Prof. Dr. Isabelle Mansuy
Area of Interest
Study of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Mental Health
Prerequisites a student should comply with
Applicants interested in fundamental mechanisms of biological functions relevant for brain and behavior, with application to mental health and neuropsychiatric research. Background in neuroscience, molecular and cell biology, genetics and epigenetics. Knowledge in biostatistics and bioinformatics is a plus. Strong interest in fundamental research related to epigenetics, independent work-style, critical thinking.
Recommended master courses (Electives I+II of Learning Agreement of the Major)
376‐1305‐00 Depelopment of the Neural System
376-1305-01 Neural Systems for Sensory, Motor and Higher Brain Functions
376‐1306‐00 Clinical Neuroscience
376-1307-00 Translational Neuroscience
376-1414-00 Current Topics in Brain Research
701‐1706‐00 Environm. Neurotoxicol., Stress and Human Mental Health
376-0209-00 Molecular Disease Mechanisms
551-0309-00 Concepts in Modern Genetics
551-1409-00 RNA Biology Lecture Series II: Non coding RNAs: Biology and Therapeutics
551-0140-00 Epigenetics
551-1299-00 Introduction to Bioinformatics
227‐1047‐00 Consciousness: from philosophy to neuroscience
Research projects of the group
The laboratory examines the epigenetic basis of complex brain functions and how acquired behaviors are transmitted across generations in mammals. It studies the mechanisms by which behavioral and physiological traits can be modified by life experiences, in particular childhood
trauma, and are passed to descendants via the germline.
Using an established mouse model of chronic postnatal trauma (MSUS), it aims to identify 1) epigenetic factor s in the brain and germline underlying the expression and the transmission of behavioral and physiological responses such as social abilities, behavioral control, learning and memory formation, glucose metabolism, and their pathologies following trauma exposure, 2) the mechanisms responsible for their alterations by trauma exposure, 3) the potential reversibility of epigenetic alterations and symptoms induced by trauma, 4) the relevance of findings in mice for human subjects exposed to childhood trauma.