academic partners
Research team
Ipek Yalcin (Pharm.D., Ph.D)
Our main research is focused on understanding the molecular and physiological events that underlie the comorbidity of chronic pain and mood disorders. Over the last 10 years, our group has established and validated paradigms designed to model this comorbidity in the mouse. We then exploited this model to uncover individual brain structures and molecular mechanisms affected by the comorbidity of chronic pain and mood disorders. To go further, we are now (i) deciphering brain circuitries; (ii) studying cell specific electrophysiological and molecular alterations; (iii) determining transcriptomic and epigenetic adaptations in the comorbidity of chronic pain and mood disorders as well as (iv) developing new pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.
- Mice models of pain, anxiety and depression
- Behavioral tests
- Behavioral pharmacology
- Optogenetic
- In vivo electrophysiological recordings
- Histology, immunohistochemistry, western blot, qPCR
- Genomic analyse
3D Neurolucida recontruction of C57Bl/6j mouse brain.
Michel Barrot (Ph.D.)
An important research axis of the Michel Barrot team – “Neuroanatomy, Pain & Psychopathologies” – aims at understanding how present treatments of neuropathic pain act and at improving these treatments. The research team uses animal models and behavioral, pharmacological, morphofunctional and molecular approaches to address these objectives. Our research has provided insights in the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of antidepressant drugs and of anticonvulsant drugs in neuropathic pain, and is interacting with chemists for developing new treatments.
- Rodent models of neuropathic pain and tests for nociceptive and anxiodepressive symptoms
- Behavioral pharmacology
- Viral-mediated gene tranfer for brain structure manipulation
- Neural tracing and immunocytochemistry
- Molecular and genomic analyses
Impact of nerve injury and chronic duloxetine treatment on dorsal root ganglia transcriptome. Neuropathic pain was induced by inserting a cuff around the main branch of the sciatic nerve. Chronic oral duloxetine treatment started at least 2 weeks postsurgery and lasted for 3 weeks. The presence and relief of mechanical allodynia were tested using von Frey filaments.
Pierre-Eric Lutz (M.D., Ph.D.)
Our main research is focused on understanding the molecular and physiological events that underlie the comorbidity of chronic pain and mood disorders. Over the last 10 years, our group has established and validated paradigms designed to model this comorbidity in the mouse. We then exploited this model to uncover individual brain structures and molecular mechanisms affected by the comorbidity of chronic pain and mood disorders. To go further, we are now (i) deciphering brain circuitries; (ii) studying cell specific electrophysiological and molecular alterations; (iii) determining transcriptomic and epigenetic adaptations in the comorbidity of chronic pain and mood disorders as well as (iv) developing new pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.
- Mice models of pain, anxiety and depression
- Behavioral tests
- Behavioral pharmacology
- Optogenetic
- In vivo electrophysiological recordings
- Histology, immunohistochemistry, western blot, qPCR
- Genomic analyse
Methylomic adaptations associated with early-life adversity in the CG and CAC contexts show multiple distinct properties.
Professor Yves de Koninck (Ph.D)
Research in the Yves De Koninck laboratory – YDK lab – aims to understand normal and altered transmission of signals between neurons (synaptic transmission). The YDK lab uses and develops state-of-the-art imaging, electrophysiological and computational approaches to better understand the brain and nervous system. Our research has provided insight in the mechanisms underlying chronic pain, drug dependence, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline associated with aging, and led to the identification of drug targets to treat these disorders.
- electrophysiological recording in vivo (micro-optrodes) and in vitro (patch clamp in slices)
- multiphoton and other non-linear imaging techniques
- time-resolved fluorescence microscopy
- in vivo optogenetics
- tissue-based biochemical analysis
- neural tracing and immunocytochemistry
- computational approaches.
- uation analysis of fluorescent signals
- fibre optic-based probe development
- novel microscopy techniques
- neural modeling approaches
Microglia mobility - Erik Bélanger and Feng Wang. Microglial processes (green) reaching towards a laser-induced lesion (yellow spot).
Tomi Rantamäki (Ph.D.)
