The Dehorter Group aims to understand how neurons adapt their activity to the environment and transmit appropriate information to the rest of the neuronal circuits. The team investigates the molecular determinants of that adaptive process that shape and modulate emergent networks in normal conditions, from early stages of brain development to aging. The hypothesis is that common mechanisms exist and contribute to the building or degeneration of the brain. Hence, the lab also examines alterations in key molecular regulators involved in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as autism and Parkinson’s disease. This research ultimately aims to detect early signs of neuronal dysfunction to restore normal brain activity to alleviate or prevent consequent symptoms. To achieve their goals, The Dehorter lab takes advantage of a multi-disciplinary approach, employing state-of-the-art molecular biology, genetics, in vitro/ in vivo imaging and electrophysiological techniques combined to behavioural assessments.
The Dehorter lab is based at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at UQ and at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) at ANU.
Group leader
Dr Nathalie Dehorter
Senior Research Fellow
Dr Nathalie Dehorter
Dr Nathalie Dehorter: Neuronal Adaptation
Researchers in the Dehorter lab seek to understand the molecular and physiological tuning of interneurons during development and in pathology such as autism, schizophrenia or Parkinson’s disease, using high-level tools in electrophysiology, imaging, molecular biology and genetics.
Dehorter projects
- Consequences of impaired neuronal activity during development in a mouse model of autism
- Molecular Control of the Interneuron Integration and Synapse Formation
- Presymptomatic Signatures of Interneuron Dysfunction in Mice Models of Striatum-Related Pathologies