About the group

Our group investigates how the brain responds to injury and how it can be repaired, with a focus on the cellular and metabolic mechanisms underlying these processes. While much of our work addresses neonatal hypoxia-ischemia, we also study injury and regeneration in the adult brain. We are particularly interested in metabolic signaling pathways—such as lactate and its receptor HCAR1—and in the role of oligodendrocytes in both damage and recovery.

To address these questions, we use a combination of human brain organoids, in vivo mouse models, neurospheres and organotypic mouse brain slices. Our methods include live confocal and multiphoton imaging, viral expression systems, RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.

Ongoing Projects

  • The role of physical exercise and lactate in ischemic brain injury and repair
  • A human brain organoid model of cerebral ischemia
  • Approaches to enhance maturation and development of brain organoids
  • Transplantation of brain organoids to repair brain injury after stroke
  • The metabolic properties of oligodendrocytes
  • Oxidation Resistance 1 (OXR1) in brain development and behavior