spin
DESCRIPTION
SPIN is an international, interdisciplinary PhD Program for the training of an elite of young researchers. It leads to an EU conform Phd (Doctor of Philosophy) degree in Neuroscience. Graduates receive an advanced professional qualification in teaching and research.…TRANSCRIPT
"be part of it“
SPIN PhDBenefits / Key points CollaBorations / researCh
04 - 11
PeoPlefaCulty / pis external advisory Board students
12 - 49
locatIoNthe City / Community
62 - 71
teachINgeduCation / progress report / thesis steering Committee Courses / university faCilities output / student puBliCations
50 - 61
aPPlIcatIoNWhy spin? / hoW to apply? entry requirements potential Candidate’s profile imprint
72 - 78
about SPINSPIN (PhD) PRogRaM is an initiative of Innsbruck Medical university and Innsbruck leopold-Franzens-university. It was established in September 2007 with the support of the FWF (austrian Science Fund).
Benefits
• individual supervision and moni- toring (students have their indi- vidual thesis steering committee)
• a highly structured SPIN- specific educational program
• laboratory rotations in the twelve participating institutions
• funded research exchange with international laboratories
• retreats and social activities
• guaranteed salary as suggested by the austrian Science Fund (approx. € 1,933.30 gross per month) for the proposed 3-years, health insurance and social benefits
• state-of-the art facilities and resources
• personal and career development
Key points
• duration of degree: 3 years
• degree: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
• the PhD at Innsbruck Medical university builds on supervised three year research projects and formal course work.
• entry requirements: life sciences, bioinformatics, chemistry, pharmacy, psychology or human medicine graduate
• recruitment procedure: written application, personal interview
7SPIN (PhD)
9SPIN (PhD)
collaboRatIoNSour SPIN students work across disciplines and pursue research projects that involve more than one lab. these research collaborations are enhanced by lab rotations, as well as study and research in other austrian or international labs.
11SPIN (PhD)
ReSeaRchNeurological and psychiatric disorders are one of the greatest threats to public health. Research across a wide range of sectors and disciplines is needed to bring about the changes that people with such disorders need. In precisely this spirit, we use an integrative, crossover approach.
SPIN was set up to allow multidisciplinary interaction at the interface of molecular and clinical neuroscience.
our aim is to reach a new level of under-standing of the fundamental integrative processes that govern the signaling within and between nerve cells under normal and pathological conditions.
We have initiated a variety of integrated PhD projects that combine all three levels, which proves to be an ideal learning and training environment for our students.
the spin program has identified three broader areas of research:
• molecular/cellular neuroscience
• neuronal physiology and pathophysiology
• behavioral neuroscience
14 PeoPle
chRIStINe baNDtloWSelected PublicationsBorrie sC, Baeumer Be, Bandtlow Ce. the nogo-66 receptor family in the intact and diseased Cns. Cell tissue res. 2012;349(1):105-17.
Zagrebelsky m, schweigreiter r, Bandtlow Ce, schwab me, Korte m. nogo-a stabilizes the architecture of hippocampal neurons. J neurosci. 2010 ;30(40):13220-34.
Wörter v, schweigreiter r, Kinzel B, mueller m, Barske C, Böck g, frentzel s, Bandtlow Ce. inhibitory activity of myelin-associated glycoprotein on sensory neurons is largely independent of ngr1 and ngr2 and resides within ig-like domains 4 and 5. plos one. 2009;4(4):e5218.
current SPIN StudentsBastian Bäumer, sarah Borrie, isabell gehring
Degreesphd in Biology
division of neurobiochemistryinnsbruck medical universityhttps://www.i-med.ac.at/neurobiochemistry/
univ.-Prof. Dr.
15PeoPle
current Research
We are interested in the molecular mechanisms regulating axonal growth and sprouting in the
mammalian nervous system. applying a multidisciplinary approach including proteomics and mouse genetics we study the function of myelin-associated inhibitors, such as Mag and Nogo, and their cognate receptors, the cell-surface receptors of the Nogo Receptor family (NgR1-NgR3).
evidence suggests that these components not only restrict axonal regeneration and compensatory sprouting following injury in the cNS, but also contribute to stabilize neuronal structure during development. as structural alterations at the synaptic level are believed to be associated with learning and memory, we presently investigate whether NgR2, which is abundantly expressed by hippocampal neurons, plays a regulatory role in this process.
Findings in collaboration with the Singewald lab show that NgR2-deficiency increases hippocampal spine density and influences depression- and anxiety-like behaviors.
another example of plasticity-related effects specific to NgR2-signaling is seen in the PNS. our findings support a role of NgR2 in controling the epidermal innervation density of nociceptive DRg neurons by suppressing branching of non-peptidergic sensory afferents.
as deletion of NgR2 significantly increased acute mechanical but not heat sensitivity, we investigate whether the
epidermal hyperinnervation contributes to the increased mechanical sensitivity or if NgR2 is necessary to maintain normal excitability of mechanosensitive fibers. Furthermore we are interested in delineating specific functions of reticulon proteins (RtNs), a highly conserved eukaryotic protein family residing in the endomembrane system.
Despite progress in our understanding of RtNs as eR membrane curvature proteins, their physiological role in the nervous system remains unclear. because different RtN isoforms have variable N-terminal sequences we hypothesized that each RtN isoform directs particular cellular functions by associating with specific partners through their different N-terminal regions.
Present research efforts identified neuronal RtN1a as a novel interactor of the calcium release channel ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2). In functional assays, RtN1a was shown to repress spontaneous RyR2-mediated calcium oscillations, thus invoking a potential role for RtN1a as a RyR2 stabilizer.
as dysregulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis is considered a potential cause for the selective vulnerability of distinct neuronal populations, our future studies will focus on the role of RtN1a in different model systems of neurodegeneration.
16 PeoPle
geoRg DechaNtinstitute for neuroscienceinnsbruck medical universityhttps://www.i-med.ac.at/neuroscience/
univ.-Prof. Dr.
17PeoPle
current Research
our laboratory studies how primary nerve cells and stem cell-derived neuronal cells can be programmed and re-programmed
dependent on neural activity, neurotrophic growth factors and cell intrinsic cues.
In transgenic mouse models we investigate mechanisms of neuronal plasticity that depend on the nuclear matrix protein Satb2 in peripheral and central neurons. We are also developing protocols to differentiate pluripotent cells of mouse and human origin into specific neuronal populations. these protocols are useful for establishing models of human neurological and psychiatric diseases based on the “induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSc) technology“.
Selected Publicationsloy B, apostolova g, dorn r, mcguire ma, arthur JsC and dechant g p38α and p38ß mitogen activated protein Kinasesdetermine Cholinergic transdifferentiation of sympathetic neurons. J.neurosci. 2011 31:12059-67
apostolova g, loy B, dorn r and dechant g.the sympathetic neurotransmitter switch depends on the nuclear matrix protein satB2, J. neurosci: 2010 30:16356-64
dechant,g. and Barde, y.-a. the neurotrophin receptor p75ntr: novel functions indevelopment and implications in diseases. nat. neurosci .5:1131-1136, 2002
von schack, d., Casademunt, e., schweigreiter, r., meyer, m., Bibel, m. and dechant, g. Complete ablation of the neurotrophin receptor p75 causes defects both in the nervous and the vascular systems. nat. neurosci. 4:977-978, 2001
Brodski, C., schnürch, h. and dechant, g. nt3 promotes the cholinergic differentiation of sympathetic neurons. proc.natl.acad.sci. usa. 97:9683-9688, 2000.
current SPIN StudentsClemens Jaitner, andreas abentung
Degreesdiploma study in Biology and Biochemistryphd at the max-planck-institute for neurobiology
18 PeoPle
FRaNceSco FeRRagutI
current SPIN Studentsmahnaz mansouri, Chris Baddick
Degreesmd, specialization in Clinical nutrition
department of pharmacologyinnsbruck medical universityhttps://www.i-med.ac.at/pharmakologie/
univ.-Prof. Dr. med.
