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Neuroscience CenterAnnual Report 2007

Editors Anna Mattila and Minna MaunulaLayout Anita TienhaaraPhotos Veikko Somerpuro and Eero Roine

Neuroscience CenterP.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 4FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, FinlandPhone +358 9 1911Fax +358 9 191 57620

www.helsinki.fi /neurosci

Neuroscience Center Annual Report 2007

Contents

Preface

Organization of the Neuroscience Center

Research groups

Adjunct professors

Teaching at the Neuroscience Center

Core facilities

Mouse behavioural unit

Mouse transgenic unit

Neuronal cell culture unit

Zebrafi sh unit

Neuroscience Center research and centres of excellence

Centre of excellence in complex disease genetics

Finnish centre of excellence in molecular and integrative

neuroscience research

Commercialization program

Administration

Publications 2007

Theses 2007

Patents 2007

Finances

Staff

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ANNUAL REPORT 20074

PrefaceHeikki RauvalaDirector of the Neuroscience Center

The Neuroscience Center (NC) has operated from 2002 as an independent research and teaching institute under the University Senate. As of the beginning of 2008, the Center has 10 research groups and a personnel of 135. The proportion of foreigners on staff has been increasing steadily; it was 38% in the category of researchers in 2007.

The mission of the NC is to carry out top-level basic research on both the healthy and the diseased nervous system. External evaluation of NC research and our Adjunct Professor groups is a key factor in achieving a high-quality international standard. To this end, all research associated with the NC was evaluated in 2007.

Based on evaluation by our eminent Scientific

Advisory Board (SAB), all groups initially selected to the

NC have in 2008 entered their second 5-year period. The

SAB also recommended a closer association of Professor

Kai Kaila with the activities of the NC. Accordingly, at the

beginning of 2008, Professor Kaila commenced a 5-year

term as Research Director. The research scope of Professor

Kaila’s group extends from molecular/cellular to systems

level neuroscience and will considerably strengthen the

scientifi c impact of the Center.

The decision by the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation to

continue the research professorship at the NC for another

5-year period was one of the highlights of 2007. Based

on evaluations by the Scientifi c Advisory Boards of the

Foundation and the NC, Professor Eero Castrén was

selected to continue in the research professorship for a

second term. The research professorship has proven to

be an invaluable asset to the NC, not only by producing

high-level neuroscience research but also by enhancing

societal awareness of the importance of healthy brain

and neuroscience research in general.

The SAB deemed it important to continue the

strategy by which a few Adjunct Professors of the NC

are selected; these researchers work at their home

institutions, but receive part of their fi nancing from the

Center. Furthermore, openness and fl exibility of the

Adjunct Professor system were regarded as important.

The Adjunct Professor positions were therefore declared

open, and applications were evaluated by the SAB.

Numerous top-level applications were received in the call,

but unfortunately only a small proportion of the proposals

could be selected. Professors Adrian Goldman (University

of Helsinki) and Heikki Tanila (University of Kuopio) were

chosen to continue for another 3-year period as Adjunct

Professors. Professors Juha Kere (University of Helsinki and

Karolinska Institutet) and Pekka Lappalainen (University of

Helsinki) were selected as new Adjunct Professors.

Recruiting talented young scientists to the Center

is an important part of the NC strategy. Accordingly,

Drs. Matias Palva and Sari Lauri have started as project

leaders at the NC, both mainly fi nanced by the Academy

of Finland. Dr. Palva’s group focuses on computational

approaches to shed light on brain functions and creates

a link to research of the Department of Psychology.

ANNUAL REPORT 2007 5

Dr. Lauri’s group elucidates the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity using electrophysiology combined with molecular biology methods.

The specifi c aim of the NC is to produce top-level research of interest to the international scientific community. According to our target program submitted to the Central Administration of the University, this should become reflected in publications in top-tier scientifi c journals. As can be seen at the end of this Annual Report, numerous articles of the NC have been published in high-impact journals, including fl agship neuroscience and bioscience journals. In general, the NC groups have increased the percentage of publications in such internationally prominent journals during the last few years. In 2007, internationally very visible results were published for example on basic mechanisms of development of neuronal connectivity and on mechanisms of epilepsy and behavioural disorders.

The Centre of Excellence Program of the Academy of Finland is a form of research funding for promoting the development of creative research environments. The Centres of Excellence have been evaluated to represent cutting edge research in their respective fi elds. Five groups associated with the NC currently belong to the Finnish Centres of Excellence. Lehesjoki’s group is one of the seven research groups forming the Centre of Excellence in Complex Disease Genetics. Groups led by Airaksinen, Castrén, Kaila, and Rauvala are amongst the seven research groups belonging to the Centre of Excellence in Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience Research.

Sophisticated technologies used in modern neuroscience require centralized core facilities, forming one focus of the activities of the NC (see “core facilities” in this Annual Report). In 2007, the animal facilities of the University, functioning in several locations, were unifi ed into a single organization, the Animal Facility of the University of Helsinki. Since research on basic physiology and disease mechanisms depends on animal models, the NC has been actively engaged in planning and launching the new facility. In 2007, the organization and basic principles of operation of the Animal Facility of the University of Helsinki were settled. Current major challenges are to increase high-quality space for the facility and to introduce novel technologies used in mouse transgenesis and phenotype analysis.

