We are interested in understanding the role of glial cells in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and the mechanisms by which glial cells and neurons interact to support normal communication in the CNS.

We are developing and using a set of interdisciplinary and complementary tools and approaches (electrophysiology, pharmacogenetics and optogenetics, 2-photon Ca2+ imaging) to selectively manipulate glial cell signaling and investigate its effects in synaptic transmission and plasticity ex vivo and in vivo in different contexts (during sensory-activated synaptic transmission, sleep, development and stress).

Collaborations with physicists also located in the Paris Descartes University will provide the 2-photon microscopy systems and optic expertise necessary to our projects. From these studies, we hope to resolve some glial cell functions, and open up entirely new areas of investigation and potential treatments of diseases, e.g. glioblastoma, epilepsy, or memory, sleep, and stress disorders.