Early experiences shape brain development and influence the risk for developing neuropsychiatric problems later on in life. This project aims at comprehensive characterization of the mechanisms by which early life stress affects neural circuits regulating emotional learning and behaviour in rodent models. In parallel, opportunities for preventing the pathological development are explored, focusing on kainate receptors, a unique family of glutamate receptors implicated in development and plasticity of limbic neural circuits. We expect the results to provide novel clinically relevant information on neurodevelopmental disorders and prospects for their targeted treatment.

2024