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Nouvelles gens / New people


Mathieu AGUILERA

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "ENGRAM" (C. Mathis & L. Lecourtier)
Thesis director : Romain Goutagny
Funding: doctoral contract on FRM funding

Vulnerability of the female brain to early Alzheimer's disease: behavioural and electrophysiological approaches in a new mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

A current challenge in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research is to study its early stages. Our team has shown in a new mouse model of AD (double knock-in, dKI), memory deficits at a young age, more extensive in females, well before the appearance of amyloid plaques. The aim of my thesis is to study the dynamics of brain networks in dKI males and females during these early stages of AD using high-density electroencephalography recordings. This method, which can be transposed to humans, will make it possible to identify new early biomarkers of AD.

Anne-Sophie AUBRY

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "DNA, Drug abuse and NeuroAdaptation" (K. Befort)
Thesis director : Katia Befort

Nociceptive and molecular consequences of excessive sugar or alcohol consumption in mice

Eating disorders and alcohol abuse are a major health problem. The patients concerned are often affected by painful syndromes, but little is known about the mechanisms involved. During my thesis, we propose to study, in two mouse models of excessive sugar or alcohol consumption, the neuroinflammatory responses associated with adaptations of the endocannabinoid system, a system playing a major role in food intake, reward and nociception. These regulations (molecular and epigenetic) are probably involved in pain hypersensitivity and the development of addictive behaviours. The reverse could be true, with chronic pain conditions altering the pattern of excessive consumption (alcohol or sugar), probably to cope with pain. The overall aim of this work is therefore to deepen our knowledge of the mechanisms involved in addictive behaviours in order to better understand the evolution of comorbidities.

Alana ARROUET

PhD student

INSERM U1114 - Neuropsychologie cognitive et Physiopathologie de la Schizophrénie (A. Giersch)
Thesis directors : Anne Giersch and Pierre Marquet (Québec)
Funding: Bourse régionale INSERM / Région Grand Est

Temporal prediction and multisensory integration in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is characterised by abnormalities in the patient's sense of self and temporal fragmentation of psychic life. Patients suffering from these symptoms are unable to use the passage of time to prepare for sensory events in the future. These disorders have been described in subjects at risk of developing psychosis and we therefore attempt to objectify them through classical temporal expectancy and motor tasks in the tactile modality, which is particularly relevant for the study of bodily sense of self.

Adriana BASNAKOVA

Post-doctoral fellow

INCI - Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives
Équipe "Physiologie des réseaux neuronaux" (P. Isope)

The cerebellum, which plays a major role in the control, timing and learning of skilled movements, is at the heart of motor coordination. Adriana will study how neuronal and synaptic mechanisms within the cerebellar cortex underlie temporal computations and motor coordination. She will use novel optical mapping methods developed in our lab (Valera et al., eLife 2016) in brain slices to establish both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic maps in cerebellar cortical modules. These functional maps will be combined with cell lineage and connectome description using brainbow techniques.

Inès BEN-ABDALLAH

PhD student

iCube / Team "Imagerie multimodale intégrative en santé" (L. Harsan)
LNCA / Team "ENGRAM" (C. Mathis & L. Lecourtier)
Thesis directors : Laura Harsan & Chantal Mathis
Funding: doctoral contract on FRM funding

Vulnerability of the female brain to early Alzheimer's disease: MRI, behavioural and histological approaches in a mouse humanised for the App and MAPT genes

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global public health priority. At an early stage, women show a more marked cognitive decline than men. Using a novel mouse model, we are investigating the origin and evolution of these cognitive deficits with non-invasive nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain connectivitý analysis techniques as well as behavioural and histopathological approaches. The results of this study should contribute to a better understanding of the origin of male-female differences in early AD and will argue for the development of personalised treatments.