My research group investigates the therapeutic potential and underlying neurobiological mechanisms of sedatives and anesthetics, particularly volatile and gaseous, against nervous system disorders associated with compromised neuronal plasticity. More particularly, the Laboratory of Neurotherapeutics, investigates mechanisms underlying rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in the context of wake-sleep neurobiology.
- Behavioral analysis in adult rodents
- EEG recordings in freely moving animals
- qPCR, ELISA, western blots
- biological screens
Chronotherapeutic features are integral components of rapid-acting antidepressants. Alitalo, Kohtala et al., Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2020
Michelle Roche (Ph.D.)
Dr Roche’s research interests are focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms and interrelationship between depression, autism and pain. She has a particular interest in neuro-immune system interactions and if body’s own cannabis-like (endocannabinoid) system may provide a novel therapeutic target for these conditions. Depression and chronic pain can co-occur in up to 70% of patients. Dr Roche is interested in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the high co-occurrence of these disorders. Her research has provided preclinical support for specific neuronal pathways and neuro-immune changes in the association between these conditions. Targeting the neuronal and immune responses with antidepressants, anti-inflammatory or modulating the body’s own cannabis-like system, has resulted in changes in behaviour and molecular markers associated with depression and chronic pain. Thus modulating neuro-immune interactions may provide a new therapeutic avenue for this co-morbidity.
- Psychiatric disorders and pain living animal models
- Behavioural analysis
- Pharmacological and optogenetic manipulations
- molecular biology
- proteinomics and lipidomics
David Finn (Ph.D.)
The overall aim of Professor Finn’s research is to increase our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the development and treatment of pain, affective disorders (anxiety and depression), and their co-morbidity. His work focuses, in particular, on the affective and cognitive dimensions of pain, stress-pain interactions, and neuroinflammatory processes, with an emphasis on the endogenous cannabinoid, opioid and monoaminergic systems. An integrative, whole-systems translational neuroscience approach is employed, combining preclinical models with neurochemical and molecular analyses, as well as clinical research in healthy human participants and patients.
- Preclinical models of pain, inflammation, aversion, anxiety, depression and cognition
- Systemic and central administration of drugs
- Optogenetics
- In vivo microdialysis
- Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for measurement of endocannabinoids and related lipids
- Receptor autoradiography and [35S]GTPyS autoradiography
- ELISA; Western blotting; Radiometric enzyme activity assays; Immunohistochemistry
- Clinical research including biomarker discovery and quantitative sensory testing in health human participants and patients
- RT-qPCR
Esther Berrocoso (Ph.D.)
The research group in Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology is a multidisciplinary basic research group focused on the study of the neurobiological bases and the treatment of the comorbidity of chronic pain with mental disorders, as well as other serious mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The research group has contributed to explore the analgesic and antidepressant effect of antidepressant drugs, as well as to elucidating the role of the noradrenergic Locus coeruleus in the sensorial and the affective dimensions of pain (neuropathic and inflammatory pain). Is a group member of the Spanish Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM: www.cibersam.es), that through excellence research helping to prevent mental disorders and thus provide a better quality of life for the general population as well as better treatments for those with some kind of mental disorder. In addition, our research group is integrated in the Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cadiz (INiBICA).
The group’s main lines of research are: 1/ Neurobiological mechanisms involved in the comorbidity of chronic pain and mental disorders, 2/ Sex differences in the neurobiological mechanisms involved in pain-induced affective disorders and cognitive alterations, 3/ Mechanism of action of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of resistant affective disorders and 4/ The human olfactory neuroepithelium: cellular model for the study of mental diseases (focus in bipolar disorder and addiction).
- Animal models of disease: these include pharmacologic-, neurodevelopmental and genetically-induced alterations in rodents developing phenotypes resembling either individual or multiple symptoms associated with particular neurologic or psychiatric disorders (pain, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism..)
- Animal Behavior and Other In Vivo Assays: Behavioral tests in rodents, electrophysiology, pupillometry and selective manipulation of neuronal pathways in rodent brain (DREADDs).
