We study the impact of early traumatic experiences on the development of functional brain systems and behavioural capabilities later in life. Our animal models use early-life stress (prenatal or postnatal) to induce psychiatric symptoms such as depression or ADHD. For example, we compare vulnerability and resilience, gender specific effects, or the transgenerational transmission of epigenetic and behavioural alterations. To this end, we combine molecular (gene expression, epigenetic mechanisms), cellular (neuronal structure, immunohistochemistry), systemic (functional imaging), and behavioural techniques (including behavioural pharmacology).
