Dr Nathalie Dehorter

PhD
Research Fellow- Group Leader
ANU College of Health and Medicine
T: +61261255489

Research interests

My research interests are oriented toward understanding the molecular and physiological tuning of interneurons during development and in pathology such as autism, schizophrenia or Parkinson’s disease, using high-level tools in electrophysiology, imaging, molecular biology and genetics.

Biography

Education:

  • 2004:Orsay University, Paris XI, France - BSc
  • 2006:Orsay University, Paris XI/ ENS Cachan, France - MSc Neurosciences
  • 2006-2010: Luminy University (INMED), Marseille, France - PhD neurosciences

Postdoctoral training:

  • 2011-2015: CSIC Alicante, Spain & MRC, King’s College of London, UK

Honours & Awards:

  • 2014: FENS Travel Grant Milan, Italy
  • 2011-2013:European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) long-term fellowship
  • 2010:PhD grant from France Parkinson Association
  • 2006-2009: PhD grant from « région PACA », France

 

Researcher's projects

Our projects aim to unravel the molecular commands underlying the adaptation of interneurons during development. We want to address three fundamental questions:

(1) How do interneurons form specific subnetworks? 

(2) How do interneurons adapt their activity to environment? 

(3) Can we detect early signs of interneuron dysfunction and restore normal activity?

 

 

 

Available student projects

 

- Research projects for Honours Students: 

These projects include histological characterization (immunohistochemistry and western blot), in vitro patch-clamp recordings and behavioural studies during development in control and mutant mice.

(1) Role of a transcription factor involved in cell identity and function.

(2) Developmental expression and role of a receptor involved in schizophrenia.

(3) Early signs of impaired neuronal activity in a mouse model of striatum-related pathology.


- Research projects for PhD students: 

These projects will study fundamental scientific concepts and will require the use of state-of-the-art multidisciplinary techniques. 

(1)   To understand the function of a receptor in interneuron identity and plasticity.

Electrophysiology (in vitro patch-clamp recordings), viral infections, opto-genetics, 2-photon calcium imaging and behaviour.

(2)   To study the consequences of an impaired neuronal activity during development in a mouse model of autism.

Viral infections, opto- and pharmaco-genetic approaches and Electrophysiology (in vitro and in vivo recordings). 

 

 

Publications

Projects and Grants

Grants information is drawn from ARIES. To add or update Projects or Grants information please contact your College Research Office.

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Updated:  29 March 2024 / Responsible Officer:  Director (Research Services Division) / Page Contact:  Researchers