Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences                                                                            Français

Laboratory on Neurobiology of Depression

Contact information :

Centre de Neurosciences Psychiatriques
Site de Cery
CH-1008 Prilly-Lausanne       location plan
Tel. : ++41 (0)21 643 69 48
Fax : ++41 (0)21 643 69 50
E-mail : Jean-Luc.Martin@chuv.ch

Leader :

Dr Jean-Luc Martin, PhD, MER

Research :

Study on the mechanisms underlying neuronal development and depression

Research in our laboratory focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal development and depression. Neuronal development is determined by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Among the latter, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a key role in controlling the development of specific neuronal populations. Our research aims at understanding the mechanisms by which BDNF regulates neuronal development.  

Another aspect of our work focuses on depression, a mental illness that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. We are particularly interested in understanding the neurobiological basis of depression and the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of antidepressants. In this regard, we are presently examining the role of astrocytes in the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant actions of fluoxetine. Data from these studies should contribute to discover new targets for the development of therapeutic agents.

Collaborators :

• Dr Hubert Fiumelli, postdoctoral fellow
• Mr Charles Finsterwald, graduate student

Collaborations :

• Prof. P. J. Magistretti and Dr I. Allaman, Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

Research Funds :

• Swiss National Science Foundation
• Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences
• Désirée and Niels Yde Foundation

Main techniques :

• Cell and molecular biology techniques
• In utero electroporation
• Preparation of primary cultures of cortical neurons
• Analysis of dendritic morphology

Teaching :

• Series of lectures on physiology for 2^nd year biology students
• Series of lectures on neuroscience for master’s students in biology  
• Tutor for problem-based learning for 2^nd year medical students

Key words :

Neuronal development, neurotrophic factors, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dendrites, depression, antidepressants, fluoxetine, astrocytes