The quality assurance systems of the University of Helsinki were audited in 2007, and the results of the audits will be published in March 2008. The NC was selected as one of the institutions to be audited, and its representatives were interviewed by the panel chaired by Chancellor Eero Vuorio. Discussion with the panel proved to be very constructive in our efforts to develop the structure of the Center regarding administration, laboratory practices, and teaching. During the auditing process, the booklets “Administrative Practises of the Neuroscience Center” and “Laboratory Practises of the Neuroscience Center” were published in English and Finnish, and are available as printed versions and as electronic versions in the University intranet. The guidebooks will be updated yearly and discussed in conjunction with the Annual Report by the Board of the NC.

An open call for students to join the Master´s Course in Neuroscience was launched at the end of 2007, and selection of students is currently underway. All groups of the NC are involved in the teaching program and form the majority of the personnel in the Master´s Course in Neuroscience. I look forward to fruitful collaboration with the Faculty of Biosciences in the Master´s Course. Together with the PhD training programs, the Master´s Course in Neuroscience enables our scientists to participate in teaching in their own fi elds of specialization and to create contacts with students.

The neuroscience seminar series has become an important instrument of scientifi c exchange and PhD training. In addition to this biweekly seminar series, the NC participates in organizing international symposia that also contribute to PhD training. In 2007, the NC was engaged in organizing the international symposium “Developing Brain-Emerging Mind”, one of the highlights of the year in the Finnish neuroscience community.

I would like to thank everyone at the NC, our collaborators, and the members of our Boards for their invaluable contributions to developing the NC. I have now started my second term as the Director and look forward to an inspiring 5-year term.

ANNUAL REPORT 20076

Organization of the Neuroscience Center

Scientifi c Advisory Board Board

Director

AdministrationCore Facilities

NetworkActivities

CommercializationProgram

Research and Teaching Areas

• Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience• Developmental Neuroscience• Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience• Basic Research of the Nervous Systems Diseases

• Adjunct Professors• Faculty Departments• Folkhälsan• Helsinki University of Technology• Institute of Biotechnology• National Public Health Institute

• Mouse Transgenic Unit• Mouse Behavioural Unit• Neuronal Cell Culture Unit• Zebrafi sh Unit


Research Groups

The mission of the Neuroscience Center is to carry out excellent and multidisciplinary research on the development, normal functions and disorders of the nervous system. Research and teaching in the NC focus on the following four areas: molecular and cellular neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, cognitive and systems neuroscience, and basic research of the nervous system diseases. The research groups work in at least one of the research areas of the NC. In 2007, there were nine research groups working in the NC.

GDNF Family Receptors, KCC2, and Novel LRR Proteins in Nervous System Development and Pathophysiology Matti Airaksinen, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/airaksinen.htm

Sigrid Jusélius LaboratoryPhysiological, Pathophysiological, and Pharmacological Roles of Neurotrophins in the Adult Brain Eero Castrén, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/castren.htm

Functional and Morphological Plasticity of Tripartite SynapseLeonard Khirug, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/khirug.htm

Signaling Mechanisms Guiding Functional Maturation of Glutamatergic Synapses Sari Lauri, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/lauri.html

Mechanisms of Brain Disease: from Gene Mutation to Molecular Pathogenesis in Inherited Disorders Anna-Elina Lehesjoki, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/lehesjoki.htm

Systems-Level Mechanisms of Perception, Cognition, and Action in the Human BrainMatias Palva, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/palva.html

Modulatory Neurotransmitter Systems and Their Role in Brain DiseasesPertti Panula, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/panula.htm

Cell Surface and Extracellular Matrix Molecules in the Development and Plasticity of Neuronal Connections Heikki Rauvala, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/rauvala.htm

Activity-Dependent Development and Plasticity in the Hippocampus Tomi Taira, email [email protected] www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/taira.htm

ANNUAL REPORT 20078

Adjunct Professors

The Neuroscience Center may also have joint research programs and activities with other parts of the University of Helsinki, with other universities, research centers or related units. The Neuroscience Center has collaboration with four Adjunct professors to expand and deepen the research and teaching areas. The Adjunct professors were selected for a three-year period starting in 2004.

Structural Biology of Targets Relevant to NeuroscienceAdrian GoldmanInstitute of Biotechnology, University of [email protected]

www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/adjunct_professors.html

From Sensory Processing to the Neural Basis of Social Cognition — Temporospatial Characterization of Human Brain FunctionRiitta HariBrain Research Unit, Helsinki University of [email protected]

Mechanisms of Electrical, Ionic, and Trophic Signaling in the BrainKai KailaDepartment of Biological and Environmental Sciences,University of [email protected]

Hippocampal Dysfunction in Age-related Memory ImpairmentHeikki TanilaDepartment of Neurobiology, A. I. Virtanen Institute,University of [email protected]


Teaching at the Neuroscience CenterEero CastrénPhone +358 9 191 [email protected]

Tomi TairaPhone +358 9 191 [email protected]

Strong investment in research-based teaching is one of the central strategies of the University of Helsinki. The position of the NC as an interdisciplinary research institute gives it a unique opportunity to promote this task.

Neuroscience courses have already been organized for several years at the graduate level at both the Viikki and Meilahti campuses. The NC currently organizes several neuroscience graduate courses consisting of both lecture courses and hands-on laboratory modules. In addition, every research group organizes a weekly internal seminar series, which gives graduate students an opportunity to present their data and discuss their projects with supervisors and group members. In 2007, three doctoral and one master´s theses were completed at the NC. Currently, 39 doctoral theses and 14 master´s theses are under preparation.

All courses organized by the NC are in English. The NC provides a wide range of neuroscience teaching that integrates recent research with undergraduate and graduate courses. Lectures, seminars, and laboratory courses are designed in collaboration with experts in teaching techniques to ensure high effi cacy and quality of teaching. Currently, teaching provided by the NC equals the credits required to complete a major in a master´s degree program. Thus, our teaching package gives an excellent opportunity to design a neuroscience-oriented master’s degree regardless of whether the major is, for example, biochemistry, physiology, or pharmacology.

