Neurochemistry
Myelination of neuronal axons is beneficial, as it markedly accelerates the transmission of information in the nervous system. Indeed, the evolutionary innovation of myelin in ancient fish has facilitated the success of vertebrates. However, myelin is vulnerable to inflammation or genetic perturbation that affect its long-term integrity. This is best illustrated in acquired myelin diseases, heritable white matter disorders (leukodystrophies), or demyelinating neuropathies. The project group Neurochemistry investigates the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms of myelination and the maintenance of myelin integrity. We combine the tools of mouse genetics, molecular cell biology, and biochemistry, including systematic proteome analysis, to study myelin in health and disease.
Main research interests
Myelin evolution
Myelin biogenesis
Myelin proteome analysis
Relationship between myelin structure and axonal function
Pathobiology of heritable white matter disorders (leukodystrophies)
Engagement
Academic staff representative for the MPI-NAT to the Biological-Medical Section of the Max Planck Society (2022-2025)