19PeoPle
current Research
My research interests focus on the understanding of the neural mechanisms mediating emotional
information processing in the amygdala and in the acquisition and storage of fear memories.
this involves the identification of the main cell types and knowledge of their participation in the intrinsic and extrinsic circuitries of this region. In close collaboration with other laboratories, we use a multidisciplinary approach to analyse the firing properties of individual amyaloid neurons and their synaptic connectivity by electron microscopy. this work has allowed the unambiguous identification of a number of gabaergic cell types in the amygdala and of their influence on network rhythmic activity.
Moreover, we have identified a differential contribution to the acquisition of fear conditioning and extinction of different clusters of amygdala intercalated neurons, a key gabaergic cell group that has been proposed to act as an inhibitory gate between the basolateral
and the central amygdala. although a large body of in vivo work has clearly demonstrated that brain functions appear encoded by specific neuronal activity patterns with characteristic temporal dynamics, neuroanatomical information on the underlying microcircuits activated during a particular behavioural task is still largely lacking.
In my future work, I plan to study long-range connections between gabaergic neurons of the amygdala and cortical/subcortical structures, and how these networks are involved in encoding stimulus-stimulus associations.
In addition, I intend to disentangle the molecular changes that occur at specific synapses after fear conditioning, extinction and fear memory reconsolidation. to this aim I want to also take advantage of recent developments in molecular genetics, trans-synaptic tracing and large volume imaging at ultrastructural level which, when combined, will allow the dissection of neuronal connectivity with unprecedented precision.
Selected PublicationsBienvenu t.C.m., Busti d., magill p.J., ferraguti f. and Capogna m. (2012) Cell type-specific recruitment of amygdala interneurons to hippocampal theta oscillations and noxious stimuli in vivo. neuron, 74:1059-74.
Busti d., geracitano r., Whittle n., dalezios y., mańko m., Kaufmann W., sätzler K., singewald n., Capogna m. and ferraguti f. (2011) different fear states engage distinct networks within the intercalated cell clusters of the amygdala. J neurosci., 31:5131-44.
ferraguti f., Crepaldi l. and nicoletti f. (2008) metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mglu1): Current concepts and perspectives. pharmacol. rev., 60:536-581.
Balastik m., ferraguti f., pires-da silva a., lee t.h., alvarez-Bolado g., ping lu K. and gruss p. (2008) deficiency in ubiquitin ligase trim2 causes accumulation of neurofilament light chain and neurodegeneration. proc. natl. acad. sci. usa, 105:12016-21.
Crepaldi l., lackner C., Corti C. and ferraguti f. (2007) transcriptional activators and repressors for the neural-specific expression of a metabotropic glutamate receptor. J. Biol. Chem., 282:17877-17889.
20 PeoPle
laRS KlIMaScheWSKI
current SPIN Studentsletizia marvaldi
Degreesmd in neuroanatomy, university of hamburgphd in anatomy and Cell Biology, university of heidelberg
division of neuroanatomyinnsbruck medical universitywww.neuroanatomy.at
univ.-Prof. Dr. med.
21PeoPle
current Research
our major field of interest relates to the morphological consequences of growth factor signalling in the nervous
system. a variety of cell lines, primary neurons and animal models are used to study these phenomena.
loCaliZation and signalling of the fiBroBlast groWth faCtor (fgf) reCeptor is in the foCus of
Current proJeCts.
localization and signalling of the fibroblast growth factor (FgF) receptor is in the focus of current projects. FgFs and FgF receptors play
important roles during neuronal development and morphological plasticity in response to nerve injury. We aim to identify the intrinsic neuronal mechanisms underlying axonal elongation and sprouting following stimulation of FgFR type 1 in peripheral neurons.
Moreover, FgFR1 trafficking and signalling are studied in neurons and glial cells to promote neurite outgrowth and to inhibit glial proliferation.
Selected Publicationsauer m, schweigreiter r, hausott B, thongrong s, höltje m, Just i, Bandtlow C, Klimaschewski l. rho-independent stimulation of axon outgrowth and activation of the erK and akt signaling pathways by C3 transferase in sensory neurons. frontiers in Cellular neurosCienCe, 2012, 6, 43
hausott B, rietzler a, vallant n, auer m, haller i, perkhofer s, Klimaschewski l. inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 endocytosis promotes axonal branching of adult sensory neurons. neurosCienCe, 2011, 188, 13-22
hausott B, vallant n, hochfilzer m, mangger s, irschick r, haugsten em, Klimaschewski l. leupeptin enhances cell surface localization of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in sensory neurons by increased recycling. european Journal of Cell Biology, 2012, 91, 129-138
hausott B, vallant n, auer m, yang l, dai f, Brand-saberi B, Klimaschewski l. sprouty2 down-regulation promotes peripheral axon regeneration by adult sensory neurons. moleCular and Cellular neurosCienCe, 2009, 42, 328-340
hausott B, vallant n, schlick B, auer m, nimmervoll B, obermair gJ, schwarzer C, dai f, Brand-saberi B, Klimaschewski l. sprouty2 and -4 regulate axon outgrowth by hippocampal neurons. hippoCampus, 2012, 22, 434-441
22 PeoPle
haNS - guNteR KNauS
current SPIN Studentssandra rizzi
Degreesmd
department of molecular pharmacologyinnsbruck medical universityhttps://www.i-med.ac.at/molpharm/
univ.-Prof. Dr. med.
23PeoPle
current Research
Ion channels are important constituents of many signalosomic complexes. they are crucial with respect to intrinsic electrical
properties of neurons, how these cells respond to external stimuli, how they integrate the encoded information and as a result, generate appropriate responses.
Sequencing the human genome yielded the precise number of such voltage-gated ion channel subunits which are generally accepted to be co-assembled in complexes. these microdomains may consist of additional membrane proteins, a number of scaffolding proteins, and different intracellular components with catalytic functions.
Since we have generated and characterized a large panel of selective tools (e.g. antibodies, labeled toxin analogues) over the past decade, this proposal aims towards the characterization
of a limited number of micro-domains containing ion channels. In particular we plan to characterize ca2+- and Na+-activated K+ channels (e.g. slick and slack channels) of which very recently gene-product-deficient animals became available.
after detergent-solubilization, native ion channel complexes are immunopreciptated together with partnering proteins and analysed by mass sprectromety. Follow-up experiments are going to aim towards a functional characterization of newly discovered partners.
Selected PublicationsBerkefeld, h., sailer, C.a., Bidl, W., thumfart, J.o., rhode, v., eble, s., Klugbauer, n., reisinger, e., Bischofberger, J., oliver, d., Knaus, h.g., schulte, u. & fakler B.: BKCa-Cav channel complexes mediate rapid and localized Ca2+-activated K+ signalling; science 314, 615-620 (2006)
schulte, u., thumfart, J.-o., Klöcker, n., sailer, C.a., Bildl, W., Biniossek, m., dehn, d., deller, t., eble, s., abbass, K., Wangler, t., Knaus, h.g. & fakler, B.: the epilepsy-linked lgi1 protein assembles into presynaptic Kv1 channels and inhibits inactivation by Kvß1; neuron, 49, 697-706 (2006)
müller Cs, haupt a, Bildl W, schindler J, Knaus, h.g., meissner m, rammner B, striessnig J, flockerzi v, fakler B. & schulte u.: quantitative proteomics of the Cav2 channel nano-environments in the mammalian brain. proc natl acad sci u s a. 24;107(34):14950-7 (2010).
24 PeoPle
MIchaela KReSS
current SPIN Studentsphilipp malsch, daniela Weth
Degreesmd
department of physiology and Biomedical physicsinnbruck medical universityhttp://physiologie.i-med.ac.at/index.php
univ.-Prof. Dr. med.