- Molecular and Cellular Biology: Quantitative RT-PCR system, Protein analysis (ELISA, Western blotting and Bioplex), Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Neuronal cultures derived from human olfactory neuroepithelium
Pupillometry in rodents as indirect monitorization of the locus coeruleus activity. Experimental setup developed to record binocular pupil size fluctuations in lightly anesthetized rodents under infrared illumination. Images of pupil dilation in response to mechanical stimulation (hindpaw compression)
Frauke Nees (Ph.D.)
The Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology (IMPS) has been part of the Kiel Campus of the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein since 1987. The Department has been training medical students in the areas of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology since 1972. Its main scientific focus areas are in behavioral medicine and basic neuropsychobiological research on learning and memory processes and information processing in the brain in the context of pain, psychotraumatology and over the life span. The life span topic covers the integration of multilevel data from large longitudinal cohorts. Another area of focus is in the integration of these findings into the development and empirical evaluation of behavioural medicine prevention and rehabilitation programmes in different mental, somatic and neurological disorders
- Experimental psychological approaches
- Peripheral physiological and psychobiological assessments
- Neuropsychological testing
- Structural and functional brain imaging
- Brain stimulation and modulation (TMS, tDCS, tACS, neurofeedback)
- App-based and virtual reality tools
Herta Flor (Ph.D.)
The Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience at the Central Institute of Mental Health /Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University is primarily concerned with the bidirectional relationship between brain and behavior. Our research focuses on the role of learning and memory processes and associated neuroplastic changes in the development and maintenance of mental and psychophysiological disorders. We are a multidisciplinary group composed of psychologists, biologists, engineers and physicists. Our research employs methods of experimental psychology, neuropsychology, structural and functional neuroimaging, stimulation methods, peripheral physiological measures, use of virtual reality applications and novel behavioral or combined behavioral and pharmacological interventions. Our main research topic is chronic pain, but we also work on anxiety and mood disorders, addiction and pathological aging.
- Experimental psychology and neuropsychology
- Structural and functional neuroimaging
- Brain stimulation methods
- Peripheral physiological measures
- Virtual reality applications
- Novel behavioral or combined behavioral and pharmacological interventions
CRC 1158, Koselleck Project, Research Groups Psychobiology of Pain (S. Becker), Emotional Learning /Heisenberg (F. Nees), Body Plasticity and Memory (R. Bekrater-Bodmann), Brain Stimulation, Neuroplasticity and Learning (J. Andoh), KFO 256, Graduate Training Program Adverse Childhood Experiences, IMAGEN…AERIAL… IMAC-Mind, planned: ERC grant, Transregional CRCt Losing/Regaining Control
Hugo Almeida (Ph.D.)
My laboratory integrates the Neuroscience Research Domain (NeRD) at the ICVS/UM. Currently we have 3 main lines of research: i. chronic pain and comorbid behaviors, ii. central maladaptive plasticity in chronic pain and iii. biological determinants of pain resistance and susceptibility. In the latter, which also is the most recent, we are investigating for behavioral, electrophysiological and molecular readouts prior to pain onset. We aim to predict the evolution of the animal to a pain/no pain condition. In an ongoing work we recently we manipulated one of the identified targets obtaining a lasting protection to pain manifestation. In addition, we have been developing behavioral paradigms for a number of different purposes that can be used to phenotype pain and pain-related behaviors more effectively.
- Chronic pain (neuropathy) and other rodents models
- Behavioral paradigms (e.g. exploration, learning and memory, operant paradigms)
- Microscopy
- Opto- and pharmacogenetics
- Freely moving electrophysiology
- Molecular analysis (e.g. rtPCR, WB, ELISA, etc.)
Benoit Labonté (Ph.D.)
Our research aims to understand the biological bases of depression and mood disorders, with a specific focus on sex differences. Even though depression is twice more frequent in females, the majority of prelinical studies are led in males. In our lab, we recently demonstrated that genes expressed in animal and human brains suffering from depression are very different between both sexes. Dr Labonté’s research are conducted in mice models of mood disorders and are corroborated by brain and blood human samples analysis. These approaches helped to identify genes and proteins specifically activated or repressed in depressed males and females. These genes represent as many possible therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disease in a very specific way. Finally, Dr Labonté’s research also aims to understand neuronal circuits involved in mood regulation. By combining different cellular and molecular approcahes, his team can understand individual contribution of certain neuronal populations in depressive expression and behaviors.
