Meet Our Editorial Board Member

Abstract

In the beginning of his scientific career, he was interested in the development of neuropeptidergic systems in the brain (oxytocin, vasopressin, prolactin) and their regulation by glucocorticoids.Then in the UK, he focused on the role of neuroactive steroids during brain development and their input to the sexual differentiation of brain functions. Back in Germany, he focused his research for several years on novel signal perception and intracellular signal transduction mechanisms of estrogens in the CNS, so-called nongenomic steroid signaling. After moving to Aachen, the scientific orientation of his team turned to the molecular and biochemical understanding of acute neurological and chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the brain.In particular, animal models for multiples sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and acute ischemic stroke and spinal cord injury were established in his group and served to analyze the underlying neuroinflammatory processes and neuroprotective strategies. Novel and only recently started research projects are concerned with the influence of steroid hormones such as estrogens for the therapeutic treatment of psychiatric disorders such as eating disorders and aggression.