25PeoPle
current Research
MK’s research interests cover all aspects of neuroimmune interactions in the peripheral and central nervous
system. the lab investigates mutual signals of immune cells and neurons specifically in the peripheral nerve and dorsal root ganglia that are critically involved in processes modulating nociception.
one focus is on the expression and functional regulation of sensory neuron specific transducer ion channels but also voltage-gated sodium channels and chloride channels. Several transgenic mouse models are available to assess the importance of gp130 dependent cytokines for peripheral nerve regeneration following experimental nerve injury and the role of these cytokines for the local immune response at the injury site but also in the spinal cord with
particular focus on microglia. the scientific interests include bioactive lipids and their importance in nociception but also in synaptic plasticity involved in learning and memory as well as cognitive processes in the brain.
MK has broad expertise in analysis of sensory neuron function and dysfunction in chronic pain models and applies an interdisciplinary approach to assess neuroimmune signals for pain pathophysiology with a combination of classical whole cell patch-clamp and teased fibre recordings, microfluorimetric calcium measurements, expression analyses (in situ hybridisation, indirect immune fluorescence, qRt-PcR) and rodent behavioural phenotyping (nociception, sensory-motor coordination, memory).
Selected Publicationssphingosine-1-phosphate-induced nociceptor excitation and ongoing pain behavior in mice and humans is largely mediated by s1p3 receptor. Camprubí-robles m, mair n, andratsch m, Benetti C, Beroukas d, rukwied r, langeslag m, proia rl, schmelz m, ferrer montiel av, haberberger rv, Kress m. J neurosci. 2013 feb 6;33(6):2582-92.
Construction of a global pain systems network highlights phospholipid signaling as a regulator of heat nociception. neely gg, rao s, Costigan m, mair n, racz i, milinkeviciute g, meixner a, nayanala s, griffin rs, Belfer i, dai f, smith s, diatchenko l, marengo s, haubner BJ, novatchkova m, gibson d, maixner W, pospisilik Ja, hirsch e, Whishaw iq, Zimmer a, gupta v, sasaki J, Kanaho y, sasaki t, Kress m, Woolf CJ, penninger Jm. plos genet. 2012 dec;8(12):e1003071. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003071. epub 2012 dec 6.
fast modulation of heat-activated ionic current by proinflammatory interleukin 6 in rat sensory neurons. obreja o, Biasio W, andratsch m, lips Ks, rathee pK, ludwig a, rose-John s, Kress m. Brain. 2005 Jul;128(pt 7):1634-41. epub 2005 apr 7.
genetic evidence for an essential role of neuronally expressed il-6 signal transducer gp130 in the induction and maintenance of experimentally induced mechanical hypersensitivity in vivo and in vitro. quarta s, vogl C, Constantin Ce, Üçeyler n, sommer C, Kress m. mol pain. 2011 sep 27;7:73. doi: 10.1186/1744-8069-7-73
a key role for gp130 expressed on peripheral sensory nerves in pathological pain.andratsch m, mair n, Constantin Ce, scherbakov n, Benetti C, quarta s, vogl C, sailer Ca, uceyler n, Brockhaus J, martini r, sommer C, Zeilhofer hu, müller W, Kuner r, davis JB, rose-John s, Kress m. J neurosci. 2009 oct 28;29(43):13473-83. doi: 10.1523/JneurosCi.1822-09.2009.
26 PeoPle
MaRKuS ReINDl
current SPIN Studentsmelanie ramberger, friederike tuller
Degreesmag.rer.nat in Biology dr.rer.nat in molecular Biology
Clinical department of neurologyinnsbruck medical universityhttps://www.i-med.ac.at/neurologie/
a.o. univ.-Prof .Dr.
27PeoPle
current Research
the research interests of Markus Reindl during the past 20 years were in the field of biomedicine with a specific emphasis
on interactions of the immune and nervous system.
his main researCh foCus is the role of human autoantiBodies
direCted against different Central nervous system tissue
antigens
his main research focus is the role of human autoantibodies directed against different central nervous system tissue antigens, mainly the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (Mog) and aquaporin-4 (aQP4) in demyelinating diseases such as multiple
sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. Research activities were also dedicated to the analysis of interactions of cells from the immune and central nervous system and the expression of alpha-synuclein in glial cells and its impact in the pathogenesis of Parkinsonian disorders.
Markus Reindl also played a leading role in austrian investigations on comparative genomics of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or atherosclerosis and stroke, and on the role of risk factors for multiple sclerosis.
Selected Publicationsrostasy K, mader s, schanda K, huppke p, gärtner J, Kraus v, Karenfort m, tibussek d, Blaschek a, Bajer-Kornek B, leitz s, schimmel m, di pauli f, Berger t, reindl m (2012). anti-mog antibodies in children with optic neuritis. arch neurol 69: 752-756.
mader s, gredler v, schanda K, rostasy K, dujmovic i, pfaller K, lutterotti a, Jarius s, di pauli f, Kuenz B, ehling r, hegen h, deisenhammer f, aboul-enein f, storch mK, Koson p, drulovic J, Kristoferitsch W, Berger t, reindl m (2011). Complement activating antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in neuromyelitis optica and related disorders. J neuroinflammation. 2011 dec 28;8(1):184.
mcdonald Cl, steinbach K, Kern f, schweigreiter r, martin r, Bandtlow Ce, reindl m (2011). nogo receptor is involved in the adhesion of dendritic cells to myelin. J neuroinflammation 2011, 8:113.
mader s, lutterotti a, di pauli f, Kuenz B, schanda K, aboul-enein f, Khalil m, storch mK, Jarius s, Kristoferitsch W, Berger t, reindl m (2010). patterns of antibody binding to aquaporin-4 isoforms in neuromyelitis optica. plos one 5(5): e10455.
Berger t, rubner p, schautzer f, egg r, ulmer h, mayringer i, dilitz e, deisenhammer f, reindl m (2003). anti-mog antibodies predict early conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis in patients with a first demyelinating event. new engl J med 349: 137-143.
28 PeoPle
aloIS SaRIaexperimental psychiatry unitinnsbruck medical universityhttp://www.plasmaspiegel.at
univ.-Prof. Dr.
29PeoPle
current Research
alois Saria started his research career investigating functions of neuropeptides in the autonomic and
central nervous system and then moved to work on neuropeptides in the central nervous system and mechanism of action of psychoactive drugs and narcotics.
More recently his research focused on systems neurobiology, particularly reward systems, and pharmacokinetic and -dynamic aspects of antidepressants and antipsychotics relevant for therapeutic drug monitoring in psychiatry. techniques applied include behavioural animal models in psychiatry, most recently for addictive behaviour, immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization, in-vivo microdialysis, cell and tissue culture, quantitative determination of signaling substances with immunoassays and lc-tandem-mass spectrometry. In the current SPIN projects multielectrode-array recordings and optogenetic methods are in the process of being established.
Selected Publicationsmichael fritz, rana el rawas, ahmad salti, sabine Klement, michael t. Bardo, georg Kemmler, georg dechant, alois saria and gerald Zernig. addiciton Biology (2011 16(2):273-84)
Crespo Ja, sturm K, saria a, Zernig g. J neurosci. 2006 may 31;26(22):6004-10.
ebner K, rupniak nm, saria a, singewald n. proc natl acad sci u s a. 2004 mar 23;101(12):4280-5. epub 2004 mar 15
saria a, martling Cr, yan Z, theodorsson-norheim e, gamse r, et al. (1988) am rev respir dis 137: 1330-1335.
lundberg Jm, saria a (1983) nature 302: 251-253.
current SPIN StudentsJanine prast, Kai Kummer
Degreesdipl.-ing in technical Chemistry phd in technical Chemistry
30 PeoPle
chRIStoPh SchWaRzeR
current SPIN Studentsluca Zangrandi, Johannes Burtscher, alexandra agostinho (dK+)
Degreesmsc in microbiology and Biochemistrydr.rer.nat in microbiology
department of pharmacologyinnsbruck medical universityhttps://www.i-med.ac.at/pharmakologie/
a.o. univ.-Prof. Dr.
