LATEST NEWS
Neurons with large arbors are often more vulnerable to neurodegenerative processes. Using Drosophila as a model for neurodegenerative disorders, we show that inflammatory cytokine signaling induced by the integrated stress response is a key determinant of axon length–dependent vulnerability to synapse loss. Neuron-derived inflammatory signals activate glia which preferentially target the synaptic domains of neurons with the longest axons. Our findings suggest that an evolutionarily conserved pathway contributes to neuronal vulnerability during early phases of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic paraplegia, and spinocerebellar ataxia in which synapse loss leads to decline of neuronal function.
Tenedini FM, Yin C, Huang J, Dhiman N, Soba P*, Parrish JZ* (2025). Axon length-dependent synapse loss is mediated by neuronal cytokine-induced glial phagocytosis. PNAS, 122 (21) e2422752122. doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2422752122.
Successful PhD Defense with Highest Honors for the Ponomarenko Lab
06.05.2025
We are thrilled to share that Mahsa Altafi, a PhD student from the Ponomarenko research group, has successfully defended her doctoral thesis and was awarded the distinction summa cum laude for her Dr. rer. nat. degree.
Her dissertation “Temporal Organization of Neuronal Ensembles Encoding Behavioral States” was praised by the reviewers and the examination committee for its novelty, scientific rigor, and conceptual clarity.
This exceptional achievement highlights not only her dedication and talent but also the strength of research training within the Ponomarenko lab. We warmly congratulate her on this major milestone and wish her continued success in her scientific career!
Nadja Treiber Receives 1st Prize at NWG Breaking News Award 2025
29.03.2025
We are pleased to announce that our PhD student, Nadja Treiber, in the lab group Alzheimer / Zheng has been awarded the 1st Prize (500 €) at the Breaking News’ Best Paper Award 2025 during the 16th Conference of the German Neuroscience Society (NWG) in Göttingen.
In her presentation, Nadja shared compelling results from her PhD research on the long-term effects of adolescent stress on synaptic transmission and plasticity. Her work was recognized for its scientific novelty, potential impact on future research, and the high quality of her presentation – criteria that underscore the award’s commitment to supporting young researchers in neuroscience.
This recognition not only reflects the excellence of her research but also emphasizes the importance of understanding how adolescent stress affects brain function persistently. Her project sheds light on the mechanisms of synaptic adaptation and vulnerability following adolescent stress into adulthood, with implications for mental health research.
We warmly congratulate Nadja Treiber on this outstanding achievement and look forward to further exciting results as her PhD project progresses!
