Neuronal Homeostasis across Aging and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Dr. re. nat. Sebastian Schmidt
Dr. re. nat. Sebastian Schmidt
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Research Group: Neuronal Homeostasis across Aging and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Group Description: Our research group investigates the fundamental molecular processes that break down during aging and can lead to complex neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. We are particularly focused on understanding tissue homeostasis—how cell signaling pathways influence the metabolic framework in both health and disease. By generating and characterizing patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, we aim to bridge the gap between clinical observations and the underlying cellular mechanisms, paving the way for novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

Research Focus:

  • Advanced Disease Modeling: Generation of patient-specific iPSC models for psychiatric (e.g., treatment-resistant depression) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease). This includes iPSC reprogramming and genetic editing using CRISPR/Cas9.
  • Mechanisms of Cellular Homeostasis & Aging: Investigating how cell-cell communication reshapes cellular metabolism and how these interactions are disrupted during the aging process and in diseases.
  • Multi-Omics Integration and Analysis: Constructing comprehensive molecular profiles by integrating single-cell transcriptomics (10x Genomics) with (epi)genomic sequencing using Oxford Nanopore’s PromethION.

Publications:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=wSlslGsAAAAJ

Current Projects:

  • Stem cell-based modeling and analysis of psychiatric disorders for rationalized therapy decisions (DZPG Visions).

Collaborations:

  • Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
  • Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Munich
  • Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, LMU Klinikum
  • Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn
  • Institute of Lung Health & Immunity, Helmholtz Munich
  • The Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death (MCD), Helmholtz Munich

Team:

  • Dr. Sebastian Schmidt (Group Leader)
  • Jana Gandlgruber, M.Sc. (Technician)
  • Julia Friedrich, B.Sc. (PhD Student)
  • Victoria Spöttl, B.Sc. (Master's Student)