31PeoPle
current Research
We investigate the role of the endogenous dynorphin / kappa opioid receptor system in epilepsy
and antiepileptic properties of kappa opioid receptor agonists.
the anticonvulsant actions of kappa opioid receptor agonists are fairly well understood. however, we are interested in the effects of such drugs in pharmaco-resistant epilepsy. Moreover, we want to gain insight into potential side-effects of kappa opioid receptor agonist treatment through investigation of behavioral and neurochemical alterations in response to treatment with biased and unbiased agonists. this is an important aspect considering the fact, that antiepileptic drugs are applied for very long periods.
a special interest is the developmental process of epilepsy, termed epileptogenesis. although a number of animal models resemble several aspects of epileptogenesis, this process is not well understood. In fact, the lack of understanding the neurobiochemical
background of epileptogenesis did not allow the introduction of antiepileptogenic drugs in clinics so far. our aim is the identification of biomarkers for the progression of epileptogenesis by combination of in-vivo eeg recordings, neuropathological, neurobiochemical and functional investigations. on the other hand, we presently investigate the potentials of kappa opioid agonists as antiepileptogenic drugs.
In a second line of investigations we study the interplay of the endogenous dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor and oestrogen systems. We aim to characterize the role of dynorphin in aversive effects mediated by activation of the g-protein coupled oestrogen receptor gPeR1. Results from this research might contribute to overcome the aversive side effects experienced by a subpopulation of women undergoing hormone replacement therapy during menopause.
Selected Publicationsloacker s, sayyah m, Wittmann W, herzog h & schwarzer C (2007) endogenous dynorphin in epileptogenesis and epilepsy: anticonvulsant net effect via kappa opioid receptors. Brain, 130, 1017-1028
Wittmann W, schunk e, rosskothen i, gaburro s, singewald n, herzog h & schwarzer C (2009) prodynorphin derived peptides are critical modulators of anxiety and regulate neurochemistry and corticosterone. neuropsychopharmacology, 34, 775-785
schwarzer C (2009) 30 years of dynorphins - new insights on their functions in neuropsychiatric diseases. pharmacology and therapeutics, 123, 353-370
schunk e, aigner C, stefanova n, Wenning g, herzog h & schwarzer C (2011) Kappa opioid receptor activation blocks progressive neurodegeneration after kainic acid injection. hippocampus, 21, 1010-1020
Kastenberger i, lutsch C & schwarzer C (2012) activation of the g-protein-coupled receptor gpr30 induces anxiogenic effects in mice, similar to oestradiol. psychopharmacology, 221, 527-535
32 PeoPle
NIcolaS SINgeWalD
current SPIN StudentsClaudia schmuckermair, Conor murphy
Degreesmag. pharm. and dr. rer. nat. in pharmaceutical Chemistry
department of pharmacology and toxicologyuniversity of innsbruckhttp://www.uibk.ac.at/pharmazie/pharmakologie/
a.o. univ. Prof. Dr.
33PeoPle
our main research interests focus on neurobiological mechanisms important in stress-related neuropsychiatric
disorders including anxiety disorders and depression, as well as in illness recovery by existing and new therapeutic approaches.
We are using an array of neurobiological, neuropharmacological and behavioural methods to track affected neural circuits, altered neuronal activation patterns and neurochemistry important in the expression and/or attenuation of fear, anxiety- and depression-related behaviour.
an important principle of this work is to use specific psychopathological animal models of enhanced fear, anxiety and depression (genetic models: S1 model, hab rats and mice, Flinders sensitive line, dietary models: Mg2+ deficiency, zn2+ deficiency, tryptophan deficiency), and more recently investigate also samples of humans affected by these disorders. Projects of the last years focused on the role of ion channels (ltcc), classical transmitters and neuropeptide such as substance P, galanin, NPY and NPS in stress, anxiety and depression and testing of their usefulness as target systems of antidepressant/anxiolytic treatment. currently we are investigating the role of adult neurogenesis, non-coding RNa´s and epigenetic mechanisms in the different psychopathological
animal models mentioned above. Methods used include functional
Ieg mapping, microarrays, proteomics, microdialysis and hPlc/RIa analysis, telemetric monitoring of autonomic parameters including heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood pressure, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, receptor autoradiography and a range of rodent behavioral tests. We are revealing the effects of traditional and novel drugs and non-drug treatments including deep brain stimulation on the enhanced fear/anxiety and depression-like behavior, as well as their effect on the aberrant brain activity patterns and neurochemistry. one important line of research is dedicated to the understanding of mechanisms underlying impaired extinction of fear memory, which is an important psychopathological mechanism in anxiety disorders including PtSD, phobias and panic disorder. We want to investigate how genetic and epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the formation and maintenance of new, inhibitory extinction memory. these investigations are hoped to provide a better understanding of aberrant neuronal processing and neurochemistry, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in pathological fear, anxiety and depression and will help to discover new therapeutic targets for associated disorders.
Selected Publicationsholmes a, singewald n (2013) individual differences in recovery from traumatic fear. trends neurosci. 36: 23-31
Whittle n, hauschild m, lubec g, holmes a, singewald n (2010) rescue of impaired fear extinction and normalization of cortico-amygdala circuit dysfunction in a genetic mouse model by dietary zinc restriction. J neurosci 30: 13586-13596
muigg p, hoelzl u, palfrader K, neumann i, Wigger a, landgraf r, singewald n (2007) altered brain activation pattern associated with drug-induced attenuation of enhanced depression-like behavior in rats bred for high anxiety. Biol. psychiatry 61:782-796
Berton o, Covington he 3rd, ebner K, tsankova nm, Carle tl, ulery p, Bhonsle a, Barrot m, Krishnan v, singewald gm, singewald n, Birnbaum s, neve rl, nestler eJ (2007) induction of deltafosB in the periaqueductal gray by stress promotes active coping responses. neuron 55: 289-300
ebner K, rupniak nm, saria a, singewald n (2004) substance p in the medial amygdala: emotional stress-sensitive release and modulation of anxiety-related behaviour in rats. proc natl acad sci 101: 4280-4285.
34 PeoPle
gRegoR K. WeNNINg
current SPIN Studentsdaniela Kuszdas, Christine Kaindlstorfer
Degreesmd, msc in health economicsphd in neurology
division of neurobiology, department of neurologyinnsbruck medical universityhttps://www.i-med.ac.at/neurobiology/
univ.-Prof. DDr.
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current Research
the neurobiology division aims to elucidate mechanisms of neurodegeneration and to identify
targets for future interventional trials. the main focus has been multiple system atrophy (MSa) the second most frequent cause of degenerative parkinsonism after Parkinson`s disease (www.msaawareness.org).
MSa is a fatal disease with an average life expectancy of 9 years. In the ec countries appr. 30.000 patients suffer from MSa. Misfolded alpha synuclein (aS) is deposited in oligodendroglia in MSa (Papp-lantos bodies, glial cytoplasmic inclusions=gcIs) leading to secondary neurodegeneration in striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar and central autonomic pathways. these pathologies result in the typical clinical presentation including levodopa refractory parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia and progressive autonomic failure. over
the past 6 years the neurobiology division has contributed to key publications concerning the clinical features, natural history studies, clinicopathological correlations, genetics, autonomic function testing, neuroimaging, in vitro and in vivo models, drug trials and interventional therapies (immunization, cell therapy). In summary, the neurobiology division (within the department of neurology) aims to find the cause and a cure for MSa as a paradigm of neurodegeneration by integrating experimental neuroscience and clinical neurology.
the neurobiology division is the founding and driving force of the european MSa Study group (eMSa-Sg, www.emsa-sg.org). our findings will have significant implications for PD research and therapy.
Selected Publications1: Kuzdas d, stemberger s, gaburro s, stefanova n, singewald n, Wenning gK. oligodendroglial alpha-synucleinopathy and msa-like cardiovascular autonomic failure: experimental evidence. exp neurol. 2013 feb 8. doi:pii: s0014-4886(13)00045-9. 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.02.002. [epub ahead of print] pubmed pmid: 23399889.
