Eva Kreysing Lab

Brain stiffness changes across space and time, generally increasing during development. Interestingly, neurons mature faster in softer regions, while stiffer areas delay synapse formation. But how do neurons actually sense stiffness and adjust their development? This remains an open question.

In my research, we constantly develop new techniques and approaches to explore how neurons “feel” their surroundings. We investigate how the membrane and cytoskeleton interact with and respond to mechanical cues using methods such as surface plasmon resonance microscopy, fluorescence imaging, and membrane tension measurements. By combining these with CRISPR-Cas9 knockdowns in cultured neurons, we aim to uncover how mechanosensing regulates the electrical maturation of neurons.

Three illustrations below the sentence: 'We develop new tools to study how processes at the cell interface regulate neuronal development.' First illustration shows a surface plasmon resonance microscope, second the cell membrane an internal structures interacting with the surrounding, third shows two neurons and an action potential.

Selected Publications