Circadian and Glial Biology (GliaTime)
Our group has a strong interest in the mechanism(s) by which astrocytes regulate brain function, including those that are relevant to disorders associated with altered circadian rhythms such as metabolic and aged related neuropathologies. We aim to bridge the gap among research in gliobiology and circadian rhythms to develop new knowledge relevant for health and for neuropharmacological R&D on circadian oscillators in the brain (i.e. astrocyte-astrocyte or astrocyte-neuron molecular signalling).
Research Lines
- Provide novel insights into the role of astrocytes in regulating brain function.
- Uncover the mechanism(s) by which astrocyte transmit timing cues to neurons including those that are relevant to disorders associated to altered circadian rhythms such as metabolic and aged associated neuropathology.
- Deliver a novel cell target, astrocytes, for development of drugs and treatment strategies for circadian disorders. Our research approach is to combine molecular and cellular neurobiology, glial technologies, genetics/epigenetics, behavioural neuroscience and chronobiological techniques.
Members
Selected publications
Deletion of astrocytic BMAL1 results in metabolic imbalance and shorter lifespan in mice.
Astrocytes and Circadian Rhythms: An Emerging Astrocyte–Neuron Synergy in the Timekeeping System.
Astrocyte deletion of Bmal1 alters daily locomotor activity and cognitive functions via GABA signalling.
Convergent microRNA actions coordinate neocortical development