Laurine BOCH

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "Epigénétique et Dynamique des Systèmes de Mémoire" (AL Boutillier & JC Cassel)
Thesis director : Anne Pereira de Vasconcelos and Jean-Christophe Cassel
Funding: Contrat Ecole doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé de Strasbourg

The cortico-thalamo-hippocampal pathways involved in the persistence of a memory

Animals, like humans, have the ability to retrieve or use information learned long ago. The persistence of memories requires that the mental representation of the information initially perceived and encoded in a labile state is gradually consolidated, making it resistant to interference. This consolidation process can be achieved through modifications of the synapses, but also at the level of the cerebral systems, between which a progressive reorganisation of the networks takes place that allows the persistence of the memory trace. Spatial information, for example, is first organised and maintained in the hippocampal circuits (Hip), then, over time, it is taken over, at least in part, by cortical networks in the prefrontal area. Thus, the reactivation of hippocampal-hippocampal circuits allows the long-term maintenance of information. Nevertheless, although the Hip and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) play an indispensable role in system-wide consolidation, in the laboratory, an essential relay for information exchange between the Hip and the mPFC has been discovered: the Reunian and Rhomboid nuclei (Re/Rh) in the midline of the ventral thalamus. These nuclei have privileged anatomical relationships with the Hip and with the CPFm. Moreover, our recent data have shown that these Re/Rh nuclei are essential for the persistence of both contextual (Quet et al, 2020) and spatial (Loureiro et al, 2012) memories. We have thus highlighted the necessity of a cortico-thalamic-hippocampal circuit in the long-term consolidation of a memory, supporting the surprising idea that thalamic nuclei may play a crucial role in the persistence of a memory. This thesis project seeks to study in rats specifically, each of the projection pathways of this circuit and its particular function in systemic consolidation. To do so, we will induce specific lesions of the thalamo-hippocampal or thalamocortical pathways (Re/Rh → Hip, Re/Rh → CPFm), and vice versa (Hip → ReRh, CPFm →ReRh), thanks to a viral approach using the conditional cre/loxP system. We will then study, in rats, the persistence of memory, spatial or contextual, in a navigation or fear of context task. The behavioural analysis will be enriched by a study of neuronal activation in the target structures as well as an analysis of the synapses in the projection areas in order to better understand the long-term memory circuit at the cellular and synaptic level. This study will thus provide a better understanding of the long-term memory circuit, and opens up new perspectives in the fight against memory deficits linked to trauma or neurodegenerative diseases.

Marion BOUTRY

Laboratory technician

Inserm U1118 - Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence (L. Dupuis)

Supervisors: Cyril Quessada and Jean-Philippe Loeffler

I completed a bachelor's degree in general biology at the University of Lorraine (2015-2018) and then a master's degree in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Strasbourg (2018-2020). During my 2nd year master internship, I had the chance to work alongside Jean-Philippe LOEFFLER in the laboratory "U1118 - Central and peripheral mechanisms of neurodegeneration", directed by Luc DUPUIS. This laboratory works on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Fronto-Temporal Dementia, two fatal and currently incurable neurodegenerative diseases.

In February 2021, I was recruited to the team as a laboratory technician. During one year, I will be trained on different laboratory techniques in order to support and help 2 PhD students in their project: Haoyi Liu, "Characterization of the CHMP2Bintron5 Knock-in mice: a new model of ALS and FTD" and Cyril Quessada, "Analysis of the metabolic flexibility in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and therapeutic approaches".

Baptiste BRULE

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "Epigénétique et Dynamique des Systèmes de Mémoire" (AL Boutillier et JC Cassel)
Thesis director : Karine Merienne
Funding: Contrat Ecole doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé de Strasbourg

Are acetyl-coa synthesis enzymes key players in epigenetic deregulations associated with Huntington's disease?

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease targeting the striatum. Patients exhibit altered energy metabolism and decreased expression of neuronal identity genes due to histone hypo-acetylation. Recent studies tend to show that the metabolic pathways of nuclear acetyl-CoA synthesis are involved in histone acetylation. We aim to characterise these pathways in the Huntington's striatum and to define their role in the establishment of the molecular and behavioural symptoms of the disease.

