Research

Recent articles about the research in the Kettunen lab: https://issuu.com/universityofgothenburg/docs/guj6-2019english and http://www.akademiliv.se/en/2018/04/49398/

1. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of learning and memory

We are studying the molecular and cellular events that underlie learning. To this end, we are using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and combining transgenic and molecular methods, behavioral experiments with imaging of structures in the nervous system.

The subproject FISHDOPA was financed 2016 – 2018 by FP7/EU via a Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant. It is focusing on understanding the role of the dopaminergic system in reward learning in fish (https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/234871-the-genetics-of-reward-behaviour). Read more about FISHDOPA.

We are also interested in human memory, memory testing and are associated with the Memory clinic in Mölndal, Sweden. Here, we are responsible for future genetic analysis of the patient material. In addition, Dr Kettunen is the co-director of the Center for Cognitive Medicine in Gothenburg, and organizes an annual PhD course in Learning and memory at University of Gothenburg.

2. Pathways underlying memory impairments and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease

We are interested in understanding how the Alzheimer’s disease-related peptide, amyloid-beta, is preventing memory formation in vivo. We are also studying the processes of amyloid-beta-mediated neurodegeneration in larval zebrafish and how these can be targeted for drug discovery. This project has received support from Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova (https://www.vinnova.se/en/p/development-of-new-therapeutics-for-alzheimers-disease/).

We are also interested in human memory, memory testing and are associated with the Memory clinic in Mölndal, Sweden. The Gothenburg MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) study was started in 1999 and has included close to 1000 healthy persons and patients with memory problems and followed them over time. We are making use of genetics, biomarkers, brain imaging and psychological test data to understand how the clinical decline is developing.

3. The role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease

In our imaging experiments we are able to follow the dynamics of microglia, i.e. the immune cells of the brain, and combine these experiments with genetic analyses in human patient material. In this way, we hope to increase our understanding of the process of amyloid-beta clearance and the role of inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. This project has received support by MORE (Mobility for Regional Excellence), Region Västra Götaland and a clinical grant from Region Västra Götaland (https://www.researchweb.org/is/vgr/project/238501).

Read more about the project here: http://www.akademiliv.se/en/2013/03/10602/

The subproject INFLAMM-ALZ was financed between 2016 and 2018 by Horizon2020/EU to increase the understanding of how microglia cells are interacting with amyloid-beta (https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/415499-zebrafish-help-scientists-tackle-alzheimer-s-disease).

4. Evaluation of welfare parameters for zebrafish and establishment of guidelines for zebrafish housing

In this project with support from Formas (2019 – 2022), the government research council for sustainable development, we will raise and keep zebrafish under different conditions and measure different welfare markers. In this way, we can learn which conditions affect welfare in zebrafish. Our goal is establish guidelines for zebrafish housing which today is lacking. Article in Swedish: https://akademiliv.se/2019/12/62106/

5. Translational studies of the gene quaking

In collaboration with Lina Emilsson and Elena Jazin at Uppsala University we are investigating how the gene quaking contributes to the development of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disease. We are combining experiments in zebrafish with analyses in human material.

6. Neuronal networks underlying social behavior

In collaboration with the Westberg lab at Sahlgrenska Academy, we are investigating the molecular pathways and transmitter systems underlying social behavior and autism. This project is supported by the Swedish Research Council, clinical ALF project funding and the Swedish Brain Foundation (Hjärnfonden).

7. Treatment strategies for brain tumors

In collaboration with the Carén lab at Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, we use the zebrafish to investigate new treatments for brain tumors.

Funding sources:

EU
  • FP7
  • Horizon 2020
USA
  • Grass Foundation
SWEDEN
  • Adlerbertska Foundations
  • Anér Foundation
  • Anna Ahrenberg’s Association
  • Capio Research Foundation
  • Swedish Dementia Foundation
  • Formas
  • Hedström Foundation
  • Hellmuth Hertz Foundation
  • Iris Jonzén-Sandblom and Greta Jonzén Foundation
  • Wilhelm and Martina Lundgren Foundation
  • Lundgren’s Foundation
  • Längmanska Foundation
  • Markus Borgström Foundation
  • National Board of Health and Welfare
  • Nilsson-Ehle Donations
  • O. E. and Edla Johansson Science Foundation
  • Stiftelsen för Gamla Tjänarinnor
  • Swedish Alzheimer Foundation
  • Swedish Brain Foundation
  • Swedish – French Association
  • Swedish Research Council
  • Swedish Society of Medicine
  • Swedish Society for Medical Research
  • Tore Nilson Foundation for Medical Research
  • Torsten Söderberg Foundation
  • Vinnova
  • MORE (Mobility for Regional Excellence), Region Västra Götaland
  • Region Västra Götaland
  • Wenner-Gren Foundations
  • Åhlén Foundation
  • Åke Wiberg Foundation