Presentation of the Column
The vasculature maintains tissue microenvironments that are essential for the function and survival of cells throughout the nervous system. Accordingly, local nervous system blood flow is regulated to maintain tissue oxygenation and meet changing metabolic demands. Blood, in turn, is separated from brain, retinal, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve tissue, as well as from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by barriers that allow only some molecules to pass.
Column researchers study the physiology of nervous system vasculature and barriers in both health and disease. The latter includes conditions such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, dementia, migraine, neural trauma (e.g., traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and peripheral nerve injury), infections (meningitis, encephalitis), and the emergence of intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus.
Column researchers uncover genetic, molecular, cellular, and environmental determinants of nervous system vascular and barrier functions, including permeation of solutes and water, defense against infection, and transmigration of inflammatory cells. They develop strategies to penetrate barriers that separate blood from neural tissue and neural tissue from the nasal cavity, respectively, for the purpose of drug delivery. They invent new methods and identify mechanisms and biomarkers of nerve tissue injury as they strive to develop early interventions to salvage brain functions.
Column researchers cooperate across disciplines as they apply concepts and methods from genetics, molecular and cellular biology, electrophysiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, neuroimaging, computational modeling, epidemiology, behavioral neuroscience, and neuropsychology. Their tools include in silico models of vascular functions and molecular transport in nerve tissue, ex vivo cell biology, in vitro barrier models, in vivo animal studies, mechanistic studies in humans, and clinical trials.
Lab rotations enable the student to define a cross-disciplinary PhD project involving at least two of the involved research groups.
Members of the column
Aalborg University
Associate Professor Anette Burkhart Larsen
• Department of Health Science and Technology • Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery
About the Research
Using blood-brain barrier-specific viral gene therapy I am exploring the therapeutic potential for transporting recombinant proteins into the brain primarily in diseases with a genetic background.
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
It depends very much on the interests of the NAD fellows. A lab rotation could focus on viral vector production, testing of viral vectors using in vitro Blood-brain barrier models, or injection into mice followed by post-mortem molecular or immunohistochemical analysis.
Secondary Column
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Professor Torben Moos
• Medicine and Health Technology • Neurobiology and Drug Delivery
About the Research
Experimental modelling of neurodegeneration with neuroinflammation with focus on the brain’s microvasculature, neurovascular unit, microglia and infiltrating macrophages. In vitro modelling of the blood-brain barrier in pathological conditions.
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
Neurodegeneration with neuroinflammation in inbred rodents or stereotactically induced neurodegeneration. Morphological analyses of glial in neurodegeneration using state-of-art microscopy. Primary cultures of glia and blood-brain barrier.
Secondary Column
Neuroinflammation and Neuron-Glia Interactions
Associate Professor Peter Kristensen
• Department of Chemistry and Bioscience • Medical Biotechnology
About the Research
Molecular engineering of recombinant antibodies for crossing the blood brain barrier and target disease relevant targets. Identification of new targets of relevance for the brain vasculature and validation in cellular models.
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
Development of recombinant antibodies using molecular biology techniques and protein chemistry. Validation in cellular model
Secondary Column
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Associate Professor Boris Modrau
Aalborg University Hospital • Department of Neurology •
About the Research
Research span fundamental research in animal models of stroke and clinical trials in the prehospital phase, acute stroke treatment, prophylactic therapy, and improved neurorehabilitation that includes development and implementation of neurotechnology
Two lab members
Jakob Blicher - Senior researcher
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Lab rotation
Secondary Column
Brain States and Brain-Body Interactions
Associate Professor Louiza Bohn Thomsen
• Department of Health Science and Technology • Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery
About the Research
BBB permeability and drug delivery. In vitro, BBB model based on primary cells. In vivo, rodent models incl. a human tumor xenograft mouse model. Gene and protein analysis. IHC, Confocal- and fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence- and MRI scanner.
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
In vitro BBB model. In vivo, permeability studies on rodents. Subcutaneous or iv injection of large molecules. Fluorescence- and MRI scanning. Brain/brain capillary dissection. Expression analyses, IHC, confocal- and fluorescence microscopy.