In 2008, a new master’s program in neuroscience will be launched. The NC will have a central role in organizing the teaching curriculum as well as in carrying out the teaching in the form of specialized lectures and laboratory courses.

The NC is also responsible for the organization of a master´s degree course in neuroscience within the Helsinki Biotechnology Course (HEBIOT). The fi rst students entered this program in August 2004. It is our intention that, in addition to students in the HEBIOT program, other students with a suitable bachelor’s degree be able to participate in these courses. In the future, these courses, together with neuroscience courses given by the Faculties of Bioscience, Pharmacy, and Medicine on the Viikki and Meilahti campuses, will form the foundation for a master´s program in neuroscience.

The NC training courses in neuroscience are currently undergoing considerable reorganization and systematization. Training courses for graduate students are being organized in collaboration with the Helsinki Graduate School in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology and the Finnish Graduate School of Neuroscience, but instead of the “ad hoc” organization applied thus far, our aim is to provide each course regularly, every two to three years.

ANNUAL REPORT 200710

COURSES ORGANIZED IN 2007www.helsinki.fi /neurosci/education.htm

920001 Molecular Neuroscience

(3 ECTS, lectures and exam)Responsible person: Heikki RauvalaStatistics: 26 passed the exam

920002 Developmental Neuroscience

(3 ECTS, lectures and exam)Responsible person: Eero CastrénStatistics: 24 passed the exam

920004 Histological Phenotyping of Mouse Brain

(3 ECTS, laboratory course and report)Responsible person: Matti AiraksinenStatistics: 8 passed the course

920020 Introduction to Human Systems Neuroscience

(2-4 ECTS, lectures and report)Responsible person: Riitta HariStatistics: 14 passed the course

522277 Electrophysiological Applications in Neurophysiology

(5 ECTS, laboratory course, lectures and exam)Responsible persons: Sari Lauri and Tomi TairaStatistics: 30 applicants for the course in 2007, 9 accepted


Coordinator: Leonard KhirugPhone +358 9 191 [email protected]

Neuroscience Seminar Series 2007

The Neuroscience Seminar Series has been organized regularly since 2003 and has proven to be an important instrument of scientifi c exchange as well as student education. In 2007, over 20 seminars were held by international and Finnish research scientists ranging from young independent researchers to prominent senior scientists. Speakers are usually invited by the Neuroscience Center group leaders, and seminars cover a broad range of topics from Neuroscience to Cell Biology. The audience of 30 to 50 people consists of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and senior faculty members. Guest speaker presentations are always followed by questions from the audience and vivid discussions. For PhD students, regular attendance and active participation in the Neuroscience Seminars is counted as points towards their study plan. In addition to the main presentation, each invited speaker is encouraged to spend time with a number of group leaders individually, engaging in a more in-depth discussion of recent fi ndings and mutually interesting scientifi c questions.

23.2. Takashi Muramatsu (University of Nagoya, Japan): Midkine: physiological and pathological roles through recognition of proteoglycans

16.3. Andrey Abramov (Department of Physiology, University College London, UK): Mechanism of beta-amyloid neurotoxisity: role of calcium, mitochondria and oxidative stress

29.3. Klaus Linkenkaer-Hansen (Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands): Genetics and pathology of oscillatory brain activity

30.3. Hiroshi Ohtsu (Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan): The phenotype of histidine decarboxylase-gene knockout mouse

24.4. Freda Miller (Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada): From axonal degeneration to neurodegeneration: neurotrophin-derived signaling mechanisms

4.5. Heiko Luhmann (Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Mainz, Germany): Rapid developmental switch in the mechanisms driving early cortical columnar networks

11.5. Alexey Verkhratsky (Faculty of Life Sciences, the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK): Neuronal-glial circuits underlie integrative processes in the nervous system

18.5. Michael Duchen (Department of Physiology, University College London, UK): Three distinct mechanisms generate oxygen free radicals in neurons and contribute to cell death during anoxia and reoxygenation

25.5. John Nicholls (SISSA, Trieste, Italy): Optical recording from respiratory pattern generator of foetal mouse brainstem reveals a distributed network

8.6. Barry Hoffer (National Institute of Drug Abuse NIDA/NIH, USA): Addiction is a Brain Disease

14.6. Professor Lars Olson (Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden): Spinal cord injury, novel experimental treatment and assessment strategies


4.9. Hugo Lagercrantz (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden): Human brain development and consciousness

7.9. Stephen Moss (Dept of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA): Modifi ed GABA A receptor phospho-dependent endocytosis and the pathology of Status Epilepticus

14.9. A Molecular Neurobiology Symposium: Developing Brain - Emerging Mind

2.10. Igor Medina (INMED, Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, France): Distinct signaling pathways connected to ynaptic and extrasynaptic NMDAR

19.10. Sinnakaruppan Mathavan (Stem Cell & Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore): Microarray analysis of zebrafi sh transcriptome

30.11. Jean-Marc Fritschy (Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Switzerland): Role of GABAA receptors for synapse formation and plasticity

7.12. Rosa Cossart (Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditeranée, Inserm, Marseille, France): Imaging network dynamics in the developing hippocampus: the birth of a network

11.12. Gerd Kempermann (Center for Regenerative Therapies, Dresden, Germany): Activity-dependent control of adult hippocampal neurogenesis

14.12. Juha Kere (Clinical Research Centre, KI Biobank, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden): From human molecular genetics to neurobiology: the case of dyslexia

19.12. Janos Szabadics (University of California, Irvine, USA): Monosynaptic targets of single mossy fi bers in the CA3


Core FacilitiesMouse Behavioural Unit

Heikki RauvalaPhone +358 9 191 [email protected]

Mouse genetic models play a key role in the investigation of molecular pathways underlying normal biological functions or pathological states. The models require extensive analysis at various levels of complexity. Behavioural testing is an important approach in comprehensive studies aimed at understanding psychiatric and neurological diseases. The analysis of mouse behaviour in laboratory conditions is undergoing rapid evolution, and a growing need exists for expertise in this fi eld.

