Hubert Fiumelli, PhD

Research Interests

Dr. Fiumelli’s research team applies a variety of cellular and molecular biology tools, transcriptomics, imaging of ion and metabolite dynamics as well as electrophysiology patch-clamp recordings to study the cellular and molecular bases of metabolic and signaling coupling between astrocytes and neurons. Much of our effort is focused on understanding the role of aerobically-derived lactate produced by astrocytes on the plasticity of neuronal networks and on the neuroprotection of neurons in physiological and neurodegenerative conditions.

Selected Publications

Peripheral administration of lactate produces antidepressant-like effects
A. Carrard, M. Elsayed, M. Margineanu, B. Boury-Jamot, L. Fragniere, E.M. Meylan, J.M. Petit, H. Fiumelli, P.J. Magistretti, and J.L. Martin
Molecular Psychiatry, 10.1038/mp.2016.179, (2016)
L-Lactate protects neurons against excitotoxicity: implication of an ATP-mediated signaling cascade
P. Jourdain, I. Allaman, K. Rothenfusser, H. Fiumelli, P. Marquet, and P.J. Magistretti
Scientific Reports, 6, 21250, (2016)
Nkx2.1-derived astrocytes and neurons together with Slit2 are indispensable for anterior commissure formation
S. Minocha, D. Valloton, A.R. Ypsilanti, H. Fiumelli, E.A. Allen, Y. Yanagawa, O. Marin, A. Chedotal, J.P. Hornung, and C. Lebrand
Nat Commun, 6, 6887, (2015)
An ion transport-independent role for the cation-chloride cotransporter KCC2 in dendritic spinogenesis in vivo
H. Fiumelli, A. Briner, M. Puskarjov, P. Blaesse, B.J. Belem, A.G. Dayer, K. Kaila, J.L. Martin, and L. Vutskits
Cerebral Cortex, 23, 378-388, (2013)
General anaesthetics do not impair developmental expression of the KCC2 potassium-chloride cotransporter in neonatal rats during the brain growth spurt
C.M. Lacoh, T. Bodogan, K. Kaila, H. Fiumelli, and L. Vutskits
British Journal of Anaesthesia, 110 Suppl 1, i10-18, (2013)
Genes involved in the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) are specifically regulated in cortical astrocytes following sleep deprivation in mice
J.M. Petit, J. Gyger, S. Burlet-Godinot, H. Fiumelli, J.L. Martin, and P.J. Magistretti
Sleep, 36, 1445-1458, (2013)
Intracellular chloride concentration influences the GABAA receptor subunit composition
F. Succol, H. Fiumelli, F. Benfenati, L. Cancedda, and A. Barberis
Nat Commun, 3, 738, (2012)

Education

Ph.D., Biology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
M.Sc., Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Switzerland
B.Sc., Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Professional Profile

2012 – Current: Senior Research Scientist, BESE, KAUST
2011 – 2012: Research Project Manager, Center for Psychiatric Neurosciences, University Hospital of Lausanne
2006 – 2011: Research Scientist, Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne
2000 – 2006: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, UC Berkeley

Scientific and Professional Membership

Society for Neuroscience (USA); Swiss Society for Neurosciencea

KAUST Affiliations

Biological and Environmental  Science & Engineering Division (BESE)

Research Interests Keywords

Synaptic plasticity Brain energy metabolism Neuro-glial interaction NMDA receptors Aerobic glycolysis Neocortical development