Aurélia CES

Assistante Ingénieure

INCI - Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives

Aurélia Cès joined the INCI on 1 January 2021 as a successful candidate for an AI position following an external CNRS competition.
After obtaining her Master's degree in Neuroscience and Neuropsychopharmachology at the University of Bordeaux, she travelled around France to gain solid professional experience as an Animal Behaviour Engineer. She started her career at the Institut Clinique de la Souris to perform behavioural phenotyping of transgenic mice. She then specialised in animal cognition by participating in various projects on memory and Alzheimer's disease. Subsequently, she trained in surgery in 2018, in order to contribute to a project aiming at new therapeutic targets by optogenetic approach on murine hemiparkinsonian models. Thanks to her varied experience, acquired in several major French research institutes in Strasbourg, Paris and Marseille, she was able to apply for the CNRS position offered at INCI in Strasbourg.

Recruited as an Assistant Engineer since 1 January 2021, she works 75% on the shared technical platform "ComptOpt", Behaviour and Optogenetics, directed by Dr. Mélanie Krémer. She responds to the more specific needs in surgery and behaviour of teams working on the neurobiology of rhythms or sleep. She also works for 25% of her time for the team "Neuroendocrine Rhythms of Reproduction", directed by Dr. Valérie Simonneaux.

Etienne CLAUSS--CREUSOT

PhD student

INCI - Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives
Team "Peptidergic control of emotions" (A. Charlet)
Thesis co-directors : Alexandre Charlet and Pascal Darbon

 
RXFP3-induced modulation of basal amygdala network activity

The relaxin-3 (rln3) is a neuropeptide that has been shown to be involved in several physiological functions. It is synthetized in GABAergic neurons of the nucleus incertus, together with neuromedin B (NMB). Relaxin-3 mainly acts through RXFP3, a G-protein coupled receptor that once activated, lead to a neuronal inhibition. Both RXFP3-expressing neurons and rln3 positive projections are found throughout many brain structures. Among them, the basal amygdala which is known to be involved in emotions processing, including pain and its comorbidities. Preliminary experiments have shown that amygdala RXFP3 activation triggers mechanical analgesia in a mice model of pain-induced inflammatory sensitization. Hence, our project aims to decipher the effect of RXFP3 activation on the basal amygdala neuronal network activity. To do so, we will take advantage of newly developed specific agonists of RXFP3 to characterize the RXFP3 and/or NMB receptors activation effects using ex vivo patch clamp recording of both GABAergic interneurons and projection neurons. Finally, the contribution of nucleus incertus Rln3/NMB neurons to the modulation of basal amygdala will be assessed using an optogenetic-based circuit deciphering approach.

Emmanuel DARCQ

Chargé de Recherche INSERM

INSERM U1114 - Neuropsychologie cognitive et Physiopathologie de la Schizophrénie (A. Giersch)
Brigitte Kieffer's team

Emmanuel Darcq's previous work has focused on the neurobiology of opiate and alcohol abuse. He has studied the involvement of many brain regions with a particular interest in a fascinating brain region, the habenula. He did his PhD at the IGBMC in Prof. Brigitte Kieffer's team on molecular and behavioural adaptations in responses to morphine. He then did a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF, USA) in the laboratory of Prof. Dorit Ron, where he studied the signaling pathways regulating the transition from moderate to excessive alcohol consumption. During this period he also worked on the role of miRNAs in this loss of control. He then joined McGill University (Montreal, Canada) as a research associate to develop projects on the roles of the mu opioid receptor in the habenula, aversive responses and brain communication.

In December 2020, he joined the INSERM 1114 unit at CRBS as a Research Fellow in the team of Pr Brigitte Kieffer. His work aims to determine the functions of habenular neurons in opiate addiction in order to improve the treatment of opiate use disorders. This research will integrate the analysis of neuronal activity at the local and whole-brain levels. The long-term research goals are to identify molecular targets, circuit mechanisms and new biomarkers that could be useful in the development of therapies to treat opioid addiction.

Charles DECRAENE

Ingénieur de Recherche CNRS

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
INCI - Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives
Mutualized position

Passionate PhD in molecular biology, I joined the CNRS with an IR position after a thesis on the optimization of a gene expression analysis platform and a postdoc on the biology of muscle stem cells. I have a double scientific expertise in molecular biology and in bioinformatics with more than 17 years of experience in omics in the context of translational research in cancer at the Institut Curie in Paris (Translational Reasearch Department) and today, since August 2020,  in neuroscience with a new shared position at the Laboratory of Cognitive and Adaptative Neuroscience (LNCA) and at the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience (INCI) in Strasbourg. I started my career as genomic platform manager for the production of omics data, then I worked with clinicians an researchers on cancer research and more precisely on liquid biopsies to characterize circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNAs in human and in mice models. During this period, I developed bioinformatic tools and molecular/cellular biology applications such as a multiple hotspot mutations scanning by single droplet digital PCR or a platform of single cell capture. Now, I work with researchers to produce and analyze NGS data (RNAseq, ChIPseq, EMseq, ...) in various neuroscience research projects to understand for example, the pathological development of the Huntington’s or Alzheimer’s diseases or the transcriptional and epigenetic signatures of opiates.

