Erik Keimpema

Biography

My research interests encompass describing the molecular machinery underlying the signals important for the proper development of the fetal brain. These include endocannabinoids, which are lipid signals promoting neurite outgrowth and growth cone motility, both in cortical pyramidal cells and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (Keimpema, 2010-J Neurosci; Keimpema, 2013-PNAS). We also showed that endocannabinoid signaling can mediate chemorepulsion by regulating Robo/Slit signaling in cortical pathfinding (Alpar, 2014-Nat Commun). Our studies on the molecular organization of endocannabinoid signaling eventually led to the description of a model of cannabis sensitivity in the developing fetal brain (Keimpema et al., 2011-TiPS).  My interests in fetal development led me to describe the role of neuropeptides, such as galanin, in the development of cholinergic neurons (Keimpema, 2013-Cereb Cortex). Furthermore, in a study concerning endocannabinoid signaling in the pancreas (Malenczyk et al., 2013-J Biol Chem), we demonstrated that endocannabinoids control insulin release by reorganizing the actin cytoskeleton.

Research Interest

Molecular Neurosciences