brain energy metabolism to the next level as it allows real-time measurements of substrate concentrations (e.g. glucose, lactate, pyruvate) in identified single cells.

   
3. 03

   Cerebrovascular Biology

   Our lab has spearheaded the use of reconstructions of realistic cortical vascular networks to investigate the neurovascular unit. We published work on the vascular topology, oxygen transport and fluid dynamics at the single erythrocyte level. This work has been carried out in a long-standing collaboration with colleagues at the Institute for Fluid Dynamics at the ETH Zurich. We are also working towards a better understanding of pericytes and endothelial cells and their contribution to neurovascular coupling. Together with the Neurology Department of USZ, we carry out translational studies on stroke.

   
4. 04

   Imaging Technology

   The work we do relies on cutting-edge technology, which we develop within the group. We work with top-notch tools in mechanics, electronics, chemistry, molecular biology and computer science to be a step ahead in investigating single cells in awake behaving mice. Our custom-made vivo two-photon microscope has been and installed in several leading international laboratories. Furthermore, together with the University of Pennsylvania, we work on employing two-photon excitable porphyrins to quantify partial pressure of oxygen in blood and tissue and induce strokes on the capillary level. Together with the ETH, we have developed an ultrafast positron emission tomography (PET) insert for small animal PET/MR imging.