Research
Research
My main research interest is focussed on understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuropeptides in selected brain regions. The aim is to bridge the gap between the release of neuropeptides (e.g. oxytocin) and a behavioural response, to achieve a better understanding of the mechanisms that modulate behaviour.
In order to investigate these questions I make use of several analytical techniques including: implantation of icv cannula, behavioural tests (e.g. Plusmaze) primary cell culture, protein/RNA extraction, Western blot, in-cell-Western Blots, quantitative real time PCR, immunohistochemistry, Chromatin immuno precipitation (ChIP).
Profile
Profile
since 2014
Postdoctoral researcher at Prof. Neumann’s group
2014
granting of the doctorate, entitled: “The effects of oxytocin: regulation of stress and anxiety by means of oxytocin receptor-coupled signaling cascades.”
2010
PhD student in neurobiology in Prof. Neumann's group at the University of Regensburg, Germany.
2009-2010
MSc (Diplom)student in biology in Prof. Neumann's group at the University of Regensburg (Diploma/Master thesis: "Interactions of MAP kinase intracellular signalling pathways induced by oxytocin: implications for stress and anxiety")
2009-2007
Graduate studies in biology at the University of Regensburg with focus on Genetics, Cellbiology, and Zoology/Neurophysiology
2004-2007
undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Regensburg
Born April 9th, 1983 in Altötting, Germany
Publications
Publications
Jurek B, Slattery DA, Hiraoka Y, Liu Y, Nishimori K, Aguilera G, Neumann ID, van den Burg EH (2015) Oxytocin Regulates Stress-Induced Crf Gene Transcription through CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 3. J Neurosci 35:12248-12260
Bayerl DS, Kaczmarek V, Jurek B, van den Burg EH, Neumann ID, Klampfl SM, Bosch OJ (2015). Local infusion of the V1bR antagonist SSR149415 in the MPOA or the mpBNST modulates maternal behavior in lactating rats. Hormones and Behavior (submitted)
Jong TR, Menon R, Bludau A, Grund T, Biermeier V, Klampfl SM, Jurek B, Bosch OJ, Hellhammer J, Neumann ID (2015) Salivary oxytocin concentrations in response to running, sexual self-stimulation, breastfeeding and the TSST: The Regensburg Oxytocin Challenge (ROC) study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 62:381-388.
Jurek B, Slattery DA, Maloumby R, Hillerer K, Koszinowski S, Neumann ID, van den Burg EH (2012). Differential Contribution of Hypothalamic MAPK Activity to Anxiety-Like Behaviour in Virgin and Lactating Rats. PLoS ONE 7(5): e37060. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037060
Jurek B, Martinetz S, van den Burg EH, Neumann ID, Aguilera G (2011). The control of CRH gene expression by oxytocin: putative roles of TORC and MAP kinases. Program No. 191.11. 2011 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2011. Online
