Through a series of innovative concepts, tools and techniques, we seek to understand and characterize the molecular mechanisms, cellular circuits, and behavioral correlates, associated with stress-related psychiatric disorders and their treatments.
Photo: Microsoft Stock ImagesNeSTED (the Working Group of Neuropharmacology and Stress/Trauma Exposure during Development), is an international research network with the aim of understanding the effects of stress and trauma during critical developmental periods. The network is composed of research groups from different complementary disciplines, ranging from preclinical to clinical and epidemiological research.
Photo: Joseph Mucira. Pixabay
Using wild-type and genetically modified animal models, our research programme tackles psychiatrically-relevant questions such as:
Our strategy consists of implementing a combination of novel, automated, and high-throughput behavioral and molecular experimental approaches to:
To achieve these objectives our laboratory implements a wide range of techniques, such as (a) state-of-the-art transcriptomics, including “bulk” and single-cell resolution, (b) behavioral mouse models of stress and anxiety, (c) automated behavioral tracking and analysis systems of complex behaviors for groups of mice, (d) diverse transgenic mouse models, and (e) viral-mediated gene manipulations in behaving mice.
For information about ongoing research projects, please email Juan Pablo Lopez at jpablo.lopez@ki.se.
Nationality: Colombian–Canadian
About me: I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet. My academic journey spans three countries: I earned undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Biology from Florida International University (Miami, USA), completed my PhD at McGill University (Montreal, Canada), and pursued postdoctoral training at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry (Munich, Germany). My research focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms, cellular circuits, and behavioral dynamics underlying stress-related psychiatric disorders and their treatments, using animal models. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, hosting BBQs (smoking meats for friends), hiking in the mountains, and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Nationality: Argentinian
About me: I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I received my PhD from Buenos Aires University under Fernanda Ledda's supervision. In 2017, I moved to Sweden to pursue a Postdoc at Karolinska Institutet with Prof. Lallemend. In 2024, I joined the Lopez Lab as a Research Coordinator, motivated by its innovative research approach for a better understanding of stress-related psychiatric disorders and their treatments. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, doing as many outdoor activities as possible, when the weather here in Sweden allows it. I am always up for a chat about science and or a friendly conversation.
Nationality: Estonian
About me: I hold a PhD in Medicine from the University of Tartu in Estonia. I’m passionate about uncovering the neurobiological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly depression, and about advancing more effective treatment strategies. I have research experience in studying neural plasticity changes related to depression and cognition using mouse models. In addition to my academic background, I’m a trained pharmacist and have worked in a hospital pharmacy setting. Currently, my project in the Lopez Lab focuses on investigating the long-term effects of in utero antidepressant exposure and how this influences the stress response later in life. To do this, I use cutting-edge molecular and behavioral tracking technologies. Outside of the lab, I enjoy climbing, running, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Nationality: Italian
About me: I am currently a PhD student at KI, and hold a Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the University of Bologna. My PhD project focuses on understanding the behavioral language, molecular mechanisms, and cellular circuits responsible for the fast-acting and sustained antidepressant effects of psychedelic compounds, using mouse models of chronic stress. When I'm not in the lab, I like spending time in nature, playing the guitar and doing yoga.
Nationality: Chinese
About me: I hold a joint Master’s degree in Molecular Techniques in Life Science from KTH, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm University. I am currently a PhD student in the Lopez Lab, where my project focuses on understanding how early life adversity influences the response to antidepressant treatments later in life. I have a strong interest in applying and developing bioinformatics approaches to advance biomedical and disease-related research. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, and am enthusiastic about film and music.
Nationality: Swedish
About me: I have always had a deep love for science and a strong desire to pursue a career in research. I hold an MSc in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology from Stockholm University, with a focus on neuroendocrinology. As a PhD student in the Lopez Lab, my research explores the neurodevelopmental consequences of antidepressant exposure during the perinatal period. When I’m not present in the lab, I’m most certainly in the studio writing music, reading books or hanging out with my friends.
Nationality: Greek
About me: I hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. I am currently pursuing an MSc in Molecular Techniques in Life Science, a joint program offered by Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Stockholm University. I am deeply passionate about the neurobiology of stress and its implications for mental health. As a member of the Lopez Lab, my research focuses on understanding how in-utero exposure to antidepressants influences neuronal development. This work allows me to explore the intersection of pharmacology, developmental neuroscience, and psychiatry. Outside the lab, I enjoy immersing myself in nature, running, playing badminton, and reading about history and philosophy.
Nationality: Swedish
About me: I'm a second-year medical student at KI with a growing enthusiasm for research. Currently, I am contributing to an engaging project focused on machine learning-assisted behavioral phenotyping in mice. In this capacity I identify behaviors, in hopes of providing insights to the research team's efforts. When I'm not immersed in my academic pursuits, I find joy in the company of friends and my girlfriend. Additionally, I have a passion for sports such as football and table tennis, as well as strategic games like chess and board games.