2: Wenning gK, geser f, Krismer f, seppi K, duerr s, Boesch s, Köllensperger m, goebel g, pfeiffer Kp, Barone p, pellecchia mt, quinn np, Koukouni v, fowler CJ, schrag a, mathias CJ, giladi n, gurevich t, dupont e, ostergaard K, nilsson Cf, Widner h, oertel W, eggert Km, albanese a, del sorbo f, tolosa e, Cardozo a, deuschl g, hellriegel h, Klockgether t, dodel r, sampaio C, Coelho m, djaldetti r, melamed e, gasser t, Kamm C, meco g, Colosimo C, rascol o, meissner Wg, tison f, poewe W; european multiple system atrophy study group. the natural history of multiple system atrophy: a prospective european cohort study. lancet neurol. 2013 mar;12(3):264-74. doi: 10.1016/s1474-4422(12)70327-7. epub 2013 feb 5. pubmed pmid: 23391524.
Kaindlstorfer C, garcía J, Winkler C, Wenning gK, nikkhah g, döbrössy md. Behavioral and histological analysis of a partial double-lesion model of parkinson-variant multiple system atrophy. J neurosci res. 2012 Jun;90(6):1284-95. doi: 10.1002/jnr.23021. epub 2012 feb 20. pubmed pmid: 22488729.
stemberger s, Jamnig a, stefanova n, lepperdinger g, reindl m, Wenning gK. mesenchymal stem cells in a transgenic mouse model of multiple system atrophy: immunomodulation and neuroprotection. plos one. 2011;6(5):e19808. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0019808. epub 2011 may 18. pubmed pmid: 21625635; pubmed Central pmCid: pmC3097217.
stemberger s, scholz sW, singleton aB, Wenning gK. genetic players in multiple system atrophy: unfolding the nature of the beast. neurobiol aging. 2011 oct;32(10):1924.e5-14. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.04.001. epub 2011 may 24. pubmed pmid: 21601954; pubmed Central pmCid: pmC3157605.
36 PeoPle
aNDReaS abeNtuNg
alexaNDRa agoStINho
institute for neuroscienceinnsbruck medical university
department of pharmacologyinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundBsc Biochemistry, physiology and neurologymsc in neurosciences
Project (supervised by Christoph schwarzer)neuropeptide-Based novel treatment options in epilepsy
Why did you join SPIN?i joined spin to be part of a neuroscience community. it is very important for me to share my knowledge with others who can give feedback and advice. it is also very helpful to practice defending our research at meetings and conferences.
educational backgroundBsc and msc in molecular Cell and developmental Biology
Project (supervised by georg dechant) activity-dependent Change in Chromatin superstructure in neurons
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?our nervous system makes everyone of us unique and individual beings. all our moods, thoughts, perceptions, passions and dreams rely on this amazing network of cells. for someone who would like to understand how our brain works, spin offers great possibilities in scientific research. if the exciting field of neuroscience awakened your interest, i would like to invite you to contribute in such a challenging area!
37PeoPle
baStIaN e. bauMeRdivision of neurobiochemistryinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundmsc in Biochemistry
Project (supervised by Christine Bandtlow)Characterization of a nogo receptor 2 (ngr2) deficient mouse line
how does SPIN help you develop your skills and gain experience in the field?the spin program offers different possibilities to get to know other projects, methods and researchers. this includes seminars and practical courses as well as the (financial) support to attend big conferences or visit other laboratories for a longer period of time. every spin student gets the opportunity to invite speakers for a seminar series. this is another great possibility to get in contact with other researchers and their groups for future collaborations.
“the SPIN PRogRaM oFFeRS DIFFeReNt PoSSIbIlItIeS to get to KNoW otheR PRojectS, MethoDS aND ReSeaRcheRS. “
bastian e. baumer
38 PeoPle
johaNNeS buRtScheRdepartment of pharmacologyinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundma in Business economicsmsc in neurochemistry
Project (supervised by Christoph schwarzer)neurochemical Characterization of epileptogenesis
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?the network, social benefits and possibilities to study and work with people of the spin neuroscience program make spin a very attractive environment for phd-studies with interests in associated research fields.
SaRah boRRIedivision of neurobiochemistryinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundBsc in neuroscience
Project (supervised by Christine Bandtlow)molecular Characterization of the ngr2 Knockout mouse
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?find a project that really interests you!
39PeoPle
educational backgroundmsc in engineering, Bsc in engineeringBsc in Biotechnology
Project (supervised by georg dechant)role of satb2 in hippocampal neuroplasticity
Why did you join SPIN?spin gives me the opportunity to combine my main interests:
• to work on a project in a fascinating and for me personally novel research area
• to work on a research project from which patients can benefit
• to work in a professional and international environment
• to work in innsbruck in the heart of the alps
ISabell gehRINg
cleMeNS jaItNeR
division of neurobiochemistryinnsbruck medical university
institute for neuroscienceinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundBsc in Biologymsc in neurosciences
Project (supervised by Christine Bandtlow)the nogo receptors ngr1 and ngr2 in axon-glia interaction
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?spin provides a very stimulating working environment in which you are not just concerned with your own research but where you also get in touch with and learn from interesting people of the neuroscience community. you should really join the spin program if you would like to be part of an international program that offers a lot of academic input in the beautiful city of innsbruck.
40 PeoPle
educational backgroundmag.rer.nat in psychology
Project (supervised by alois saria)prevention of Cocaine Conditioning relapse by social interaction: investigating accumbens neuronal network activity by multielectrode array, patch-Clamp and optogenetics
Why did you join SPIN?Being led by internationally respected researchers, spin appeared to be a great chance to build a career in neuroscience and i have not been disappointed so far.
KaI KuMMeRexperimental psychiatry unitinnsbruck medical university
chRIStINe KaINDlStoRFeRneurology departmentinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundmedical doctor
Project (supervised by gregor Wenning)multiple system atrophy - further aspects
how does SPIN help you develop your skills and gain experience in the field?there are a range of different specific seminar series and workshops that help you broaden your knowledge of and methodology in neuroscience. the opportunity to meet international speakers throughout our lecture series gives you the opportunity to talk to specialists in the field and share experiences. there is financial support to go to international and national meetings and conferences in order to learn how to present your research and prepare for discussions.
41PeoPle
educational backgroundmsc in molecular medicine
Project (supervised by michaela Kress)molecular Background of reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in sns-gp130-/-mice
Why did you join SPIN?i wanted to study and graduate in an interdisciplinary environment. a broad variety of neuroscientific topics are covered by the participating institutes. furthermore, my special interest in the mechanisms underlying nociception are investigated by professor michaela Kress. these aspects offered me a possibility to follow my own focus in a well-renowned pain-lab together with an excellent insight into other fields of neuroscience.
DaNIela KuzDaS
PhIlIPP MalSch
division of neurobiologyinnsbruck medical university
department of physiology and medical physicsmedical university innsbruck
educational backgroundmsc in Biotechnology
Project (supervised by gregor Wenning)Characterization of transgenic mouse models for multiple system atrophy
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?spin is a phd program that is well integrated in the research campus of both universities in innsbruck. it is an international program, which gives you the chance to meet interesting people from all over the world. in weekly meetings students present their projects and get valuable input. there are several events throughout the year for spin students and pis which increase interaction with other students but also with the pis.
