Based in Mainz, Germany, the Laboratory of Glia & Mental Health is part of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and University Medical Center Mainz, bringing together perspectives from neuroanatomy, glial biology, behavioural neuroscience, and psychiatry.

Our research focuses on understanding how glial cells shape brain circuits, behaviour, and mental health.

The brain is more than a network of neurons. Its function depends on a dynamic interaction between neurons, glia, myelin, neural circuits, and the environment. We are particularly interested in oligodendrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), and myelin, and in how these cells respond to experience and influence brain function.

A central question driving our research is:

How do changes in oligodendrocytes and myelin influence neural circuits and ultimately shape behaviour?

We approach this question across multiple biological levels. At the cellular and tissue level, we investigate oligodendrocyte lineage cells and myelin using histology, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis. At the circuit level, we use neuroanatomical approaches to understand how cellular and structural changes relate to the organisation of neural networks. At the behavioural level, we study how these processes are reflected in social, emotional, and exploratory behaviour in mice.

A particular focus of our work is the role of oligodendrocyte and myelin plasticity in adaptation to environmental experience, including social stress. We are also interested in how sex differences influence oligodendrocyte biology and contribute to differences in vulnerability in mental health.

Rather than studying these levels in isolation, our goal is to connect them:

Oligodendrocytes → Myelin → Circuits → Behaviour → Mental Health

This integrative perspective reflects a broader interest in understanding how experiences become biologically embedded in the brain. Oligodendrocytes and myelin are increasingly recognised as dynamic components of neural circuits rather than passive structural elements. Understanding their plasticity may therefore provide important insights into how the brain adapts to experience and why this adaptation can sometimes become maladaptive.

Our research combines neuroanatomy, oligodendrocyte biology, imaging, and behavioural neuroscience to investigate mechanisms of brain plasticity that may be relevant to mental health.

Beyond the laboratory, we are committed to open scientific discussion, critical thinking, reproducibility, and mentorship. We aim to create an environment in which researchers can ask ambitious questions, challenge assumptions, and develop their own scientific perspectives.