The main focus of our laboratory at present is on translational research in the field of Neuromodulation, which encompasses direct brain interventions for therapeutic purposes. Our lab works primarily on an intervention called deep brain stimulation (DBS), addressing clinical questions and generating clinically relevant hypotheses through preclinical models.
DBS is a technique that has been successfully used on individuals who have not responded to standard depression treatments. Among this group, about 60% respond to DBS. The aim of our work is to show how DBS works, which brain regions are affected, and how it can be improved or combined with medications.
We have shown for the first time that DBS can be used in preclinical models to provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms leading to its antidepressant effects. One such mechanism is the presence of serotonin in the brain, which is required for DBS’s antidepressant effects.
Current projects
• DBS in models of depression
• DBS in models of drug and alcohol abuse
• DBS in models of problem gambling
• DBS in models of drug-induced dyskinesias
Lab members
Head: Dr. José N. Nobrega, PhD
Dr. Clement Hamani, MD, PhD
Dr. Francis Bambico, PhD
Dr. Nathan Insel, PhD
Roger Raymond, BSc
Mustansir Diwan, MSc
Meaghan Creed, BSc
Christina Nona, BSc
Lily Aleksandrova, BSc
Eliane Salomão, BSc
Collaborations
• Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil (Dr. D. Suchecki)
• University of Hamburg, Germany (Dr. G. Juckel)
• University Medicine Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany (Dr. C. Winter)
• Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel (Dr. I Weiner)
• Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain (Dr. J. Pascau)
• Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany (Dr. A. Richter)