Debora Masini
About me
Research group: Christian Broberger
Current research Grants as Main applicant:
- Margaretha Nilssons Foundation (Sweden), for equipment purchase used in 3D volumetric video recordings of behavior.
- 2-year Young Investigator Grant from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (USA), for covering all research associated costs over the designated period. Project was also selected for the research partners program (The Salice Family Foundation).
Publications:
Masini D and Kiehn O. (2022). Targeted activation of midbrain neurons restores locomotor function in mouse models of parkinsonism. Nature Communications
Smedler E, Louhivouri L, Romanov RA, Masini D, ...Uhlen P. (2022). Disrupted Cacna1c gene expression perturbs spontaneous Ca2+ activity causing abnormal brain development and increased anxiety. PNAS
Masini D, Plewnia P, Bertho M, Scalbert N, Caggiano V, Fisone G. (2021). A Guide to the Generation of a 6-Hydroxydopamine Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease for the Study of Non-Motor Symptoms. Biomedicines
Caggiano V*, Leiras R*, Goñi-Erro H, Masini D, Bellardita C, Bouvier J, Caldeira V, Fisone G, Kiehn O. (2018). Midbrain circuits that set locomotor speed and gait selection. Nature
Masini D, Bonito-Oliva A, Bertho M, Fisone G. (2018). Inhibition of mTORC1 signaling reverts cognitive and affective deficits in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Frontiers in Neurology
Rivetti di Val Cervo P, Romanov RA, Spigolon G, Masini D, …, Fisone G, Arenas E. (2017). Induction of functional dopamine neurons from human astrocytes in vitro and mouse astrocytes in a Parkinson’s disease model. Nature Biotechnology
Masini D, Lopes-Aguiar C, Bonito-Oliva A, Papadia D, Andersson R, Fisahn A, Fisone G. (2017). The histamine H3 receptor antagonist thioperamide rescues circadian rhythm and memory function in experimental parkinsonism. Translational Psychiatry
Bonito-Oliva A, Masini D, Fisone G. (2014). A mouse model of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: focus on pharmacological interventions targeting affective dysfunctions. Frontiers in Behavioral Neurosciences
Mouton-Liger F, Sahún I, Collin T, Lopes Pereira P, Masini D, …, Dierssen M, Créau N. (2014). Developmental molecular and functional cerebellar alterations induced by PCP4/PEP19 overexpression: implications for Down syndrome. Neurobiology of Disease
publications under review (n=2, Jan2024)
Teaching
Teaches Masters and PhD courses within neurosciences. Total of 9 credits in higher education docent training.
Teaching/Lecture activities in the last 3-years:
Copenhagen University (Denmark). “Novel technologies in behavioral neuroscience”. 3h class/demonstration.
Stockholm University (Sweden). “Neuronal Circuits” lecture on in vivo recording of neural activity using calcium imaging. 2h class.
Copenhagen University (Denmark). “Animal models of disease and behavioral analysis”. I gave 3 lectures: ecological approach, mouse models of Parkinson’s disease, and technical aspects of behavioral recording and analysis. Total 5h class.
Uppsala University (Sweden). “How to study behavior in vertebrates”. lecture on Open-source tools for behavior tracking and analysis (DLC, MoSeq, VAME). 2h class.
Federal University (UFMG, Brazil). “Frontiers in Neuroscience: motor circuits”. 1h lecture.
Stockholm University (Sweden). Presentation at the Department. “Introducing: Computation Neuroethology”.
Research
I have over 10 years of experience working in the research industry. My work ethics are grounded in a deep interest in science and respectful collaboration with peers.
My doctoral research at the Karolinska Institute was focused on the intersection of neuroanatomical and neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying the symptomatology of Parkinson’s Disease. This included the use of appropriate behavioral assays that reduce interpretive confounds when modelling a disease with a strong motor component. My thesis highlights the importance of a comprehensive understanding of Parkinsonian motor and non-motor features, for the successful translation from preclinical to clinical settings.
During my postdoctoral studies at Copenhagen University, I investigated neural circuits implicated in generating locomotor output. The aim of my research was to develop innovative neuromodulatory therapies for neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, which extend beyond the disease-affected basal ganglia circuitry.
Currently, my research interests revolve around the hypothalamus and its vital role in driving fundamental survival functions. The hypothalamus, being an ancient part of the brain, plays a critical role in initiating, organizing, and ceasing innate behaviors. I am studying how hypothalamic circuitries coordinate complex action sequences, such as aggression, and hope to elucidate novel brain areas that could be targeted in the treatment of a range, a common symptom in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders.