Project Overview
We investigate the molecular, genetic, and hormonal mechanisms underlying depression and anxiety disorders. Using unique mouse models of stress resilience and susceptibility, together with translational studies in human populations, we explore biological pathways that contribute to affective disorders and individual differences in stress responses. Our goal is to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets that support early diagnosis, patient stratification, and personalized treatment of mood disorders.
Research Focus
- Molecular Psychiatry
- Stress Biology
- Affective Neuroscience
- Precision Psychiatry
Experimental Approaches
- Animal models behavioral phenotyping
- CPP assays
- Genomic and epigenetic analysis
- Hormonal profiling
- HPA-axis assessment
- Dopaminergic and endocannabinoid signaling
Clinical Relevance
- Biomarker discovery for depression and anxiety disorders
- Early prediction of stress-related psychiatric conditions
- Patient stratification for precision psychiatry approaches
- Identification of novel molecular and therapeutic targets
- Development of personalized treatment strategies for affective disorders
Principal Investigator: Prof. Albert Pinhasov
Behavioral and Molecular Psychiatry Lab
Recent publications:
K Murlanova, I Michaelevski, A Kreinin, C Terrillion, M Pletnikov, A Pinhasov, Link between temperament traits, brain neurochemistry and response to SSRI: insights from animal model of social behavior. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2021 Mar 1:282:1055-1066.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33601678/
M Becker, A Pinhasov, A Ornoy, Animal Models of Depression: What Can They Teach Us about the Human Disease? Diagnostics (Basel),2021 Jan 14;11(1):123.