- Stress animal models in males and females (variable chronic stress, social defeat and social isolation)
- Behavioral testing
- Brain mapping (viral tracing, optogenetics and DREADDs)
- Neuronal circuit isolation (FACS, ribotag)
- Genetical analysis (RNA, DNA, ChIP)
- Genome-wide sequencing (RNAseq, ChIPseq)
- Viral gene expression modulation
Rohini Kuner (Ph.D.)
We aim at understanding molecular mechanisms underlying chronic pain resulting from long-lasting inflammation or cancer. A major focus is laid on addressing signalling mechanisms which underlie activity-dependent changes in primary sensory neurons transmitting pain (nociceptors) and their synapses in the spinal dorsal horn. Our current work spans molecular, genetic, behavioural, electrophysiological and imaging approaches in vitro as well as in vivo in rodent models of pathological pain.
- Transgenic mouse models (lack of receptors, Cre-loxP approach)
- Inflammatory pain model (including arthritis)
- RNAi and AAVs methodology
- Patch-clamp recordings
- Calcium imaging
Transgenic mice expressing EGFP specifically in painsensing nerves enable in vivo imaging in the skin of mice with chronic pain.
Eric Salvat (M.D. & Ph.D.)
Jack Foucher (M.D. & Ph.D.)
The Center for Evaluation and Treatment of Pain of Strasbourg University Hospital is specialized in chronic pain management, especially pain evolving for the past 3 to 6 months, with specific focus on cancerous pain resistant to conventional pain-killer treatments, neuropathic or central pains, migraines and headaches, algodystrophiaes, post-surgery pains …
- Psychotherapies
- Complementary therapies (acupuncture, hypnosis, osteopathy)
- Laser-therapy
The Center for Non-Invasive neuro-Modulation of Strasbourg University Hospital (CEMNIS) is a medical unit dedicated to the treatment of resistant neuro-psychiatric pathologies with neuro-modulation technics. Our principal approach is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS. After some repetitions, this technic allows to modulate brain activity in very specific brain regions, dysfuntioning and involved in the observed symptoms. TMS is validated for the treatment of resistant neuropathic pain, resistant depression, hallucinations and chronic psychosis apathy. The neuro-imagery research and development of a robotic positioning system in collaboration with the iCube laboratory offer an unique and individualized approach to these pathologies. CEMNIS is highly involved in innovation and research, in particular to validate the importance of personalized therapies. Experts in pain, psychosis and resilient depression are working together to make CEMNIS one of a kind.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Didier Bouhassira (M.D. & Ph.D.)
Nadine Attal (M.D. & Ph.D.)
Pr Bouhassira’s research is dedicated to the physiopathology of pain and focuses on new innovative therapeutics treatment. His laboratory studies the mechanisms, epidemiology, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of different kinds of pain found in patients like neuropathic, post-surgery or visceral pains. Pr Bouhassira’s experimental research using methodologies and technics such as psychophysic, electrophysiology or functional cerebral neuroimaging can be directly applied to patients. By developping and validating the DN4 and NPSI surveys which became international references for diagnosis and neuropathic pain assessment, his laboratory directly impacted clinical pain evaluation and improved neuropathic pain screening.
- Clinical surveys
- Quantitative sensory testing
- Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)
- Electrophysiology (LEPs)
- Skin punch biopsy
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
- Botulinum toxin A injections
non-academic partners
inter-sectioral training
Jean-Luc Néron, Ph.D.
Secondments for 4 ESRs
Development and optimization of optogenetic tools
Stéphanie Wagner, Ph.D/ Emile Andriambeloson
Secondment for 2 ESRs
Behavioral testing and data comparison
Matthieu Charvériat Ph.D.
Secondment for 3 ESRs
Development of strategies for "bed to bedside"
Ewa Sokolowska, Ph.D./Jack Prenderville, Ph.D.
Secondments for 2 ESRs
Entrepreneurial skills