International Graduate School of Neuroscience

Research Interests

Our research focuses on elucidating the pathomechanisms underlying polyglutamine diseases (HD, SCA3, SCA17) and other neurodegenerative disorders. A key initiative has been the development and characterization of unique transgenic rat and mouse models to investigate cellular mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Over the years, we have generated more than 20 transgenic and knockout models for Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dystonias, and spinocerebellar ataxias. These models serve as essential tools for studying pathogenesis, conducting therapeutic trials, and analyzing gene expression networks in the brain.

Leveraging our expertise, we have collaborated with industrial partners to conduct preclinical trials using our animal models. Another major area of research involves identifying genetic modifiers that influence the age of onset in HD patients, aiming to discover potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, we are actively developing and testing novel disease-modifying therapies in cell and animal models, with the long-term goal of clinical translation.

Complementing our laboratory research, we have analyzed large patient cohorts for disease-specific blood expression changes, which may contribute to biomarker development. We also have access to the world’s largest registry on SCAs through the EUROSCA project. Furthermore, I am a member of the Executive Committee of the European HD Network, which includes the extensive REGISTRY HD cohort with over 13,000 participants. Our HD patient cohorts at the NRW HD Center in Bochum, one of the largest HD centers in the world, further strengthen the infrastructure necessary for clinical translation.

As of March 2025, our ongoing projects are supported by the DFG, BMBF, the EU, industrial partners, and foundations such as the CHDI (Cure Huntington’s Disease Initiative).