
Oertel Lab
Translational Neuroimmunology
Profile
Neurodegeneration is the leading cause of functional decline in neuroinflammatory disorders. Initiated by neuroinflammation and/or demyelination, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory disorders such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) undergo non-reversible neurodegeneration leading to major disability accrual. Although neuroinflammation and demyelination are targeted by existing or upcoming treatments, neurodegeneration can currently not be prevented or reversed. The goal of our lab is to identify characteristics of 1) neuronal vulnerability and of 2) innate immune cell activation that amplify neurodegeneration and can be therapeutically targeted. Our lab also contributes to 3) developing imaging markers for neurodegeneration in clinical trials.
The visual system offers a well-defined environment for these investigations due to various available innovative translational methods, a robust separation from nearby structures and clear structure-function-correlations. In our lab, we are combining advanced methods of preclinical (innovative mouse models, in vivo imaging, single-cell RNA sequencing) and clinical research (retinal imaging, artificial intelligence-based post-processing) in a unique translational approach to understand how we can reduce neurodegeneration and enhance neuroprotection in neuroinflammatory disorders.
Header image generated by DALL·E
Team
Postdoctoral Researchers
Mahsima Khoshneviszadeh, PhD
Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Master Students
Laura K Ismajli, BSc
Master's Program in Medical Neurosciences
Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Gelsomina N Kaufhold, BSc
Master's Program in Molecular Medicine
Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Medical Students
Henriette Reinsberg
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
Bianca Knaack
Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Publications
News
Join us
Are you a bachelor or master student looking for an internship or thesis project? Are you planning to pursue a dissertation (PhD, MD/PhD, Dr. med.) or a postdoctoral fellowship? Whether you come from a clinical, computational or biology/neuroscience background: If you are interested in implementing translational projects, please contact us by email to discuss ideas.