In this project we aim to elicit the role of Bcl11b in the function and regeneration of hippocampal principal neurons following induction of neuronal trauma. Patients affected by BCL11B associated neurodevelopmental disorder are also regularly suffering from epileptic seizures. Furthermore, the closely related factor BCL11A has been recognized as a potential genetic risk factor for epilepsy in humans. We previously demonstrated Bcl11b to be essential for adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a process critically involved in modulation of epileptogenesis. We are combining mouse genetics with experimental models of epilepsy to analyze the influence of the Bcl11b dependent transcriptional networks on neuronal trauma response. We employ methods of histology and imaging, molecular biology and biochemistry as well as behavioral evaluation. Understanding how Bcl11b can modulate the hippocampal circuitry following a traumatic insult could help advance prophylactic and therapeutic approaches for epilepsy and related neurological disease.

Project Team
Dr. Anne-Marie Neumann (Project Lead)
Nupur Gupta
Jorge Espinoza Carrasco
Sophia Lisovaya

Related Publications
Neumann and Britsch, 2023 in prep.
Lessel et al., 2018 Brain
Simon et al., 2020 Frontiers in Mol. Neuroscience

Funding
Bausteinprogramm Uni Ulm 2022-2024