Biology of Astrocytes Group
The Biology of Astrocytes Research Group aims to understand the role of astrocytes in regulating physiological processes in the brain and the consequences of their disturbances. In recent years, our group has discovered a new mechanism linking abnormalities in the expression of genes specific to astrocytes with neurobiological disorders characteristic, among others, of depression.
Meet our team
Dr. Michał Ślęzak
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Dr. Viorica Raluca Contu
In our team, Raluca focuses on studying glucocorticoid receptor (GR)–dependent mechanisms specific to this cell type, through which chronic stress contributes to the development of psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder.
Dr. Anna Lech
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Dr. Katarzyna Terejko
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Dr. Bartosz Zgliński
At P4Health, Bartek develops automated tools for animal behavior analysis using deep learning methods. He is responsible for implementing the “social box” system, which enables the study of complex social behaviors in animals.
Tansu Göver
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Paweł Hanus
Paweł investigates the role of astrocyte metabolism in the central effects of chronic stress. His primary scientific interest is the regulation of synaptic plasticity by astrocytes.
Klaudia Kuzdrowska
In the team, Klaudia is responsible for animal care and handling, conducting genotyping essential for our research, and supporting the implementation of the group’s research projects.
Julia Siembiga
The researcher’s profile is being prepared.
Martyna Skuła
In her work, Martyna is responsible for implementing computational solutions to automate behavioral testing in animals.
Patrycja Ziuzia
Dedicated PhD student focused on advancing behavioral research, particularly in the context of depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors. Her work centers on implementing innovative tools aimed at improving adherence to the 3R principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal research.
Research & findings
Astrocytes are essential brain cells involved in neurotransmitter recycling, regulation of synaptic transmission, and control of brain metabolism. Their functions are influenced by systemic signals, including hormones.
This research has demonstrated that astrocytes are direct transcriptional targets of glucocorticoids in the brain. The team has also identified metabolic pathways regulated by glucocorticoid receptor activation, providing new insights into how hormonal signaling influences brain metabolism and astrocyte function.
Inside the lab
Astrocytes are key brain cells responsible for neurotransmitter recycling, regulating synaptic transmission, and maintaining brain metabolism. Their activity is influenced by hormonal signals, including glucocorticoids.
The research team has shown that astrocytes are direct targets of glucocorticoid signaling in the brain and has identified metabolic pathways regulated by the glucocorticoid receptor. These findings improve our understanding of how hormones regulate brain metabolism and astrocyte function at the molecular level.
Research projects
Do Astrocytes Control Synaptic Connections in Neural Networks Relevant to Psychiatric Disorders? – AstroSyCo
Funding:
National Science Centre
Project Manager:
Dr. Michał Ślęzak
Genetics of GR-Dependent Behavioral Traits in Humans – Grtraits
Funding:
National Science Centre
Project Manager:
Dr. Michał Ślęzak
Role of Astrocyte Mitochondrial Metabolism in Chronic Stress – ASTROMICS
Funding:
National Science Centre
Project Manager:
Dr. Michał Ślęzak
From research to publication
Lysosomal membrane protein SIDT2 mediates the direct uptake of DNA by lysosomes
Aizawa Shu, Contu Viorica Raluca, Fujiwara Yuuki [et al.]
Autophagy, 2017, vol. 13, no. 1, pp.218-222. DOI:10.1080/15548627.2016.1248019
Long-term deep phenotyping of behavioral traits in mice using homecage monitoring
Jurek Benjamin, Schlegel Patrick, Zglinicki Bartosz [et al.]
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 2026, vol. 180, pp.106453. DOI:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106453
Lysosomal membrane protein SIDT2 mediates the direct uptake of DNA by lysosomes
Aizawa Shu, Contu Viorica Raluca, Fujiwara Yuuki [et al.]
Autophagy, 2017, vol. 13, no. 1, pp.218-222. DOI:10.1080/15548627.2016.1248019