We are interested in the development of the brain in health and disease, in particular brain regions involved in social and cognitive processes. Specifically neural and cancer stem cell characteristics and differentiation with implications for neurodevelopmental disorders, innate repair after damage, and susceptibility to disease. We use cutting edge molecular technologies in combination with imaging, biomaterials, bioelectronics, and bioprinting, and collaborate extensively with physicians.
Photo: Stefan Zimmerman.Neuroscientist Ola Hermanson aims to both understand the development of the healthy brain and lay the groundwork for improved treatments for serious diseases. He is also keen to drive technological developments in bioprinting, amongst other areas.
Photo: Ulf SirbornChildren who have received radiotherapy for a brain tumour can develop cognitive problems later in life. In their studies on mice, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now shown that the drug lithium can help to reverse the damage caused long after it has occurred. The study is published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry and the researchers are now planning to test the treatment in clinical trials.
We are specifically interested in molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of stem cell and progenitor characteristics and differentiation into functional neurons and other cell types, with implications for innate repair after damage, neurodevelopmental disorders, and susceptibility to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disease.
To investigate these topics, we use advanced molecular techniques, including genome-wide analyses of chromatin and biomedical engineering, and the most relevant cell types, as well as translational collaborations with clinicians.
We participate actively in several networks of neuroscience, cancer, bioengineering, stem cells, and regenerative medicine. In addition, we are dedicated fans of basic science and are involved in many outreach activities.
Department of Neuroscience
Attn: Ola Hermanson
Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm
Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, D7
Solnavägen 9, SE-171 65 Solna
Tomtebodavägen 16, SE-171 65 Solna
