Neuroimmunology, Endocrine and Autonomic Regulation

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Ulrike Ehlert	Roland Martin	Katrin Rauen
Melanie Greter	Francesca Peri	Tobias Weiss

	Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ehlert Department of Psychology, University of Zurich u.ehlert@psychologie.uzh.ch Topic: Neuroimmunology, Endocrine and Autonomic Regulation Website: https://www.psychologie.uzh.ch
	Prof. Dr. Melanie Greter Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich greter@immunology.uzh.ch Research Focus: The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) is defined as a group of myeloid cells comprised of monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. The different members of the MPS display substantial heterogeneity in terms of ontogeny, turnover and functional properties during homeostasis and inflammation. Our goal is to identify key molecules necessary for the development and function of the MPS. We will focus on microglia, a specialized brain-resident macrophage population. We aim to discover new lineage guiding transcription factors involved in microglia regulation. In addition, we will generate new mouse strains in order to specifically target microglia in vivo and to genetically manipulate CNS-invading monocytes during neuroinflammation. Keywords: Microglia, macrophages, cytokines, development, neuroinflammation Topic: Neuroimmunology Publications: PubMed Website: http://www.immunology.uzh.ch
	Prof. Dr. med. Roland Martin Dept of Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims), Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Zurich roland.martin@usz.ch Research Focus: The focus of our research is to understand better the disease heterogeneity of Multiple Sclersosis using imaging techniques (MRI and optical coherence tomography, OCT), biological markers and motor function. In the laboratory we examine disease mechanisms of MS with particular focus on cellular immunology and biochemistry. We strive at developing new treatments particularly in areas of unmet medical needs of MS such as neuroprotection, induction of tolerance and regenerative therapies. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, T cell, antigen-specific tolerization, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, experimental therapy Topic: Neuroimmunology Publications: PubMed Websites: https://www.usz.ch http://www.multiplesclerosis.uzh.ch
	Prof. Dr. Francesca Peri Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich francesca.peri@uzh.ch Research Focus: Most aspects of brain development, function and, repair are not mediated by neurons alone but emerge from their interactions with other cell types. Of particular interest are microglia, the brain resident macrophages that can shape neuronal connectivity by removing dying neurons and synapses. By taking an in vivo approach that combines quantitative live imaging and cutting-edge perturbations in zebrafish, we study how microglia engulf neurons at single-cell resolution. To investigate this, we have developed tools to visualize and manipulate signals that control neuronal-microglia interactions and custom-designed microscopes that allow multi-positioning in toto brain imaging at subcellular resolution. Keywords: Microglia, neuronal cell death, development, cell biology, neuroinflammation Topic: Neuroimmunology, Endocrine and Autonomic Regulation
	PD Dr. med. Katrin Rauen, Junior Group Leader Consultant Neurology, Psychiatry & Psychotherapy (FMH), Somnologist (ESRS) Head of Center for Neuropsychiatry, Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Psychiatry University Hospital Zurich katrin.rauen@uzh.ch Research Focus: The overarching goal is to identify and validate clinical, blood, and advanced neuroimaging markers for patients suffering from acute or chronic TBI over the lifespan, thereby providing new clinical diagnostic algorithms and knowledge on the link between chronic neuroinflammation and posttraumatic neurodegeneration. This approach will help to develop new pharmacological and neuropsychiatric rehabilitation strategies for TBI patients, and thus will provide best quality of life for TBI patients and their relatives. Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, neuropsychiatric burden, clinical trials, clinical diagnostic algorithm, chronic neuroinflammation, posttraumatic neurodegeneration, neuropsychiatric rehabilitation, neurotrauma outcome and quality of life. Topics: Disorders of the Nervous System, Neuroimmunology Publications: PubMed Google Scholar Social Media: linkedin and twitter Websites: www.pukzh.ch and https://europeanneutrotrauma.org and www.sleep.uzh.ch
	Dr. med. Dr. sc. nat. Tobias Weiss Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich tobias.weiss@usz.ch Research Focus: Malignant brain tumors are devastating diseases with a poor prognosis and an urgent need for better therapies. We are developing novel therapeutic approaches against primary brain tumors and brain metastasis, with a focus on novel cancer immunotherapies. For this, we use state-of-the-art disease models including cell lines, orthotopic fully immunocompetent mouse models and patient samples. In collaboration with groups at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, we apply cutting-edge methods in genomics, proteomics and imaging to gain a deep mechanistical understanding of these diseases. The goal of our research is the translational of novel treatment strategies to patients. Keywords: Brain Tumors, Immunotherapy, drug-development, multi-omics Topic: Disorders of the Nervous System, Neuroimmunology Publications: PubMed Google Scholar Website: https://www.usz.ch top