Secondary Column
Professor Carsten Reidies Bjarkam
Aalborg University Hospital • Neurosurgery • Neurosurgery
About the Research
Clincal neurosurgery, Experimental neurosurgery with focus on porcine models, neuroanatomy
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
Access to neurosurgical patients, knowledge on pig models of experimental neurosurgery
Secondary Column
Motor and Pain Neuroscience
Professor Søren Paaske Johnsen
• Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine •
About the Research
DACS is specialized in advanced epidemiological and biostatistical methods. The center has experience with use of registers and clinical databases and a particular competence in developing and properly validating prognostic models for clinical use.
Two lab members
Jan Brink Valentin - Senior researcher
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Lab rotation
Introduction on how to design and conduct epidemiological studies
Secondary Column
Aarhus University
Assistant Professor Dmitry D Postnov
• Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience • Blood Flow Imaging
About the Research
The Blood Flow Imaging group focuses on developing and applying novel imaging technologies for diagnostics and characterization of the microcirculation condition.
Two lab members
Alberto Olmos - PhD student
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Lab rotation
Participation in imaging experiments (either animal or human), analyzing blood flow imaging data.
Secondary Column
Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Associate Professor Vladimir Matchkov
• Department of Biomedicine • Neurovascular Signalling Research Group
About the Research
Brain perfusion imaging in awake rodents; Neurovascular coupling in brain slices to assess responses in neurons, astrocytes and blood vessels; Ischemic stroke models; Electrophysiology; Spatial omics of brain
Two lab members
Christian Staehr - PhD student
Line Hansen - PhD student
Lab rotation
To learn how blood supplying neuron matches their activity and metabolic state, which parenchymal cells and signaling are involved. The studies at transcriptional level and in in-vitro and in-vivo functional settings in health and disease.
Secondary Column
Brain Homeostasis and Brain-Body Interactions
Associate Professor Helle Hasager Damkier
• Department of Biomedicine •
About the Research
We aim to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms behind cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secretion and pH regulation by the choroid plexus. We us a combination of in vivo and ex vivo methods ranging from mouse to primary culture.
Two lab members
Laura Johnsen - PhD student
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Lab rotation
Hands on experiece with in vivo CSF extraction and injection in mice. Determination of CSF pH in mice. Primary choroid plexus cell culture. Western blot and IHC. Data analysis. Participation in scientific discussions and fun group activities.
Secondary Column
Associate Professor Kim Ryun Drasbek
• CFIN, Dept Clinical Medicine • Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Lab
About the Research
Exploring and exploiting extracellular vesicles (EVs) and miRNAs in stroke diagnostics and treatment. In collaboration with the clinic, we study the diagnostic potential of EVs/miRNAs and test their treatment potential in different cellular models
Two lab members
Katrine Tang Stenz - Postdoc
Birgitte Mumm -
Lab rotation
The Lab rotation will include hands-on experience with different stroke models and methods to evaluate cell health status, extracellular vesicles techniques for the quantification of vesicle number and size, and detection of protein and miRNA content
Secondary Column
Neuroinflammation and Neuron-Glia Interactions
Professor Ebbe Boedtkjer
• Department of Biomedicine •
About the Research
Stroke models; imaging of ion dynamics (pH, Ca2+); microdialysis-based metabolite measurements; electrode-based extracellular pH, CO2 & O2 recordings; resistance artery myography; stereological evaluation of vasculature; expression of mRNA & protein
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
Studies of (a) metabolite accumulation/changes in local environment in experimental animals with disturbed perfusion, (b) signaling influences of metabolites on cerebrovascular function, and (c) consequences for cerebrovascular disease severity.
Secondary Column
Professor Christoffer Laustsen
• Department of clinical medicine • MR research center
About the Research
Development and evaluation of advanced x-nuclei MRI for neuro applicaitons
Two lab members
Nikolaj Bøgh - PhD student
Michael Væggemose - Postdoc
Lab rotation
Hands-on in vivo and in-vitro MRI experiments
Secondary Column
Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Professor Jeppe Praetorius
• Biomedicine •
About the Research
The research focus is ion transport mechanisms in CSF secretion by the choroid plexus. The methods include live cell ion imaging and ion sensitive electrodes, immunohistochemistry, and drug design targeting CSF secretion.