The Mouse Behavioural Unit was started in 1998 to provide research groups in neurobiology with the possibility of characterizing their mutant mice. Since then, the Unit has substantially expanded the repertoire of available tests and models. The systematic work for improvement and refi nement of the methods has been recognized locally and internationally. We have therefore been receiving an increasing number of collaboration requests. The test battery for behavioural phenotyping involves assessment of motor behaviour (coordination, spontaneous activity), nociception (hot plate, tail withdrawal, plantar test, automated von Frey), sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle refl ex), emotional behaviour (elevated plus maze, light-dark exploration, open fi eld, Y-maze, forced swim test), and learning and memory (spatial navigation in water maze, fear conditioning, conditioned taste aversion, novel object recognition, social transmission of food preference). Recently, the comprehensive laboratory animal monitoring system was set up for long-term (24-72 hours), automated, and noninvasive collection of several physiological and behavioural parameters (activity, food and water consumption, metabolic performance) simultaneously.

In addition to the phenotyping of mutant mice, basic research with commonly used inbred strains is carried out to establish baseline values and to validate models. These studies provide important background information for interpretation of the data. More specifi cally, we are interested in the interactions of genetic background, sex, and environment in modulation of behavioural patterns. Currently, we aim at implementing stereotaxic surgery. This method allows targeting of specifi c brain regions to detect lesions or administer drugs. The Unit is awaiting new animal facilities that will take into account the space requirements and other specifi c needs of a mouse behavioural laboratory.

Personnel:Researchers: Natalia Kulesskaya, PhD and Vootele Võikar, MD, PhDGraduate student: Jesse Lindholm, MSc

Mouse Transgenic Unit www.biocenter.helsinki.fi /bi/transgene/

Heikki RauvalaPhone +358 9 191 [email protected]

Mouse transgenic technology has made it possible to study molecular mechanisms of such complex biological phenomena as development and behaviour. In addition, disease models using mouse transgenics are becoming increasingly important.

The Transgenic Facility was launched in 1996, and its fi rst project was to produce overexpressing mice, a project which has retained its usefulness. Production of knockout mice using blastocyst injection was established soon after classical transgenics. Morula aggregation is currently mainly used for the production of knockout mice.

The Transgenic Unit produces overexpressing and


knockout mice for the projects of several research groups

on the Viikki and Meilahti campuses, both within and

outside the Neuroscience Center. Altogether, about

200 different mouse lines were produced during 1996-

2005. Since Biomedicum on the Meilahti campus now

has its own transgenic facility, the current activity of the

Viikki Unit is mainly directed at meeting the needs of

the research groups on the Viikki campus; the Institute

of Biotechnology and the Neuroscience Center are the

main users of mouse transgenics.

An increasingly evident problem in mouse transgenics

is contamination of imported mouse lines, which prevents

housing in the animal facility and increases the risk of

facility contamination. Therefore, purifi cation of mouse

lines using embryo transfer has been established. In

addition, freezing of mouse embryos is carried out to

ensure back-ups and for long-term storage of mouse lines

that are no longer under active investigation.

By far, the major limiting factor in mouse transgenics

is inadequate capacity in the animal facility, resulting in

the expertise of the Unit not being fully exploited. The

use of spatially and temporally regulated transgenics, in

particular, requires large mouse colonies, and therefore,

sufficient housing facilities. State-of-the art testing

in behavioural studies also requires large numbers of

animals. Building a new animal facility is necessary

before increasing the number of studies using transgenic

mice.

Personnel:Technicians: Kylli Haller and Raija Ikonen


Neuronal Cell Culture Unit

Eero CastrénPhone +358 9 191 [email protected]

The Neuronal Cell Culture Unit provides the groups in the Neuroscience Center and other research groups in the Helsinki region with cultured neurons prepared from the embryonic rat and mouse hippocampus and cortex. Centralization of the primary neuronal culture activity is important in providing continuity and improving quality and consistency of these cultures.

Furthermore, a core facility saves in expenses by optimizing the use of cells and centralizing the purchase of culture media, serum samples, and plasticware. In addition to the cultures routinely prepared, the unit can provide cerebellar granule neurons, peripheral ganglia neurons, and hippocampal slice cultures. The unit has facilities for transfection and viral transducion of gene constructs to primary neurons and slice cultures. The unit also provides cells and trained investigators to other laboratories and campuses, including the Biomedicum.

Personnel:Technicians: Seija Lågas and Outi Nikkilä


Zebrafi sh Unit

Pertti PanulaPhone +358 9 191 [email protected]

Fast embryonic development, transparent embryos, and the availability of a large number of mutants have rendered zebrafi sh one of the favorite models in developmental biology. Rapidly increasing knowledge of the zebrafish genome has also enabled efficient identifi cation of important genes in this species.

Most studies on zebrafi sh thus far have concentrated on identifying early developmental phenotypes from mutation screens. The research carried out at the Neuroscience Center focuses on new methods utilizing high-resolution confocal and two-photon imaging of developing neuronal networks and automated quantitative behavioural analysis. These methods are combined with use of translation inhibition with morpholino oligonucleotides, selection of new mutants

from mutation screens, and studies on mutants produced with targeted lesions in genomes (TILLING).

