NL
DE
About
We investigate the neural basis of interindividual differences in stress susceptibility, which' understanding is key to comprehend the stress response in health and disease.
Research group leader
dr. Marloes Henckens
Aims
- Elucidate the molecular, cellular and neural circuit level underpinnings of stress resilience.
We do so using animal models, as these allow for the controlled study of these underpinnings as well as the assessment of causality by targeted manipulations. - Monitor these underpinnings over lifetime to assess when in time stress susceptibility surfaces, targeting prevention, early intervention and treatment.
Use of transgenic mice enables us to monitor whole-brain neuronal activity throughout life and contrast this between individuals that are behaviorally resilient or susceptible to stress exposure. - Conduct animal research with high translational value for the human population.
We actively apply backtranslation of patient findings (e.g., by acknowledging phenotypic heterogeneity), and implement neural readouts that can be directly translated to the patient (e.g., resting-state fMRI) to promote translational value of our work. We pursue collaborations with both with fundamental animal researchers, human cognitive researchers, as well as clinicians, to facilitate knowledge exchange needed for these endeavors.