42 PeoPle
MahNaz MaNSouRIdepartment of pharmacologyinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundmd and msc in molecular neuroscience
Project (supervised by francesco ferraguti)type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors in glutamatergic and gaBaergic synapses: targeting and function
how does SPIN help you develop your skills and gain experience in the field?spin offers a structured educational program. While basic and more advanced concepts of neuroscience are covered during lectures and workshops, seminars and symposiums offer more detailed scientific topics. departments and laboratories are equipped with advanced research tools and offer excellent technical support. moreover, common research skills e.g. problem solving, good writing and communication skills can be improved during spin progress reports and spin events.
educational backgroundmsc in neurobiology
Project (supervised by lars Klimaschewski)improved axon regeneration and functional recovery in spry2+/- mice after sciatic nerve lesion
Why did you join SPIN?spin is an excellent international phd program in neuroscience. my ambition was to learn more about neuronal regenerations because i had been interested in it since my master’s. i looked at international phd programs in europe and i found out that innsbruck has more than 1 lab studying the pns and the rest is history.
letIzIa MaRvalDIdivision of neuroanatomyinnsbruck medical university
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“SPIN haS helPeD Me to gaIN KNoWleDge, leaRN aDvaNceD ReSeaRch techNIQueS aND cReate NeW uNDeRStaNDINg thRough the PRoceSS oF ReSeaRch.“
Mahnaz Mansouri
coNoR MuRPhYdepartment of pharmacology and toxicologyuniversity of innsbruck
educational backgroundBsc in neuroscience msc in regenerative medicine
Project (supervised by nicolas singewald)to investigate the role of non-coding rnas in stress-related disorders and their treatment.
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?spin gives you the opportunity to not only complete a titled phd thesis project in a specific field, it also allows you direct contact to other scientific fields through communication within the network that is spin. situated in the heart of europe, there is also the ability to attend highly important conferences and seminars run by the top science foundations in europe, such as "fens“.
44 PeoPle
educational backgroundmsc in Biotechnology
Project (supervised by alois saria)signal processing in neuronal Circuits mediating the reorientation from Cocaine to social interaction
how does SPIN help you develop your skills and gain experience in the field?
• broad range of different interesting lectures
• ontacts with every pi, so you can ask a number of experts about different problems concerning your research
• opportunity to go abroad
• well founded
• possibility to invite speakers, which helps to get more insight in particular neuroscience research going on in the field at the moment
jaNINe PRaStexperimental psychiatry unitinnsbruck medical university
MelaNIe RaMbeRgeRClinical department of neurologyinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundmsc in Biotechnology
Project (supervised by markus reindl)mechanisms of neuronal degeneration in neuroinflammation
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?go for it!
45PeoPle
educational backgroundBsc and msc in Biomedicine and Biotechnology
Project (supervised by hans-günther Knaus)Characterization of potassium Channels
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?Be part of it :-)
SaNDRa RIzzIdivision of molecular and Cellular pharmacologyinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundmsc in pharmacology
Project (supervised by nicolas singewald)Behavioral and neurobiological effects of deep Brain stimulation in an animal model of enhanced anxiety- and depression-like Behavior
how does SPIN help you develop your skills and gain experience in the field?
• excellent supervision and feedback
• good network within spin and with labs abroadopportunity to go abroad
• individual training
• regular scientific exchange with pis and students
clauDIa SchMucKeRMaIRdepartment of pharmacology and toxicologyuniversity of innsbruck
46 PeoPle
educational backgroundmsc in molecular life science
Project (supervised by markus reindl)Characterization of B-Cell response in inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the Cns
Why did you join SPIN?i was keen to join the phd program to benefit from the training and to gather knowledge, skills and experience needed for a future career in research. as a member of the spin program i see the opportunity to obtain expert knowledge in neurobiology and develop expertise in medical research.
FRIeDeRIKe tulleRClinical department of neurologyinnsbruck medical university
DaNIela Wethdepartment of physiology and Biomedical physicsinnsbruck medical university
educational backgroundmsc in Biology
Project (supervised by michaela Kress)significance of s1p signaling for ltp and memory formation
What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining SPIN?if you also have a strong interest in neuroscience and would enjoy living in the heart of the alps, then spin and innsbruck are the right choice for you!
47PeoPle
educational backgroundmsc in medical Biotechnologies
Project (supervised by Christoph schwarzer)Kappa opioid receptors: potential targets in epilepsy and epileptogenesis.
how does SPIN help you develop your skills and gain experience in the field?spin challenges all of its members constantly in a productive way. many important aspects are trained, thanks to the wide choice of activities available such as workshops, lecture series, laboratory courses, progress reports and journal clubs.
luca zaNgRaNDIdepartment of pharmacologyinnsbruck medical university
“at SPIN I See the oPPoRtuNItY to obtaIN exPeRt KNoWleDge IN NeuRobIologY aND DeveloPexPeRtISe IN MeDIcal ReSeaRch“
Friederike tuller
48 PeoPle
aSSocIate MeMbeRS
Degreesmd
Interested inthe neurobiological basis of the reorientation from drugs of abuse toward social interaction
Selected PublicationsCrespo Ja, sturm K, saria a, Zernig g, 2006, activation of muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nucleus accumbens core is necessary for the acquisition of drug reinforcement, Journal of neuroscience 26(22), 6004-6010
fritz m, r el rawas, a salti, mt Bardo, g Kemmler, g dechant, a saria, g Zernig, 2011, reversal of cocaine-conditioned place preference and mesocorticolimbic Zif268 expression by social interaction in rats. addiction Biology 16, 273-284
Kummer K, Klement s, eggart v, mayr mJ, saria a, Zernig g, 2011, Conditioned place preference for social interaction in rats: contribution of sensory components. frontiers in Behavioral neuroscience 5, 80
prast Jm, Kummer KK, Barwitz Cm, humpel C, dechant g, Zernig g, 2012, acetylcholine, drug reward and substance use disorder treatment: intra- and inerindividual striatal and accumbal neuron ensemble heterogeneity may explain apparent discrepant findings, pharmacology 90, 264-273
Zernig g, ahmed sh, Cardinal rn, morgan d, acquas e, foltin rW, vezina p, negus ss, Crespo Ja, stoeckl p, grubinger p, madlung e, haring C, Kurz m, saria a, 2007, explaining the escalation of drug use in substance dependence: models and appropriate animal laboratory tests. pharmacology 80(2-3), 65-119
geRalD zeRNIg
aSSocIate PI
a.o. univ.-prof. dr. med.
experimental psychiatry unitinnsbruck medical universityhttp://www.plasmaspiegel.at/research.html
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benedikt grothedepartment of neurobiologyludwig-maximilian-university munichhttp://neuro.bio.lmu.de/research_groups/res-grothe_b/index.html
Denise Manahan-vaughandepartment of neurophysiologyruhr university Bochumhttp://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/igsn/research/details/manahan.html
Roland MartinCenter for molecular neurobiologyuniversity medical Center eppendorf, hamburghttp://www.zmnh.uni-hamburg.de/martin/main.php?s=rgroups&rg=martin&c=cv
[email protected], www.neurospin.at
geRalD zeRNIg veRoNIKa SchuchteR
aSSocIate PI SPIN cooRDINatoR
exteRNal aDvISoRY boaRD MeMbeRS
mag. phil. in english literature
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eDucatIoNtraining in SPIN is designed to enable young researchers to reach a level of excellence that will allow them to compete for the most attractive post-doc positions in academic and industrial environments.
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the main goal of SPIN is to equip students with the practical and theoretical knowledge they need in order to actively
contribute to future scientific advances. In order to obtain a PhD at our institution, students must carry out an experimental study and complete the courses in the PhD curriculum.
monitoring and mentoring
SPIN students work under the tutelage of a supervising professor and a board of advisors the “thesis Steering committee”
thesis steering Committee (tsC)
a thesis steering committee is assembled for each student. the tSc consists, in addition to the supervisor, of two experienced researchers. During the process of preparing the thesis, the steering committee is to evaluate and supervise the progress of the PhD work in regular and structured meetings with the student.
progress report
each week, one student in the SPIN network presents their progress with their research to other students and faculty members and thus marks the central communication platform for all SPIN members.
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couRSeSthe educational efforts of the training faculty are structured in such a manner as to maximize cross-disciplinary interaction.
In order to obtain a PhD, students must carry out an experimental study over a minimum of six semesters and must complete the courses in the PhD curriculum: lecture Series, Workshops, general courses.
leCture series
the lecture series aim at providing students with a comprehensive scientific background of neuroscience.
the following topics are addressed in "Signal Processing in Neurons I:“ neuronal and glia cell biology, basic principles of cell signaling, synaptic transmission ligand-operated channels, g-protein coupled receptors, classical neurotransmitter systems, neuropeptides, agonists, antagonists and toxins, neurotrophins
and receptors, cytokines and chemokines, modulation of neuronal networks, myelination and axonal growth inhibition.
