Research
Research
During pregnancy, a broad array of adaptations occur in the mother’s brain to ensure the protection of the fetus and full onset of maternal behavior after childbirth. Dysregulation in these sensitive systems can trigger disruption in maternal behavior (including maternal neglect and impaired mother-infant bonding), leading in approximately 15 – 20 % to postpartum depression (PPD). Unfortunately, as the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown and treatment options are still limited, additional research is desperately needed.
Considering that exposure to chronic stress during pregnancy and/or lactation is one of the main risk factors for the development of PPD, my main research interest is to investigate the neuro-behavioral and –molecular mechanisms in a rat stress-based PPD model which leads to a disruption in all aspects of maternal behavior. Thereby, I will specifically focus on the contribution of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system within the brain.
.
Profile
Profile
2018 to date:
PhD student in the group of Prof. Oliver Bosch (Prof. Neumann’s laboratory), Institute of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg
2015 – 2018:
M. Sc. in Biology at the University of Regensburg (Master thesis: “Molecular mechanisms of neuroprotective drugs in the murine microglial cell line BV2”)
2012 - 2015:
B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Regensburg (Bachelor thesis: “Effects of vasopressin V1b receptor blockade within the MPOA and the PVN on maternal behavior of rats”)