Julia DEVANNE

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "Neuropsychology and neurophysiology of normal and athological aging" (A. Dufour)
Thesis directors: André Dufour and Ségolène Lithfous
Funding: Bourse Euridol

Cognitive aging and chronic pain

A growing number of studies suggest an increased risk of chronic pain in people whose cognitive functions are impaired as a result of normal or pathological aging. This project will seek to establish and specify the link between deficits in so-called executive cognitive functions and the inhibition capacities of tonic pain, an experimental model of chronic pain, in people aged over 65 years.

Iris GRGURINA

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "Epigénétique et Dynamique des Systèmes de Mémoire" (AL Boutillier & JC Cassel)
Thesis director : Anne-Laurence BOUTILLIER
Funding: Contrat Ecole doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé de Strasbourg

Characterization of new mouse models of Lewy Body Disease: impact of the hApoE4 risk factor

Lewy body disease (LBD) is the most common neurodegenerative cognitive pathology in the elderly, second only to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Apart from the pathological deficits it shares with AD, such are the ones observed in episodic memory and/or executive functions, LBD also shares a broad range of neuropathological features with Parkinson's disease (PD), from parkinsonism to the presence of alpha-synuclein (SNCA) aggregates, the major component of the Lewy bodies. PD and LBD are then distinguished by the localization of these aggregates, mainly present in the substantia nigra and the striatum in the early stages of PD, whereas they are found more diffuse throughout the whole brain, even in the early stages of DLB. We previously characterized a transgenic mouse model overexpressing human alpha-synuclein (hSNCA) in neurons, under the Thy1 promoter, diffusely throughout the brain (Thy1-hSNCA). Our preliminary behavioral, transcriptional and anatomopathological studies conducted on this model point to functional alterations of the frontal cortex, while hippocampal-dependent functions remain preserved. The observed impairments are consistent with the ones detected in the prodromal stage of the AlphaLewyMA cohort of DLB patients. Recently, the ApoE class of the apolipoproteins, more precisely his ApoE4 isoform, has been described as a genetic risk factor, both for DLB and AD. Prompted by this finding we aim at investigating the impact of ApoE4 in Thy1-hSNCA mice, in order to understand whether/how the presence of this risk factor aggravates the disease. To generate our model of interest (APOLEWY), we are developing two approaches. The first one being co-expression of hSNCA and hApoE4 by crossing the Thy1-hSNCA with hApoE4 knock-in (hApoE4 KI) mice, while the second approach relies on the hippocampal stereotaxic injection of hSNCA fibrils into hApoE4 KI mice. Both models will be characterized at behavioral, as well as genome-wide transcriptomic and epigenomic levels in a cell-type specific manner. Namely, under homeostatic conditions in the CNS ApoE is predominately synthesized by astrocytes, while when pathological conditions set in it was shown that, aside from astrocytes, both neurons and microglial cells begin to contribute to its production. This combined with the pronounced neuronal degeneration, as well as astrocytic and microglial activation, all hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases - such is LBD, prompted us to establish this cell-type specific approach. By gaining insight at what changes are taking place in specific cell types under the influence of the hApoE4 risk factor, we are closer to understanding not only the extent to which it promotes LBD neuropathology, but also its underlying mechanisms.