One of the goals is to extend effi cient phenotype analysis to a phase in which the CNS produces complex behaviours. Current projects aim at elucidating the roles of newly identifi ed genes, the mutations of which produce severe human diseases. In addition, models of human diseases related to disorders of the aminergic neuronal systems are being developed. New mutants from a large mutation screen are also being characterized. The methods used include gene cloning and expression analysis, translation inhibition, developmental analysis using microscopy and gene arrays, high-resolution imaging, and automated behavioural techniques. The recent addition of an aquarium space has enabled genetic studies and maintenance of mutant fi sh strains to be carried out.

Personnel:Post-doctoral fellows: Yu-Chia Chen, PhD; Hisaaki Kudo, PhDGraduate students: Madhusmita Priyadarshini, MSc; Ville Sallinen, MD; Maria Sundvik, MSc; Anu Tiittula, BM, MScTechnicians: Henri Koivula, BSc; Susanna Norrbacka


Neuroscience Center Research and Centres of Excellence

The national strategy for centres of excellence in research has been jointly developed with the Academy of Finland and the National Technology Agency. The centre of excellence programme is one form of research funding for promoting the development of creative research environments. All centres of excellence in research represent the cutting edge of their respective fi elds. Candidates for centres of excellence include research units or researcher training units, comprising one or several high-quality research teams with shared and clearly defi ned research goals, which are at or have the potential of reaching the international forefront of their fi eld.

Centre of Excellence in Complex Disease GeneticsThe group led by Professor Anna-Elina Lehesjoki is one of the seven research groups forming the Centre of Excellence in Complex Disease Genetics (CoECDG) of the Academy of Finland. Research within the Center aims at dissecting the genetic background of some common diseases and their trait components by combining special expertise with the sample resources accessible to the center investigators. The Center builds on accomplishments of the Centre of Excellence in Disease Genetics of the Academy of Finland (years 2000-2005), but has a more extended research program to refl ect the development of the fi eld as well as its own research progress: from Mendelian diseases to complex traits. The CoECDG combines diverse expertise of eight group leaders across three institutes in Finland, one in

Sweden and one in the UK. The Center was chosen for funding in the Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence programme period 2006-2011.

Directors of the research teams:

Docent Anu Jalanko (National Public Health Institute)Professor Juha Kere (UH and Karolinska Institutet)Professor Jaakko Kaprio (UH)Professor Kimmo Kontula (UH)Professor Anna-Elina Lehesjoki (UH and Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics)Professors Aarno Palotie and Joe Terwilliger (UH and Sanger Center (AP))Professor Leena Peltonen-Palotie (National Public Health Institute, UH and Sanger Center)

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience ResearchThe Board of the Academy of Finland has selected 18 Centres of Excellence to the national CoE programme for 2008-2013 at its meeting on 12 December 2006. The newly selected CoE in Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience Research focuses on trophic factors in the mechanisms of neuronal development, plasticity, and disorders. The groups of the CoE have complementary expertise in the fi elds of molecular/cellular neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and systems neuroscience. The aim is to create a multidisciplinary international CoE in basic and translational neuroscience.

Directors of the research teams:

Professor Mart Saarma (chairman; Institute of Biotechnology) Academy researcher Urmas Arumäe (Institute of Biotechnology)Academy researcher Claudio Rivera (Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences) Professor Kai Kaila (Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Neuroscience Center) Professor Heikki Rauvala (Neuroscience Center) Professor Eero Castrén (Neuroscience Center) Docent Matti Airaksinen (Neuroscience Center)


Commercialization ProgramDirector: Ilari VainioPhone +358 400 46 36 [email protected]

The Commercialization program is co-funded by the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES) and the Neuroscience Center. Commercialization is carried out by collaboration with research groups. Various research projects are evaluated on their commercial potential and industrial applicability. The current project entity (NeuProtec) includes four different projects: three of them aim to show a proof of concept on effi cacy for therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases, and the aim of the fourth project is to provide proof of concept and scalability of a technology platform for screening small synthetic molecules for the treatment of neuro-degenerative diseases.

NeuProtec is a novel way of including commercial aspects in research projects. NeuProtec is funded by TEKES. The parties in this current research collaboration include professors Eero Castrén and Heikki Rauvala from the Neuroscience Center and professor Mart Saarma from the Institute of Biotechnology and their research groups. The target of this joint activity with science and commercialization is to increase the value and applicability of research results for industrial utilisation.

The four projects are based on long-term research performed in the groups. The commercial management and collaboration includes management of IPR (patents), contractual matters and fund raising. Thus it provides a frame for fulfilling basic commercial criteria. This collaboration is expected to enhance commercialization of the research results by providing industrial criteria to applied science, to a level where it is possible with academic resources.

This is a pioneer program for applying the new, third legal assignment for universities.


Administration

Administration of the Neuroscience Center (NC) is

determined by the Board and the Director. An important

administrative body of the NC is the Scientifi c Advisory

Board, which promotes the NC’s scientifi c activities.

The Board

In 2007, the Board members were as follows: the

Chairman was Professor Matti Tikkanen (Faculty of

Medicine); the Vice-Chairman was Professor Kielo

Haahtela (Faculty of Biosciences); and members were

Professor Markku Kaste (Faculty of Medicine), Professor

Christina Krause (Faculty of Behavioural Sciences),

Professor Pekka Männistö (Faculty of Pharmacy), Docent

Jouni Sirviö (Orion Pharma), Professor Outi Vainio (Faculty

of Veterinary Medicine), Researcher Juha Knuuttila

(personnel representative), Student Tuuli Lahti (student

representative), Master of Science Tomi Maila (student

representative), and Master of Science Juha Salmi

(student representative). The Board had four meetings

during the year.

