‚We obtained compelling evidence that astrocytes are one of the major cellular targets in the brain for stress hormones.’

Watch the interview from renowned Psychiatric Times with Dr. Michał Ślęzak, former group leader of BioMed X’s completed research program BMP (Brain Microcircuits in Psychiatric Diseases).

Together with his team, Michał uncovered the contribution of astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells, to molecular phenotypes in depression. Using state-of-the-art genetic approaches and imaging methods, the research group has provided a comprehensive insight into defective neuro-glial interactions and their consequences for neurotransmitter homeostasis. This work has led to the identification of several pathways mediating key functions of astrocytes which are altered by chronic stress The team has validated candidate genes in several biological systems and as a key achievement, proposes novel  molecular targets  for the development of new therapies for depression.

The project was launched together with Boehringer Ingelheim in 2016 as one of BioMed X Institute’s first research projects in the field of neuroscience and was successfully completed by the end of 2020. All results of the project have been acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim for further development.

To watch the full video follow this link.