When nerve cells stop “talking”

Our students benefit from her expertise

For almost ten years, Nadine has been teaching Pathophysiology and Molecular Therapies and sparking students’ interest in the complex world of the nervous system. She begins by introducing the basic structures and functions of the nervous system and the different types of brain cells. Building on this, she covers major neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on dementia — especially Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

A key emphasis lies on the underlying pathological mechanisms and cellular dysfunctions. Students particularly value the close connection between theory and practice: using examples from current research, Nadine shows how these processes can be studied in the laboratory and how experimental approaches help deepen our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.

The course also incorporates current “hot topics” in the field. Together with the students, she explores one of these topics in depth by examining different scientific theories, comparing them critically and discussing open questions. This helps students learn to assess diverse research approaches and develop a deeper understanding of the dynamic and evolving nature of scientific enquiry.

Nadine as speaker at this year’s Life Science Meeting

Invited by institute head Harald Hundsberger, Nadine presented her latest research at the International Life Science Meeting 2026. Her work focuses on frontotemporal dementia, a neurodegenerative disease in which communication between nerve cells is particularly impaired. Using modern stem cell models, she is able to study patient specific neurons in the laboratory and identify characteristic disease related changes. Her results suggest that synaptic dysfunctions play a key role in the disease process, offering new perspectives for a better understanding of FTD.

Her research focus

Nadine investigates frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia with a broad range of clinical symptoms. Those affected often show changes in behaviour, personality or language. Correspondingly, FTD includes several subtypes, such as the behavioural variant and language dominant forms. Interestingly, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a disease of motor neurons that leads to muscle weakness and paralysis — is also part of the FTD spectrum. There is currently no cure.

Nadine focuses particularly on synapses — the contact points where nerve cells exchange information, like tiny sockets between cells. In her doctoral work, she showed that synaptic dysfunction is extremely common in FTD, regardless of whether the disease is caused by a specific genetic mutation (C9orf72) or not.

Her work in the laboratory

She works with iPSC derived cells — induced pluripotent stem cells. Researchers can generate these from ordinary body cells (for example from skin or blood) and use them to grow neurons. This allows disease processes to be studied in the laboratory without harming anyone.

Nadine’s research shows that these laboratory generated neurons accurately reproduce key disease features. This helps researchers better understand the underlying mechanisms, identify potential blood based biomarkers for diagnosis and disease monitoring, and gain insights for the development of new therapies.

Her doctoral research and scientific conferences

With her doctoral thesis “Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Frontotemporal Dementia – Focus on Synaptic Dysfunction”, published in 2024 at the University of Eastern Finland, she was able to present her research at national and international conferences in Helsinki, London and Sydney. There she discussed her findings with experts and expanded her scientific network.

What Nadine is currently working on

Nadine is now a postdoctoral researcher in a group specialising in molecular neurodegeneration. Her work focuses on neurons and their synapses, as well as microglia — and the interactions between these cell types in the context of FTD. The aim is to better understand how the disease begins and how it might be detected earlier.

Why her work matters to all of us

We still do not fully understand the mechanisms of FTD, and effective treatments are urgently needed. At the same time, reliable biomarkers are essential — to diagnose the disease, monitor its progression and evaluate therapies. If such biomarkers can be detected in blood samples, FTD could be identified much earlier. Early support can greatly ease the burden on those affected and their families.

If we know precisely where communication between nerve cells breaks down (at the synapses), we can search more effectively for targeted treatments. iPSC based models make laboratory testing faster, safer and more personalised.

Three questions for Nadine Huber

What happens at the synapses in FTD – and how does this help us explain symptoms?

In FTD, synapses — the contact points between nerve cells — are severely impaired. Their number decreases, and many of the remaining synapses no longer function properly. As a result, nerve cells communicate less effectively. This disrupted network contributes to typical symptoms such as changes in behaviour, personality or language.
Understanding which synaptic mechanisms are affected helps us explain how these symptoms arise and identify ways to protect or restore communication between nerve cells.

What are the biggest opportunities and limitations of using iPSC derived neurons to develop blood based biomarkers for FTD?

iPSC derived neurons offer major advantages because they allow researchers to study patient specific neurons in the laboratory. Disease related changes — including synaptic dysfunction — can be analysed before they become detectable in the blood. This helps identify early changes in the disease process.
However, these models represent only part of the highly complex human brain. Not all cell types or network structures are present, and laboratory findings cannot always be directly translated to patients. iPSC models are therefore powerful tools, but their results must be validated through clinical studies and blood tests.

Which skills from your IMC studies do you use every day — in the lab and in collaboration with clinicians?

I rely on both technical and interdisciplinary skills I gained during my studies at IMC. In the lab, my understanding of molecular and cell biological methods is particularly important. My degree also taught me how to communicate scientific results clearly, understand clinical questions and work together to develop the most suitable experimental approaches. The combination of pharmaceutical and biomedical content was especially valuable — it shaped my scientific thinking and has helped me solve complex problems many times.

How does a young medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology graduate start an international research career?

An international research career grows from curiosity, flexibility and networking. Hands on laboratory experience, participation in conferences and involvement in exciting projects help shape research ideas and build global connections. Being open to interdisciplinary work makes it easier to find a path into international research step by step.

But above all, research must genuinely interest and inspire you. Passion for science cannot be taught — but everything else can be learned, and there is always support from your team. The most important personal qualities are staying curious, being brave and pursuing what truly makes you happy.

Key terms explained simply

FTD: Frontotemporal Dementia: A form of dementia in which language and behaviour can be affected early.

iPSC: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Stem cells produced from ordinary body cells, which can then be used to create neurons.

Synapses: Contact points through which nerve cells exchange signals.

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