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
Students will learn live cell Na, K, Cl and pH imaging, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy.
Secondary Column
none
Professor Leif Østergaard
Aarhus University Hospital • Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience - Department of Clinical Medicine • Functional Hemodynamics
About the Research
I study neurovascular coupling and capillary (dys)function in dementia and stroke using PET and MRI in humans, optical imaging methods in rodent models, and by biophysical modeling.
Two lab members
Eugenio Gutiérrez-Jiménez - Assistant Professor
Peter Mondrup Rasmussen - Senior researcher
Lab rotation
animal optical imaging experiments, human neuroimaging data analysis
Secondary Column
Neurodevelopment
University of Copenhagen
Professor Christina Kruuse
Herlev Gentofte Hospital • Dept Neurology • Neurovascular Research Unit
About the Research
Stroke, small vessel disease, vascular/endothelial dysfunction. Neuro-recovery processes and rehabilitation. Bench to bedside collaborative research. MRI, TCD, cardiovascular and cognitive function, register, AI and new technology. Clinical trials.
Two lab members
Joakim Ölmestig - PhD student
Mia Kolmos - PhD student
Lab rotation
Hands-on clinical experience using techniques of cerebrovascular monitoring, imaging, cognitive and motor test in a multidisciplinary clinical environment
Secondary Column
Motor and Pain Neuroscience
Professor Birger Brodin
• Department of Pharmacy • CNS Drug Delivery
About the Research
Drug delivery to the brain is restricted by biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, the nose-to-brain barrier and ependymal barriers. We study these barriers at the cellular level and identify pathways and drugs for brain delivery.
Two lab members
Mie Kristensen - Senior researcher
Lasse Saaby - Senior researcher
Lab rotation
Establish in vitro models of the blood brain barriers using brain cells, molecular biology methods,drug transport studies using radioisotopes /lc-ms or other analytical approaches, imaging studies.
Secondary Column
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Associate Professor Mads Barløse
Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre • Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) • Brain-Body Interaction Group
About the Research
Probing neurovascular coupling in cognitive decline using functional MRI (ASL/BOLD with hypercapnic challenge). Measuring GI-reflexes following ingestion using phase-contrast MRI. Relating findings to clinical characterization.
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
Hans-on work in a clinical research setting involving brain and vessel MRI.
Secondary Column
Brain States and Brain-Body Interactions
Associate Professor Sajedeh Eftekhari
Rigshospitalet-Glostrup • Danish Headache center, Dept of Neurology, Glostrup research institute • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)
About the Research
In vivo studies with telemetry system to measure intracranial pressure (ICP) with the aim to understand ICP regulation and elevated ICP in animal model for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH).Focus on disease mechanism and IIH-related headache
Two lab members
Connar Stanley James Westgate - Postdoc
Ida Marchen Egerod Israelsen - PhD student
Lab rotation
Students will learn how ICP measurements are performed in rats and understanding in how to analyze ICP data. Further, behavioral studies, in vitro studies include molecular work such as cell cultures of CP, Western Blot, qPCR, immunohistochemistry
Secondary Column
Motor and Pain Neuroscience
Professor messoud ashina
Rigshospitalet Glostrup • Danish Headache Center • Human Migraine Research Unit
About the Research
Key techniques: Human provocation models; structural, functional, and metabolic magnetic resonance imaging; blood-based biomarker investigations; quantitative sensory testing
Two lab members
Faisal Amin - Assistant Professor
Rune Haeckert Christensen - PhD student
Lab rotation
Lab rotation learning objectives: To advance our understanding of basic mechanisms underlying migraine and other headache disorders and to identify novel drug targets.
Secondary Column
Motor and Pain Neuroscience
Professor Anne Katrine Pagsberg
Capital Region, Mental Health Services • Child and adolescent mental health center • Research Unit
About the Research
Clinical studies in child- and adolescent mental disorders, psychosis and OCD. Involved in translational studies investigating the neurobiological/neurocognitive/neuroendocrine underpinnings of disease and treatment response
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
clinical characterization/phenotypes; treatment response; neurocognitive testing
Secondary Column
Neurodevelopment
Professor Olaf Bjarne Paulson
• Clinical Medicine • Meurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet
About the Research
My research deals with cerebral blood flow, the function of the brain and brain imaging, primary MR, but also SPECT and PET. Physiology and degrative diseases. Regulatory mechanisms include neurotransmitter and also the renin-angiotensin system.
