From concert piano to fear memory research, researcher bridges mouse-human studies

In a new interview published in Brain Medicine, Dr. Raül Andero Galí reveals how his early passion for classical piano shaped his unique approach to neuroscience research. As an ICREA Research Professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Dr. Andero Galí leads groundbreaking studies that connect mouse and human fear responses, potentially revolutionizing treatments for PTSD and anxiety disorders.

The intersection of stress and memory has captured Dr. Andero Galí’s attention throughout his career.

“All animals face threats throughout their lives, triggering adequate stress responses vital for survival,” he explains in the interview. “Memories shape our reality, and the fact that these are not fixed truths, but malleable constructs influenced by emotions fascinates me.”

His laboratory uniquely combines cutting-edge techniques, including in vivo calcium imaging in mice and human fear response studies. Current research focuses on understanding how the menstrual cycle influences fear memory formation, using sophisticated methods to measure sex hormones and fear responses in both species.

What makes Dr. Andero Galí’s approach particularly noteworthy is his commitment to breaking down traditional research barriers.

“We need to transform how neuroscience research is conducted by breaking down the traditional barriers between animal and human studies,” he asserts. “By advocating for more integrated cross-species approaches, we can create a more comprehensive and translatable understanding of the human brain.”

The laboratory’s focus on neuropeptide receptors presents an intriguing avenue for drug development. Unlike current medications that target receptors throughout the entire brain, these receptors are predominantly expressed in emotional regions, potentially offering more precise treatment options for fear-based disorders.

Dr. Andero Galí’s journey from musician to neuroscientist offers unique insights into the creative thinking necessary for scientific innovation. His laboratory environment reflects this philosophy, emphasizing intellectual growth and collaborative learning.

“The most important thing for me in my laboratory is that it has a healthy and positive environment in which the different members interact and learn from each other,” he shares.

Recent publications, including a 2024 Science Advances paper, demonstrate the success of this integrated approach, showing concordant data between mouse neuronal activity and human neuroimaging during fear responses. These findings raise important questions about sex differences in fear processing and the potential for more targeted therapeutic approaches.

Provided by
Genomic Press