WorKshops
all workshops are taught as lab courses combined with advanced lectures and are given in small groups of students. the SPIN Workshop on "Neuronal cell and tissue culture“ provides students with theoretical and practical insight on cell types of the nervous system and their origin, the neuronal cytoskeleton, protein and mRNa trafficking, sorting and secretion and gives instructions in the methods and applications of in vitro cell tissue culture and primary neuronal, glial and organotypic cultures.
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uNIveRSItY FacIlItIeS
Members of SPIN regularly accesses the services of the core facilities of the Medical university which offer
a number of cutting edge technologies relevant to Neuroscience ranging from Neuroimaging to Deep Sequencing.
coRe FacIlItIeS • proteinanalytik
• transgenomic / Knockout mouse unit
• sequencing and genotyping unit
• expression profiling unit
• faCs sort Core facility
• Biooptics
• microCt
• neuroimaging research
• deep sequencing unit
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StuDeNt PublIcatIoNSdirect association of the reticulon protein rtn1a with the ryanodine receptor 2 in neurons. Kaya l, meissner B, riedl mC, muik m, schwarzer C, ferraguti f, sarg B,lindner h, schweigreiter r, Knaus hg, romanin C, Bandtlow Ce. Biochim Biophys acta. 2013 feb 27. [epub ahead of print]
oligodendroglial alpha-synucleinopathy and msa-like cardiovascular autonomic failure: experimental evidence. Kuzdas d, stemberger s, gaburro s, stefanova n, singewald n, Wenning gK.exp neurol. 2013 feb 8. [epub ahead of print]
deep brain stimulation, histone deacetylase inhibitors and glutamatergic drugs rescue resistance to fear extinction in a genetic mouse model. Whittle n, schmuckermair C, gunduz Cinar o, hauschild m, ferraguti f, holmes a, singewald n. neuropharmacology. 2013 Jan;64(1):414-23.
Cell fate analysis of embryonic ventral mesencephalic grafts in the 6-ohda model of parkinson’s disease. sonya Carvalho neto, ahmad salti, Zoe puschban, nadia stefanova, roxana nat, georg dechant, gregor K. Wenning. plos one 2012 nov; 7(11): 1-9.
an antibody microarray analysis of serum cytokines in neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndromes. mahlknecht, p., stemberger, s., sprenger, f., rainer, J., hametner, e., Kirchmair, r., et al. (2012). an antibody microarray analysis of serum cytokines in neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndromes. proteome science.2012, 10:71.
acetylcholine, drug reward and substance use disorder treatment: intra- and inerindividual striatal and accumbal neuron ensemble heterogeneity may explain apparent discrepant findings. prast J, Kummer K, Barwitz C, humpel C, dechant g, Zernig g. pharmacology in press (2012).
expression of early developmental markers predicts the efficiency of embryonic stem Cell differentiation into midbrain dopaminergic neurons. salti a, nat r, neto s, puschban Z, Wenning g, dechant g. stem Cells dev. 2012.
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aldosterone increases earlier than corticosterone in new animal models of depression: is this an early marker? franklin m, Bermudez i, hlavacova n, Babic s, murck h, schmuckermair C, singewald n, gaburro s, Jezova d. J psychiatr res. 2012 aug 14.Brain regions associated with the acquisition of conditioned place preference for cocaine versus social interaction. el rawas, r., Klement, s., Kummer, K., fritz, m., dechant, g., saria, a. and Zernig, g. (2012).
frontiers in Behavioral neuroscience 6:63.the ring-type ubiquitin ligases pex2p, pex10p and pex12p form a heteromeric complex that displays enhanced activity in an ubiquitin conjugating enzyme-selective manner. el magraoui f, Bäumer Be, platta hW, Baumann Js, girzalsky W, erdmann r. feBs J. 2012 Jun; 279(11): epub 2012.
identification of differentially expressed non-coding rnas in embryonic stem cell neural differentiation. skreka K, schafferer s, nat ir, Zywicki m, salti a, apostolova g, griehl m, rederstorff m, dechant g, hüttenhofer a. nucleic acids res. 2012 Jul;40(13):6001-15.
different fear states engge distinct networks within the intercalated cell clustsers of the amygdala. Busti d, geracitano r, Whittle n, dalezios y, mańko m, Kaufmann W, sätzler K, singewald n, Capogna m, ferraguti f. J neurosci. 2011 mar 30;31(13):5131-44.
preventive role of social interaction for cocaine conditioned place preference: correlation with fosB/deltafosB and pCreB expression in rat mesocorticolimbic areas. el rawas r, Klement s, salti a, fritz m, dechant g, saria a, Zernig g. front Behav neurosci. 2012;6:8. epub 2012 mar 2.
sprouty2 and -4 regulate axon outgrowth by hippocampal neurons. hausott B, vallant n, schlick B, auer m, nimmvervoll B, obermair gJ, schwarzer C, dai f, Brand-saberi B, Klimaschewski l. hippocampus. 2012 mar;22(3):434-41.
pharmacological modulation of the hedgehog pathway differentially affects dorsal/ventral patterning in mouse and human embryonic stem Cell models of telencephalic development. nat r, salti a, suciu l, ström s, dechant g. stem Cells dev. 2012 may 1;21(7):1016-46.
the nogo-66 receptor family in the intact and diseased Cns. Borrie sC, Baeumer Be, Bandtlow Ce. Cell tissue res. 2012 feb 8. Jul;349(1): 105-117.
differential effects of accumbens Core vs. shell lesions in a rat Concurrent Conditioned place preference paradigm for Cocaine vs. social interaction. fritz, m., el rawas, r., Klement, s., Kummer, K., mayr, m.J., eggart, v., salti, a., Bardo, m.t., saria, a., and Zernig, g. (2011). plos one 6, e26761, 2011.
oncostatin m induces heat hypersensitivity by gp130-dependent sensitization of trpv1 in sensory neurons. langeslag m, Constantin Ce, andratsch m, quarta s, mair n, Kress m. mol pain. 2011 dec 23; 7 (1): 102.
Conditioned place preference for social interaction in rats: contribution of sensory components. Kummer K, Klement s, eggart v, mayr mJ, saria a, Zernig, g. saria, and gerald Zernig. front Behav neurosci. 2011; 5: 80. epub 2011 nov 30.
nogo receptors ngr1 and ngr2 do not mediate regulation of Cd4-t helper responses and Cns repair in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. steinbach K, mcdonald Cl, reindl m, schweigreiter r, Bandtlow C, martin r. plos one. 2011; 6 (11): e26341. epub 2011 nov 11.
differential effects of accumbens core vs. shell lesions in a rat concurrent conditioned place preference paradigm for cocaine vs. social interaction. fritz m, el rawas r, Klement s, Kummer K, mayr mJ, eggart v, salti a, Bardo mt, saria a, Zernig g. plos one. 2011;6(10).Control of hpa stress axis activity by the intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium chancel, sK4. liang Z, Chen l, mcClafferty h, lukowski r, macgregor d, King Jt, rizzi s, sausbier m, mcCobb dp, Knaus hg, ruth p, shipston mJ. J physiol. 2011 dec 15;589(pt 24):5965-86.
genetic evidence for an essential role of neuronally expressed il-6 signal transducer gp130 in the induction and maintenance of experimentally induced mechanical hypersensitivity in vivo and in vitro. quarta s, vogl C, Constantin Ce, ueceyler n, sommer C, Kress m. mol pain. 2011 sep 27; 7(1):73.
nogo receptor is involved in the adhesion of dendritic cells to myelin. mcdonald Cl, steinbach K, Kern f, schweigreiter r, martin r,Bandtlow Ce, reindl m. J neuroinflammation. 2011 sep 9; 8:113.
p38alpha and p38beta mitogen-activated protein kinases determine cholinergic transdifferentiation of sympathetic neurons. loy B, apostolova g, dorn r, mcguire va, arthur Js, dechant g. J neurosci. 2011 aug 24; 31(34):12059-67.
inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 endocytosis promotes axonal branching of adult sensory neurons. hausott B, rietzler a, vallant n, auer m, haller i, perkhofer s, Klimaschewski l. neuroscience. 2011 aug 11; 188:13-22. 2011 aug 11;188:13-22.
