Research

Circadian rhythm disturbances

Gabriella Schmitz Lundkvist

Circadian rhythm disturbances in psychiatric disorders are studied using skin cells from bipolar and schizophrenic patients. By molecular imaging in transgenic mice, we investigate i) whether psychopharmacological drugs affect molecular expression of clock genes, ii) if a link exists between psychosocial stress and molecular rhythms, iii) if stress is better tolerated certain times of the day. To analyse the molecular mechanisms governing rhythmicity, clock activity in hypothalamic slices from transgenic PER2::LUCIFERASE mice is recorded for 1 week in specially equipped incubators. To improve this analysis, we develop organic bioelectronic delivery devices for automated delivery of biological stimuli to the organotypic culture. The role of cell membrane Ca2⁺ channels versus intracellular stores in neuronal cell signaling and development are studied using organic bioelectronic surface switches and delivery devices.