Novel mechanisms in depression: role of astrocyte lactate in emotional behaviour

Dr Valentina Mosienko is a Neuroscientist at the University of Exeter Medical School Dr Mosienko profile. She uses animal models to investigate novel mechanisms in depression through non-neuronal brain cells called astrocytes. Valentina has recently received an Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award and an MRC Career Development Award to investigate a novel underlying biological mechanism of depression associated with lactate, a metabolite and signalling molecule mainly produced by astrocytes in the brain. During this seminar Valentina will first talk about the findings of her previous work on the role of brain serotonin in regulation of anxiety- and depression-like behaviour and in response to antidepressants such as fluoxetine. She will then show her most recent work on lactate signalling pathways in the brain and their potential role in regulating response to stress.