Director

The Director manages and supervises the NC’s activities and fi nances, participates in its scientifi c activities, and oversees the preparation of matters for discussion by the Board and the Scientifi c Advisory Board and the execution of decisions. The Director also appoints or engages those members of the NC whose appointments or engagements are not otherwise regulated or provided for and authorizes the NC’s agreements unless they require the approval of the Rector of the University of Helsinki. The Director of the NC is Professor Heikki Rauvala.

Administration Director

The Administration Director is responsible for the NC’s

administration and finances. She also functions as

the NC’s Deputy Director, unless otherwise stated by

the Director with regard to a particular matter. The

Administrative Services Unit and Maintenance personnel

are subject to the authority of the Administration Director.

The Administration Director of the NC is Anna Mattila,

MSc.

Scientifi c Advisory Board

The NC has a Scientifi c Advisory Board that consists of

international members. This Board promotes the NC’s

scientifi c activities, issues statements on the competence

of applicants for the post of Director and the posts or

duties of Research Directors, evaluates the NC’s scientifi c

programs, formulates initiatives, and provides statements

on new research programs.

The Scientifi c Advisory Board comprises a minimum of

fi ve and a maximum of ten distinguished researchers from

Finland or abroad in the scientifi c fi elds represented by

the NC. The Rector of the University of Helsinki appoints

the members of the Board for a fi ve-year term based on

the proposal of the Board of Trustees.

Currently, the Scientifi c Advisory Board consists of

the following members:

Chairman: Professor Ole Petter Ottersen (Faculty of

Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway)

Members: Professor Anders Björklund (Wallenberg

Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Sweden)

Professor Ulrich Dirnagl (Charite Hospital, Humboldt

University, Germany)

Professor Barry J. Everitt (Dept. of Experimental

Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK)

Professor Hans-Christian Pape (Medical School, Otto-von-

Guericke-University, Germany)

Professor Ralf F. Pettersson (Ludwig Institute for Cancer,

Karolinska Institute, Sweden)

Dr. Geneviève Rougon, Directeur (Institut de Biologie du

Développement de Marseille [IBDM], Marseille, France)


Publications 2007

1. Ahtiainen, L., Kolikova, J., Mutka, A.-L., Luiro, K., Gentile, M., Ikonen, E., Khiroug, L., Jalanko, A., and Kopra, O. (2007). Palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (Ppt1)-defi cient mouse neurons show alterations in cholesterol metabolism and calcium homeostasis prior to synaptic dysfunction. Neurobiol. Dis. 28: 52-64.

2. Bongers, G., Sallmen, T., Passani, M.B., Mariottini, C., Wendelin, D., Lozada, A., van Marle, A., Navis, M., Blandina, P., Bakker, R., Panula, P., and Leurs, R. (2007). The Akt/GSK-3beta axis as a new signaling pathway of the histamine H(3) receptor. J. Neurochem. 103: 248-258.

3. Buzsáki, G., Kaila, K., and Raichle, M. (2007). Inhibition and brain work. Neuron 56(5): 771-783.

4. Castrén, E., Vo ̃ikar, V., and Rantamäki, T. (2007). Role of neurotrophic factors in depression. Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 7: 18-21.

5. Colonnese, M.T., Phillips, M.A., Constantine-Paton, M., Kaila, K., and Jasanoff, A. (2007). Development of hemodynamic responses and functional connectivity in rat somatosensory cortex. Nat. Neurosci., Epub ahead of print 2007 Nov 25.

6. Doğanc, T.,Yüksel Konuk, B.E., Alpan, N., Konuk, O., Hämäläinen, R.H., Lehesjoki, A.-E., and Tekin, M. (2007). A novel mutation in TRIM37 is associated with mulibrey nanism in a Turkish boy. Clin. Dysmorph. 16: 173-176.

7. Everett, K.V., Chioza, B., Aicardi, J., Aschauer, H., Brouwer, O., Callenbach, P., Covanis, A., Dulac, O., Eeg-Olofsson, O., Feucht, M., Friis, M., Goutiéres, F., Guerrini, R., Heils, A., Kjeldsen, M., Lehesjoki, A.-E., Makoff, A., Nabbout, R., Olsson, I., Sander, T., Sirén, A., McKeigue, P., Robinson, R., Taske, N., Rees, M., and Gardiner, M. (2007). Linkage and association analysis of CACNG3 in childhood absence epilepsy. Eur. J. Hum. Genet. 15(4): 463-472.

8. Farrant, M., and Kaila, K. (2007). The cellular, molecular and ionic basis of GABAA receptor signalling. Prog. Brain Res. 160: 59-87.

9. Francks, C., Maegawa, S., Laurén, J., Abrahams, B.S., Velayos-Baeza, A., Medland, S.E., Colella, S., Groszer, M., McAuley, E.Z., Caffrey, T.M., Timmusk, T., Pruunsild,

P., Koppel, I., Lind, P.A., Matsumoto-Itaba, N., Nicod, J., Xiong, L., Joober, R., Enard, W., Krinsky, B., Nanba, E., Richardson, A.J., Riley, B.P., Martin, N.G., Strittmatter, S.M., Möller, H.J., Rujescu, D., St Clair, D., Muglia, P., Roos, J.L., Fisher, S.E., Wade-Martins, R., Rouleau, G.A., Stein, J.F., Karayiorgou, M., Geschwind, D.H., Ragoussis, J., Kendler, K.S., Airaksinen, M.S., Oshimura, M., Delisi, L.E., and Monaco, A.P. (2007). LRRTM1 on chromosome 2p12 is a maternally suppressed gene that is associated paternally with handedness and schizophrenia. Mol. Psychiatry 12(12): 1129-1139.

