Ability to work independently and efficiently. • Strong organizational and task prioritization skills. • Excellent communication skills and proficiency in performing administrative and clerical tasks. • Proficient in general laboratory procedures
techniques
and documentation. • Willingness to learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies. • Fluent in English
Spanish
French
and Catalan. • Proficient in statistical analysis and software such as SPSS
MATLAB
and Python. • Proficient in using various software programs
including Microsoft Office Suite (Word
Excel
PowerPoint). • Advanced knowledge and experience in 3D cell culture techniques. • Skilled in protein isolation
Western Blot
PCR
rt-qPCR
toxicity testing
IHC
Northern Blot
and ELISA. • Proficient in anatomical dissection studies for medical and veterinary purposes. • Experienced in static analysis of behavioral data and microarray data. • Familiarity with electrophysiology
imaging
protein purification
and optical and electron microscopy techniques. • Advanced level proficiency in conducting animal experiments
behavioral experiments
anatomical dissection
and molecular analysis. Research Goals In addition to the 85 billion neurons in the brain
we find at least as many glial cells. The research focus of GliaLab is to discover physiological roles of a subtype of glial cells called astrocytes
in the awake-behaving and sleeping brain as well as identifying roles of astrocytes in brain disorders. Astrocytes serve a wide array of functions in the brain. On the one hand
they are caretakers of the brain by controlling the composition of the extracellular fluids. In particular they are key for removing excess neurotransmitter and K+ in relation to neuronal activity. Moreover
they display a rich repertoire of cellular signaling
that likely enable them to more direcly interact with neurons. Our main research interests are as follows: What are the roles of astrocytic Ca2+ signals in sleep and brain state changes? Since the discovery that astrocytes can react with and communicate by local or spreading Ca2+ elevations
a range of different mechanisms have been linked to these signals. For instance
such signals have been proposed to influence neuronal network activity by release of transmitter substances in
or close by
synapses. Similarly
astrocytic Ca2+ signals have been proposed to influence vascular tone. Currently
we're trying to outline the role of astroglial Ca2+ signals in brain/sleep state changes and in memory encoding and consolidation. How does the extracellular fluid circulate in the brain parenchyma? In 2013 a seminal paper described extracellular fluid may circulate from the perivascular spaces of artieries
through the parenchyma
before exiting the brain
taking waste products with it. This circulation system
or 'brain washing' system
was coined the 'glymphatic system'
and was proposed to play a role in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. To answer these questions we work with advanced imaging techniques. Most importantly
two-photon microscopy in awake head-fixed mice
in combination with electrophysiology and molecular strategies. What are the astrocytic mechanisms involved in cortical spreading depression (CSD) and epilepsy? CSD is the phenomenon underlying the perceptual disturbances of the migraine aura
and although first discovered over 70 years ago
key aspects of these events are still unknown. We are currently trying to identify the roles of astrocytes in CSD. We are also investigating putative roles of astrocytes in seizure propagation and in epileptogenesis.