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
Introduction to methods. Data analysis.
Secondary Column
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Professor Lars Edvinsson
Copenhagen University Hospital • Research Park Glostrup • Clinical Experimental Research Group
About the Research
The stroke project relates to finding a way to stop the upregulation of contractile receptors, vascular inflammatin and blood-brain barrier opening. When this is done early it prevents the development of the ischemic brain injury projects of highest
Two lab members
Kristian Haanes - Assistant Professor
Anja Holm - Assistant Professor
Lab rotation
Participation in developing novel stroke therapy
Secondary Column
Motor and Pain Neuroscience
Professor Petrine Wellendorph
• Drug Design and Pharmacology • Wellendorph lab
About the Research
The research focuses on molecular pharmacological characterization of brain targets in neuroprotection and -repair. Of main interest is the therapeutical potential of targets for GABA, its metabolite GHB, and the calmodulin-responsive kinase CaMKII.
Two lab members
Stine Juul Gauger - PhD student
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Lab rotation
The student will work with biochemical and pharmacological analyses of ischemia-related molecular mechanisms in cells, tissues and whole organisms, including the use of genetically modified mice and an in vivo mouse model of photothrombotic stroke.
Secondary Column
Brain States and Brain-Body Interactions
Professor Hanne Christensen
Bispebjerg Hospital • Neurology • Stroke and Cerebrovascular diseases
About the Research
Clinical stroke research (including large clinical trials, cognitive interventions, stroke epidemiology). Areas of specific interest include intracerebral hemorrhage, oral anticoagulant related intracerebral hemorrhage, sex-differences.
Two lab members
Louisa Christensen - Postdoc
Christian Ovesen - Postdoc
Lab rotation
Basic methodology of clinical research including Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), testing of study participants, and basics of trial statistics. Kindness and compassion are the basic values in our approach to supervision and mentoring.
Secondary Column
none
Professor Nanna MacAulay
• Department of Neuroscience • MacAulay lab
About the Research
In vivo/in vitro determination of cerebrospinal fluid secretion
Two lab members
Trine Toft - Assistant Professor
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Lab rotation
Participate in in vitro/in vivo experimentation on anesthetized rats
Secondary Column
Brain States and Brain-Body Interactions
Professor Hartwig Roman Siebner
Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre • Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) • Brain Network Modulation
About the Research
Mapping and shaping causal dynamics of human brain networks in health & disease (Parkinson´s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, psychiatric disorders) combining psychophysics, functional and structural MRI, EEG, and transcranial brain stimulation.
Two lab members
Lasse Christiansen - Senior researcher
Leo Tomasevic - Senior researcher
Lab rotation
Hands-on experiment involving multimodal brain MRI & precision brain stimulation in healthy volunteers and patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders, interaction with a diverse (multidisciplinary, multi-national) research environment
Secondary Column
Motor and Pain Neuroscience
Professor Martin Lauritzen
• Neuroscience • Translational Neurobiology
About the Research
Extensive knowledge of brain microcirculation and the BBB, particularly how cell components and small molecules regulate and modulate the BBB, as well as the role of antibodies to promote BBB crossing by transcytosis.
Two lab members
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Lab rotation
In vivo, 2-photon microscopy, disease models.
Secondary Column
Neurodegenerative Diseases
University of Southern Denmark
Associate Professor Mengliang Zhang
• Institute of Molecular Medicine •
About the Research
My research interests are to unravel the mechanisms underlying motor deficits and cardiovascular disfunctions after traumatic spinal cord injury and brain injury using multiple behavioral, cellular, and molecular neurobiology techniques.
Two lab members
Hiroyuki Watanabe - Assistant Professor
Karen Rich - Lab technician
Lab rotation
As a PhD candidate during the 10-weeks’ rotation period you can learn how to make traumatic spinal cord injury and/or traumatic spinal cord injury model and how to evaluate motor deficits induced by these injuries.
Secondary Column
Motor and Pain Neuroscience