In Vivo Oxygen Imaging
Using innovative fluorescent oxygen biosensors (GeNL) to study oxygen distribution and hypoxic pockets within the living, awake brain. Development of new imaging methodologies with superior spatiotemporal resolution.
Main focus
Oxygen dynamics in the brain
We image oxygen directly in the living cortex. The genetically encoded sensor GeNL turns oxygen availability into light, so we can watch supply and demand play out across the tissue in awake mice — and catch the moments when supply briefly fails.
Brain Metabolism
The brain holds virtually no oxygen reserves, so its energy metabolism depends on a continuous supply. I study how cortical oxygen availability shapes metabolic demand and neuronal function — and how transient shortfalls in oxygen affect brain physiology.
Novel Biosensors
Developing and applying new genetically encoded biosensors for in vivo imaging — including oxygen sensors and lactate biosensors — to understand physiological processes in the brain.
Aging & Alzheimer's Disease
Studying cerebral oxygen alterations with aging and in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Expanding our understanding of how hypoxia and disrupted oxygen delivery contribute to neurodegeneration.
Fourth Meninges (SLYM)
Unraveling the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM) — a novel meningeal layer — and its role in cerebrospinal fluid flow, immune cell trafficking, and the exchange of solutes between CSF and venous blood.
Molecule Exchange Assays
Elaborating on the mechanisms of molecular exchange across the blood-CSF barrier using transcranial bioluminescence imaging in live mice.