Simon GUILLOT

PhD student

Inserm U1118 - Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence (L. Dupuis)
Thesis directors: Luc Dupuis and Matei Bolborea
Funding: Bourse Région Grand Est

Causes of Weight Loss in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive motoneuron disease inexorably leading to an early death. Sleep disturbances have been described and appear at a later stage of the disease. Those disturbances can be triggered by muscle cramps, spasticity, restless legs syndrome all leading to increased wakefulness. Considering this evidence, investigating sleep disturbances are of utmost importance to better understand the underlying pathology mechanisms. SOD1G86R mice electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded longitudinally over a 45-days period. EEGs show decreased in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) episodes, and increased wakefulness compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Concomitantly, immunostaining of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and orexin (Ox) neurons in SOD1G86R mice revealed lowered numbers of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus while compared to WT. Ox and MCH neurons have an active role in sleep regulation. The loss of those neurons is correlated with increased wakefulness and decreased REM and NREM episodes.

Volodya HOVHANNISYAN

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "Nociceptive signalling in the spinal cord" (R. Schlichter)
Thesis director : Yannick GOUMON
Funding: Doctoral school contest

Role of morphine-3-glucuronide in the sex-specific analgesic effect of morphine

Morphine, the gold standard analgesic used in clinics to treat pain, is known to induce sex-specific analgesia in humans and rodents. After its administration, morphine is metabolized into morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G), an active metabolite that induces hyperalgesia and allodynia. Our group has recently shown that the peripheral and central levels of M3G are higher in female compared to male mice after injection of morphine. My PhD aims to determine which cell type metabolizes morphine in the CNS and decipher the effects of M3G by combining primary cell culture, mass spectrometry, and electrophysiological tools.

Robin KUSTER

PhD student

INCI - Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives
Team "Nociceptive signalling in the spinal cord" (R. Schlichter)
Thesis director : Sylvain Hugel
Funding: Contrat Ecole doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé de Strasbourg

Modulation of short-term plasticity of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the spinal cord

Nociceptive information is integrated and processed by a network of interneurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This processing involves synaptic plasticity phenomena, the modification of which, following high electrical activity in the network or during peripheral inflammation, could cause pathological pain. I am studying possible modifications of GABAergic inhibitory synaptic transmission, mainly using electrophysiological approaches and working on mouse models.

Félicie LORENC

PhD student

Inserm U1118 - Mécanismes centraux et périphériques de la neurodégénérescence (L. Dupuis)
Thesis directors: Luc Dupuis and Raphaëlle Cassel
Funding: Doctoral contract (University of Strasbourg - ED414)

Implication of inhibitory neurons in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia linked to FUS protein

Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) is a ubiquitous and multifunctional DNA/RNA binding protein. Mutations leading to the truncation of its nuclear localisation signal cause a cytoplasmic mislocalisation of the protein and severe forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. FUS cytoplasmic mislocalisation can also cause frontotemporal dementia in patients devoid of mutations. During my PhD I will explore the effects of FUS truncation in two new mice models: in one of them truncated FUS is expressed solely in inhibitory neurons and in the other it is expressed in every cell type except inhibitory neurons.

Marie-Dominique MARINUTTI

Ingénieure d'étude

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives

Marie-Dominique MARINUTTI joined the ENGRAM team of the Cognitive and Adaptive Neuroscience Laboratory in March 2021 on a project funded by the Foundation for Medical Research. She will work under the direction of C. Mathis (ENGRAM, project leader) in close collaboration with Céline Héraud (ENGRAM) and Anne Pereira de Vasconcelos (Epigenetics and Dynamics of Memory Systems, AL Boutillier - JC Cassel) to study the neurobiological basis of female vulnerability to early Alzheimer's disease.

Joséphine RIEDINGER

PhD student

INSERM U1114 - Neuropsychologie cognitive et Physiopathologie de la Schizophrénie (A. Giersch)
INRIA - Team MIMESIS
Thesis codirectors : Didier Pinault (U1114) & Axel Hutt (MIMESIS)
Funding: INRIA

Closed-loop Transcranial Electric Stimulation of Cortico-Thalamic Network in a Rodent Model of Psychosis Transition

