Brain

This study was developed in close collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Ana Teixeira(MBB, KI). We wanted to understand how changes that occur inside the muscle fibers (when we exercise or in situations of muscle disease) are communicated to the neurons that bring information from the brain and that allow us to move (motor neurons). We identified a molecule called Neurturin, that is released from muscle and encourages motor neurons to stay connected to muscle. This finding could have implications in diseases such as ALS

In this article we review the current understanding of how exercise and trained muscles can change the levels of compounds that result from the degradation of the amino acid tryptophan (they’re called kynurenines or kynurenine metabolites). There are several of these molecules and they can have diverse effects on the body. We also speculate on what directions this field might take in the future

We always think of neurons as the only important cells in our brain. But brain is a complex organ, with its own metabolic needs that are catered to by different cell types. Among them, astrocytes are the new hype.

Processes activated in neuromuscular diseases have many of their molecular signatures similar to healthy muscle regeneration. However, there will usually be a faulty 'switch' that will plunge the muscle into degenerative state. I am interested in finding these switches and exploiting the knowledge of muscle repair to set them on the right track.

Communication amongst organ systems is vital to keep everything in balance—sensory neurons and adipose tissue (fat) are no different. We think that the communication between sensory neurons and adipose tissue in obesity and diabetes is not working properly, and thus contributing to the metabolic dysfunction seen in these patients.