Organisational unit profile

Our translational animal research is focused on the neurodevelopmental outcomes due to early life alterations. Interactions between genes and the environment play an important role in the development of psychopathology. It is our main goal to address the developmental role of serotonin in developing psychopathology later in life and to address the fundamental issues that underlie alterations due to early life events. To do so, we make use of animal models. We study the effects of serotonergic antidepressants used in pregnancy and how this impacts the offspring. Furthermore we study the effects of several early life stressors in animals with an altered serotonergic system (serotonin transporter knockout rats). We also investigate how hearing loss early in life affects social and cognitive performance later in life. Besides our interest in adversity during development, we study behavioral dysfunctions during adulthood. Here we focus on sexual behavior, and try to unravel the underlying mechanisms of male sexual dysfunctions. All research projects study the brain and behaviour, but we also include other factors that influence the development like the placenta and microbiome. Understanding which factors contribute to behavioral disorders will help us to better treat or prevent diseases.