Laboratory of glia and mental health (Giulia Poggi PhD)

OLIGODENDROCYTE LINEAGE AND MYELIN IN MENTAL HEALTH & DISEASE

Research
The oligodendrocyte lineage and myelin are necessary for the fine-tuning of brain network activity. Emerging evidence highlights their critical roles in cognitive and emotional processing, with dysfunctions linked to various mental disorders, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. However, the underlying mechanisms of oligodendrocyte and myelin (dys)function remain poorly understood.
The Poggi lab aims to unravel how the oligodendrocyte lineage and myelin influence cognitive and emotional regulation, often disrupted in neuropsychiatric disorders.
To address these research questions, the lab employs a wide array of in vivo methods, such as behavioral phenotyping, stereotaxic surgery, and proliferation tracing, alongside ex vivo approaches, including quantitative neuroanatomy, biochemistry, and molecular techniques. These studies utilize both wildtype and genetically modified preclinical mouse models. Collaborations with other laboratories and core facility on campus at the University of Mainz and with external labs ensure a truly interdisciplinary and translational research approach.

Currently, the following two main topics are under active investigation: 
Topic 1: The role of the oligodendrocyte lineage plasticity in the acquisition and implementation of aversion-coping strategies

Topic 2: The effects of social experience on the oligodendrocyte lineage and myelin status