Molekulare Neurowissenschaften (AG Wetzel)

Our research focuses on understanding the neurobiological foundations of psychiatric disorders. Among the various targets, ion channels and receptors are key contributors to the development of the central nervous system and are crucial for the generation and regulation of neuronal activity and network development.

Neuronal excitation and inhibition, their spatiotemporal integration and modulation, as well as synaptic transmission as the basis of cellular communication are mediated by ion channels and receptors. Altered molecular properties and dysfunctions can lead to an imbalance of neuronal activity and contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety disorders). In this context, mitochondria—key organelles involved in cellular energy supply, Ca²⁺ homeostasis, and steroid biosynthesis—play a particularly important role in the physiology and pathophysiology of development and cellular communication.

Using a translational research approach, we address the questions of (i) which molecular mechanisms and cellular parameters are responsible for potential dysfunctions that lead to the emergence of pathological phenotypes, and (ii) which pharmacological strategies can be used to modulate the affected signaling pathways in order to develop novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases/disorders.