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StuDeNt PublIcatIoNSgenetic players in multiple system atrophy: unfolding the nature of the beast. stemberger s, scholz sW, singleton aB, Wenning gK. neurobiol aging. 2011; 32(10): 1924.e5-14.epub 2011 may 24.
mesenchymal stem cells in a transgenic mouse model of multiple system atrophy: immunomodulation and neuroprotection. stemberger s, Jamnig a, stefanova n, lepperdinger g, reindl m, Wenning gK. plos one. 2011; 6(5):e19808. epub 2011 may 18.
reversal of cocaine-conditioned place preference and mesocorticolimbic Zif268 expression by social interaction in rats. fritz m, el rawas r, salti a, Klement s, Bardo mt, Kemmler g, dechant g, saria a, Zernig g. addict Biol. 2011 apr;16(2):273-84. epub 2011 feb 11.
rho gtpases as regulators of morphological neuroplasticity. auer m, hausott B, Klimaschewski l.ann anat. 2011 Jul; 193(4):259-66. epub 2011 mar 12. review.
genetic evidence for involvement of neuronally expressed s1p1 receptor in nociceptor sensitization and inflammatory pain. mair n, Benetti C, andratsch m, leitner m, Constantin Ce, Camprubí-robles m, quarta s, Biasio W, Kuner r, gibbins i, Kress m, haberberger r. plos one. 2011 feb 17; 6(2):e17268.
modelling progressive autonomic failure in msa: where are we now? stemberger s, Wenning gK. J neural transm. 2011 may;118(5):841-7.
targeting the nogo receptor complex in diseases of the central nervous system. mcdonald Cl, Bandtlow C and reindl m. Curr med Chem. 2011; 18(2):234-44.
Cell number and timing of transplantation determine survival of human neural stem cell grafts in stroke-damaged rat brain. darsalia v, allison sJ, Cusulin C, monni e, Kuzdas d, Kallur t, lindvall o, Kokaia Z. Cereb Blood flow metab. 2011 Jan;31(1):235-42. epub 2010 Jun 9.
the sympathetic neurotransmitter switch depends on the nuclear matrix protein satb2. apostolova g, loy B, dorn r, dechant g. J neurosci. 2010 dec 1;30(48): 16356-64.
targeted overexpression of human alpha-synuclein in oligodendroglia induces lesions linked to msa-like progressive autonomic failure. stemberger s, poewe W, Wenning gK, stefanova n. exp neurol. 2010 aug; 224(2):459-64.
targeted overexpression of human alpha-synuclein in oligodendroglia induces lesions linked to msa-like progressive autonomic failure. stemberger s, poewe W, Wenning gK, stefanova n. exp neurol. 2010 aug; 224 (2): 459-64. epub 2010 may 21.
C3 peptide enhances recovery from spinal cord injury by improved regenerative growth of descending fiber tracts. Boato f, hendrix s, huelsenbeck sC, hofmann f, grosse g, djalali s, Klimaschewski l, auer m, Just i, ahnert-hilger g, höltje m. J Cell sci. 2010 may 15;123(pt 10):1652-62.
pex2 and pex12 function as protein-ubiquitin ligases in peroxisomal protein import. platta hW, el magraoui f, Bäumer Be, schlee d, girzalsky W, erdmann r. mol Cell Biol. 2009 oct;29(20):5505-16. epub 2009 aug 17.
sprouty2 down-regulation promotes axon growth by adult sensory neurons. hausott B, vallant n, auer m, yang l, dai f, Brand-saberi B, Klimaschewski l. mol Cell neurosci. 2009 dec; 42(4):328-40.
a key role for gp130expressed on peripheral sensory nerves in pathological pain. andratsch m, mair n, Constantin Ce, scherbakov n, Benetti C, quarta s, vogl C, sailer Ca, uceyler n, Brockhaus J, martini r, sommer C, Zeilhofer hu, müller W, Kuner r, davis JB, rose-John s, Kress m. J neurosci. 2009 oct 28; 29(43):13473-83.
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grab your bike after a long day in the lab and enjoy the fabulous view.
"annasaule“ in the heart of Inns-bruck.
endless fun and endless slopes around the city64 locatIoN
colorful houses along the river Inn with the Nordkette in the back-ground.
Innsbruck‘s rooftops
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Innsbruck - the city for Students
Innsbruck is one of the most attractive cities in europe and has a long university tradition. It is known for being a student-
friendly town with a large range of recreation activities to choose from.
being surrounded by the alps, it has a rich offering in the field of sport and leisure activities. Innsbruck‘s infrastructure is set out for students and all major institutions can be easily reached by foot, bike or public transport.
Innsbruck has 120.000 inhabitants but still has a relatively large body of international students due to its geographical position. Many students from neighboring germany, Switzerland and Italy study at the universities or colleges in Innsbruck.
Innsbruck‘s position on the map is a benefit for academic and social life as it triggers interaction with schools of neuroscience in germany and Switzerland and provides an excellent starting point to explore central europe.
surrounded By the alps, innsBruCK has a riCh offering
in the field of sport and leisure aCtivities
Veronika
lab equipmentdaily equipment
Innsbruck
fast vehicle With 30.000 stu- dents around dur- ing term time, innsbruck really is a young and vibrant city.
I love taking out my bike for a ride along the river on weekends, spend the afternoon in one of the museums and art galleries and have coffee and cake with my friends at one of the lovely traditional places in the old town.
lots of students also means that we have a good nightlife going with plenty of places where you can either enjoy a relaxing drink after work or dance your head off should you feel like it.
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community(Neuroscience)
SPIN is associated with the Schwerpunkt Neurowissenschaften Innsbruck (SNI), the only austrian academic institution that
combines basic science and clinical research to investigate the nervous system. SPIN students participate in many of the events organized by the SNI, such as the
• neurosCienCe day (https://www.i-med.ac.at/sni/index.html)
• intern. Brain aWareness WeeK (http://www.dana.org/brainweek)
• lange naCht der forsChung (http://www.lnf2012.at/)
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lab equipment
Clemens
good pressure
Innsbruck
freedom
120.000 Tinhabitants
Which mountain, bike or hiking trail should i choose this weekend?
If you love the outdoors, your bike and snow gear, then Innsbruck is definitely the place for you! exchange your lab coat for your skis, snowboard, bike or running shoes and find yourself confronted with one of the toughest questions inhabitants of Innsbruck have to face:
which mountain, bike or hiking trail should I choose this weekend? It’s a great city to find the ideal work-life-balance!
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Why SPIN? • individual supervision and monitoring
(students have their individual thesis steering a highly structured committee)
• spin-specific educational program
• laboratory rotations in the twelve participating institutions
• funded research exchange with international laboratories
• retreats and social activities
entry Requirementsthe entry requirement is a degree in
biological science disciplines, chemistry, pharmacy, psychology or human medicine. Students have to show an above-average performance during the undergraduate degree, an adequate command of spoken and written english, and a passion and aptitude for scientific research.
PhD students are selected on the basis of
• their application materials
• a personal interview at innsbruck medical university
Potential candidate’s ProfileSPIN seeks students who:
• have high intrinsic motivation for research
• enjoy of working in an international environment
• have a strong ethical basis and scientific spirit.
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IMPRINt
Publisher & ContentSPIN Signal Processing in Neurons
Contactveronika SchuchterSPIN [email protected], www.neurospin.at
Concept, Graphic & ArtdirectionMichael Schumerwww.design-solutions.at
PhotoWolfgang lochmann, bernd Schranz,Nordkettenbahnen / W9 Werbeagentur,Innsbruck Medical university
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