10. Francks, C., Maegawa, S., Laurén, J., Abrahams, B.S., Velayos-Baeza, A., Medland, S.E., Colella, S., Groszer, M., McAuley, E.Z., Caffrey, T.M., Timmusk, T., Pruunsild, P., Koppel, I., Lind, P.A., Matsumoto-Itaba, N., Nicod, J., Xiong, L., Joober, R., Enard, W., Krinsky, B., Nanba, E., Richardson, A.J., Riley, B.P., Martin, N.G., Strittmatter, S.M., Möller, H.J., Rujescu, D., St Clair, D., Muglia, P., Roos, J.L., Fisher, S.E., Wade-Martins, R., Rouleau, G.A., Stein, J.F., Karayiorgou, M., Geschwind, D.H., Ragoussis, J., Kendler, K.S., Airaksinen, M.S., Oshimura, M., DeLisi, L.E., and Monaco, A.P. (2007). LRRTM1 protein is located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in mammalian cells. Mol. Psychiatry 12(12): 1057.

11. Hansen, H.H., Rantamäki, T., Larsen, M.H., Woldbye, D.P.D., Mikkelsen, J.D., and Castrén, E. (2007). Rapid activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway by electroconvulsive shock in the rat prefrontal cortex is not associated with TrkB neurotrophin receptor activation. Cell. Mol. Neurobiol. 27(5): 585-594.

12. Heine, C., Quitsch, A., Storch, S., Martin, Y., Lonka, L., Lehesjoki, A.-E., Mole, S.E., and Braulke, T. (2007). Topology and endoplasmic reticulum retention signals of the lysosomal storage disease-related membrane protein CLN6. Mol. Membr. Biol. 24(1): 74-87.

13. Hofner, P., Seprényi, G., Miczák, A., Buzás, K., Gyulai, Z., Medzihradszky, K.F., Rouhiainen, A., Rauvala, H., and Mándi, Y. (2007). High Mobility Group Box 1 Protein Induction by Mycobacterium Bovis BCG. Mediators of Infl ammation, Article ID 53805, 8 pages.

14. Huberfeld, G., Wittner, L., Clemenceau, S., Baulac, M., Kaila, K., Miles, R., and Rivera, C. (2007). Perturbed chloride homeostasis and GABAergic signaling in human temporal lobe epilepsy. J. Neurosci. 27(37): 9866-9873.


15. Huupponen, J., Molchanova, S.M., Taira, T., and

Lauri, S.E. (2007). Susceptibility for homeostatic plasticity

is down-regulated in parallel with maturation of the

rat hippocampal synaptic circuitry. J. Physiol. 581(Pt 2):

505-514.

16. Hätinen, T., Holm, L., and Airaksinen, M.S. (2007).

Loss of neurturin in frog : comparative genomics study of

GDNF family ligand-receptor pairs. Mol. Cell. Neurosci.

34(2): 155-167.

17. Joensuu, T., Kuronen, M., Alakurtti, K., Tegelberg,

S., Hakala, P., Aalto, A., Huopaniemi, L., Aula, N.,

Michellucci, R., Eriksson, K., and Lehesjoki, A.-E. (2007).

Cystatin B : mutation detection, alternative splicing and

expression in progressive myclonus epilepsy of Unverricht-

Lundborg type (EPM1) patients. Eur. J. Hum. Genet. 15:

185-193.

18. Joensuu, T., Lehesjoki, A.-E., and Kopra, O. (2007).

Molecular background of EPM1-Unverricht-Lundborg

disease. Epilepsia, Epub ahead of print 2007 Nov 19.

19. Kiialainen, A., Veckman, V., Saharinen, J.,

Paloneva, J., Gentile, M., Hakola, P., Hemelsoet, D.,

Ridha, B., Kopra, O., Julkunen, I., and Peltonen, L. (2007).

Transcript profi les of dendritic cells of PLOSL patients

link demyelinating CNS disorders with abnormalities in

pathways of actin bundling and immune response. J.

Mol. Med. 85: 971-983.

20. Laurén, J., Hu, F., Chin, J., Liao, J., Airaksinen,

M.S., and Strittmatter, M. (2007). Characterization of

myelin ligand complexes with neuronal Nogo-66 receptor

family members. J. Biol. Chem. 282(8): 5715-5725.

21. Lauri, S.E., Palmer, M., Segerstråle, M., Vesikansa,

A., Taira, T., and Collingridge, G.L. (2007). Presynaptic

mechanisms involved in the expression of STP and LTP at

CA 1 synapses in the hippocampus. Neuropharmacology

52(1): 1-11.

22. Li, H., Khirug, S., Cai, C., Ludwig, A., Blaesse,

P., Kolikova, J., Afzalov, R., Coleman, S.K., Lauri, S.,

Airaksinen, M.S., Keinänen, K., Khiroug, L., Saarma, M.,

Kaila, K., and Rivera, C. (2007). KCC2 interacts with the

dendritic cytoskeleton to promote spine development.

Neuron 56: 1019-1033.

23. Lyly, A., von Schantz, C., Salonen, T., Kopra, O.,

Saarela, J., Jauhiainen, M., Kyttälä, A., and Jalanko, A.

