The mammalian brain has an enormous capacity for neuroplasticity to adjust to a constantly changing environment. This plasticity requires a well orchestrated (de-)construction of synapses and fine adjustments of proteostasis. Traumatic stress or neurodegenerative processes especially early in life may lead to maladaptive changes in the form of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as PTSD, depression or dementia. 
I joined the Stork lab as a PhD student in November of 2021. In my project I focus on Neuropeptide Y (NPY) induced autophagy in a local circuit relevant for stress adaptation and emotional and cognitive processing. In the dentate gyrus (DG)-to-cornu ammonis (CA)3 system, we will therefore address the mechanisms of behavioral autophagy in the mossy fibers (MF) of the DG and the associated local NPY-secreting interneurons. We aim to find molecular and cellular processes that mediate NPY-induced adaptive changes and resilience (to stress). We also intend to bridge a cellular and molecular analysis of autophagy to in vivo systems and behavioral analysis in mice. 
The project is carried out in close cooperation with Gina Krause and Prof Anne Albrecht from the Anatomy Department in Magdeburg. The project is embedded in the DFG funded research unit “Syntophagy” (FOR 5228). 
 
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology: Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg
Master of Science in Neuroscience: Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg
 
Contact Information
E-mail: yannik.karsten(at)ovgu.de
Telephone: +49(391)-67 55119