Dissecting the contribution of immune cell activation dependent neuronal connectivity changes to disease trajectories in depression (A03)

• Subject Area: Biological Psychiatry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 521379614

Altered innate immune responses, particularly in certain types of immune cells (e.g., monocytes and microglial cells), influence disease trajectories in depression. Our project investigates whether heightened neuroinflammation in severe depression affects neuronal circuit function. We compare extreme disease trajectory groups (severe or benign) and employ induced pluripotent stem cell-based models to explore microglial cell sensitivity and activation, and to assess their influence on synaptic plasticity and microcircuit function. The aim is to identify molecular targets for potential therapeutic interventions in severe depression.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 393: Trajectories of Affective Disorders: Cognitive-emotional Mechanisms of Symptom Change
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Andreas J. Forstner; Professorin Dr. Luisa Klotz; Professor Dr. Michael J. Ziller