Patients suffering from schizophrenia exhibit dysfunction of the cortico-thalamic (CT) network. This plays a key role in several mental processes as attention, sensory perception, pain, consciousness and sleep/wake shifts. Such patients show rhythm abnormalities in electroencephalograms (EEGs), notably enhanced gamma-frequency (30-80 Hz) oscillations and reduced sleep spindles (10-12 Hz). To improve medical treatment, it is important to describe the dynamics of neural oscillations in the CT network and understand their functionality in brain processes, as well as their underlying mechanisms, in normal and pathological states. Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), a non-invasive neurophysiological technique, has been shown to alleviate some psychotic symptoms, improve cognitive performances and modulate the CT connectivity. Therefore, TES sessions are nowadays proposed as an alternative treatment for schizophrenic patients with treatment-resistant symptoms. In our project, we propose to optimize a combination of stimulation parameters, that could render the TES more efficient to prevent psychotic transitions, and to apply them dynamically within a closed-loop feedback system. For this purpose, we will identify predictive electrical biomarkers and develop adaptive and anticipative algorithms that model the CT network dynamic. Experiments are performed in the ketamine-induced rodent model of psychosis transition, which mimics an abnormal amplification in the gamma band recorded in individuals who have a high-risk to experience a psychosis transition. Bilateral fronto-parietal EEGs are recorded while TES is simultaneously applied. In parallel, a mathematical model of the CT network will be developed and fed with data to extract optimal TES parameters. Finally, an adaptive closed-loop feedback system, that controls the TES dynamically using EEG inputs, will be designed. This project may end up on the development of new therapy techniques for neuropsychiatric disorders and a better understanding of normal and pathological CT network dynamics.

Florian SCHOUKROUN

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "DNA - Drug abuse and NeuroAdaptation" (K. Befort)
Thesis directors : Katia Befort & Romain Bourdy
Funding: Contrat Ecole doctorale des Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé de Strasbourg

Role of tVTA in hedonic food intake: Involvement of the endocannabinoid system

The availability of high calorie palatable food has led to overconsumption, suggesting a powerful influence of pleasure, despite real metabolic needs, on food intake. This phenomenon has led to an increase in eating disorders, obesity and associated pathologies. The neurobiological and behavioral adaptations at the origin of these disorders could share similarities with those implemented in addiction, especially within the reward circuit. In this context, we study the role of a brain structure involved in the response to drugs and exerting an inhibitory influence on this circuit: the tail of the Ventral Tegmental Area.

Marine SIMONNEAUX

PhD student

INCI - Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives
Équipe "Neuroendocrine Rhythms of Reproduction" (V. Simonneaux)
Thesis director : Valérie Simonneaux
Funding: doctoral contract, Doctoral School of Life Science and Health (ED414)

Effect of circadian disruption on the hypothalamic control of female fertility

In female mammals, the preovulatory LH surge depends on both a hormonal signal and a circadian signal that allow ovulation to occur at the appropriate time. A disruption of the circadian clock in mice alters the occurrence of the LH surge leading to a decrease in fertility. My research project consists in studying how a chonodisruptive environment affects the transmission of the daily information from the hypothalamic clock to the gonadotropic axis in rodent models, and assessing the clinical consequences of shift work in women.

Louise TROCMET

PhD student

LNCA - Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives
Team "Neuropsychology and neurophysiology of normal and athological aging" (A. Dufour)
Thesis directors: André Dufour and Olivier Després
Funding: Bourse Région

Changes in nociceptive pathways with ageing

The objective of this project is to take advantage of an innovative ultra-fast thermal stimulator technology to study the human thermo-sensitive system in response to cold stimuli. We will use neurophysiological techniques and sensory quantification techniques. The thermo-sensitive properties in response to cold and painful hot stimuli will be compared, with both sensitivities being mediated by the A delta fibres.

Alexander WOLF

PhD student

INCI - Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives
Team "Intracellular membrane trafficking in the nervous and neuroendocrine systems" (S. Gasman & N. Vitale)
Thesis director : Nicolas Vitale
Funding: ANR

Characterization of a molecular toolbox to study the pleiotropic functions of phosphatidic acid during neurosecretion

Although lipids play major physiological roles, little information on their specific functions is currently available. This lack of information is mainly due to a lack of molecular tools adapted to their study by the powerful approaches of modern biology. Thus, we propose to generate and characterise a toolbox allowing dynamic cellular and biophysical studies of the different forms of phosphatidic acid, a family of lipids playing a key role in the genesis and fusion of neurosecretory vesicles.