Lohmann group

General description research

We investigate neuronal activity patterns in the developing brain and their role in wiring the visual system. We found that neuronal activity patterns are altered in a mouse model of fragile x mental retardation (FXS), a neurodevelopmental disorder. In collaboration with Dr. Nadif Kasri, Donders, we plan to investigate energy metabolism in neurodevelopmental disorders and in particular how deficits in energy metabolism may alter early activity patterns and neuronal wiring.

Psychiatric symptoms (or disorders) the group is interested in

Our research is related to neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular monogenic disorders, such as FXS. We plan to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders that are directly caused by (e.g. Leigh syndrome) or associated with energy metabolism alterations (e.g. FXS, Kleefstra and Koolen-de Vries syndrome). We currently focus on symptoms relating to sensory perception and potentially social processes, such as mother-pub interactions, in the future.

Technical approaches

We use in vivo and in vitro microscopy of sensors of neuronal activity (calcium indicators, neurotransmitter/-modulator sensors) and time-lapse microscopy of energy metabolites (e.g. NADH, FAD, ATP etc.) in mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords: Neurodevelopmental disorders, sensory systems, neuromodulators, cortex.
List of  the matching research domains (see below) and/or disorders : We investigate cognitive systems, mostly sensory perception, and social processes, such as mother-pub interactions.