CV Science

Muriel Koehl PhD Neuroscience and Pharmacology

Course and current status

Tenured researcher, CNRS section 26

Group ‘Neurogenesis and pathophysiologie’ leaded by Dr. Djoher Nora Abrous, INSERM U862 ‘Pathophysiology of neural plasticity’ leaded by Dr. Pier Vincenzo Piazza

1998  Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Bordeaux 2, France

1995  Master’s degree in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, U Bordeaux 2, France

1994  Teaching diploma Biochemistry, Ecole Normale Supérieure Cachan, Paris

1993  Bachelor in biochemistry, University Paris VII, Paris, France

Scientific summary

Understanding the mechanisms that governs memory processes and affective states under both physiological and pathological conditions represents a major issue in modern neuroscience as it will certainly assist in the development of therapeutic tools. In this context, my research focuses on a potential mechanistic substrate, i.e. adult neurogenesis, as it has been proposed as a promising target for the prevention and treatment of memory and affective disorders. This neurogenesis takes place in 2 discrete regions of the adult brain, i.e. the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation, hence its relevance for memory and affective disorders, and the olfactory bulb. My research aims at characterizing the functional roles as well as the environmental regulation of newborn neurons in both areas. To this end, we are using mice models to analyze the contribution of hippocampal neurogenesis to memory processes and mood disorders from early postnatal development until adulthood, and to assess the function role and the regulation of bulbar neurogenesis. It is expected that these lines of research will bring significant contribution to our understanding of memory and mood disorders.