(2007). Glycosylation, transport, and complex formation

of palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) – distinct

characteristics in neurons. BMC Cell Biol. 8: 22.

24. Lähteenmäki, M., Kupari, J., and Airaksinen, M.S. (2007). Increased apoptosis of parasympathetic but not enteric neurons in mice lacking GFRα2. Dev. Biol. 305: 325-332.

25. Malinen, S., Hlushchuk, Y., and Hari, R. (2007).

Towards natural stimulation in fMRI--issues of data

analysis. Neuroimage 35(1): 131-139.

26. Mattila, S., Renvall, V., Hiltunen, J., Kirven,

D., Sepponen, R., Hari, R., and Tarkiainen, A. (2007).

Phantom-based evaluation of geometric distortions in

functional magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor

imaging. Magn. Reson. Med. 57: 754-763.

27. Monto, S., Vanhatalo, S., Holmes, M.D., and

Palva, J.M. (2007). Epileptogenic neocortical networks are

revealed by abnormal temporal dynamics in seizure-free

subdural EEG. Cereb. Cortex. 17(6): 1386-1893.

28. Palva, S., and Palva, J.M. (2007). New vistas for

alpha-frequency band oscillations. Trends Neurosci. 30(4):

150-158.

29. Pangrši, T., Potokar, M., Stenovec, M., Kreft,

M., Fabbretti, E., Nistri, A., Pryazhnikov, E., Khiroug, L.,

Giniatullin, R., and Zorec, R. (2007). Exocytotic release

of ATP from cultured astrocytes. J. Biol. Chem. 282(39):

28749-28758.

30. Patana, A.-S., Kurkela, M., Goldman, A., and Finel,

M. (2007). The human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase:

Identifi cation of key residues within the nucleotide-sugar

binding site. Mol. Pharmacol. 72(3): 604-611.

31. Peitsaro, N., Sundvik, M., Anichtchik, O.V., Kaslin,

J., and Panula, P. (2007). Identifi cation of zebrafi sh

histamine H1, H2 and H3 receptors and effects of

histaminergic ligands on behavior. Biochem. Pharmacol.

73: 1205-1214.

32. Rantamäki, T., Hendolin, P., Kankaanpää, A.,

Mijatovic, J., Piepponen, P., Domenici, E., Chao, M.V.,

Männistö, P.T., and Castrén, E. (2007). Pharmacologically

diverse antidepressants rapidly activate brain-derived

neurotrophic factor receptor TrkB and induce

phospholipase-Cγ signaling pathways in mouse brain.

Neuropsychopharmacology 32: 2152-2162.

33. Rauvala, H. (2007). Interview with Dr. Heikki Rauvala

regarding pivotal advance: Analysis of proinfl ammatory


activity of highly purifi ed eukaryotic recombinant HMGB1

(amphoterin). Interview by Marco E Bianchi. J. Leukoc.

Biol. 81(1): 46-48.

34. Rauvala, H., and Rouhiainen, A. (2007). RAGE as

a receptor of HMGB1 (Amphoterin): Roles in health and

disease. Curr. Mol. Med. 7: 725-734.

35. Rouhiainen, A., Tumova, S., Valmu, L., Kalkkinen,

N., and Rauvala, H. (2007). Pivotal advance : analysis of

proinfl ammatory activity of highly purifi ed eukaryotic

recombinant HMGB1 (amphoterin). J. Leukoc. Biol. 81:

49-58.

36. Saarinen, A., Välimäki, V.-V., Välimäki, M.J.,

Löyttyniemi, E., Auro, K., Uusen, P., Kuris, M., Lehesjoki,

A.-E., and Mäkitie, O. (2007). The A1330V polymorphism

of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5

gene (LRP5) associates with low peak bone mass in young

healthy men. Bone 40: 1006-1012.

37. Sairanen, M., O’Leary, O., Knuuttila, J., and

Castrén, E. (2007). Chronic antidepressant treatment

selectively increases expression of plasticity-related

proteins in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex

of the rat. Neuroscience 144: 368-374.

38. Sallert, M., Malkki, H., Segerstråle, M., Taira, T.,

and Lauri, S.E. (2007). Effects of the kainate receptor

agonist ATPA on glutamatergic synaptic transmission

and plasticity during early postnatal development.

Neuropharmacology 52: 1354-1365.

39. Siintola, E., Topcu, M., Aula, N., Lohi, H.,

Minassian, B.A., Paterson, A.D., Liu, X.-Q., Wilson, C.,

Lahtinen, U., Anttonen, A.-K., and Lehesjoki, A.-E. (2007).

The novel neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis gene MFSD8

encodes a putative lysosomal transporter. Am. J. Hum.

Genet. 81(1): 134-146.

40. Siiskonen, H., Oikari, S., Korhonen, V.-P., Pitkänen,

A., Voikar, V., Kettunen, M., Hakumäki, J., Wahlfors,

T., Pussinen, R., Penttonen, M., Kiehne, K., Kaasinen,

S.K., Alhonen, L., Jänne, J., and Herzig, K.-H. (2007).

Diazepam binding inhibitor overexpression in mice causes

hydrocephalus, decreases plasticity in excitatory synapses

and impairs hippocampus-dependent learning. Mol. Cell.

Neurosci. 34: 199-208.

41. Sipilä, S.T., Voipio, J., and Kaila, K. (2007). GAT-1

acts to limit a tonic GABAA current in rat CA3 pyramidal

neurons at birth. Eur. J. Neurosci. 25: 717-722.

42. Sokka, A.-L., Putkonen, N., Mudo, G., Pryazhnikov, E., Reijonen, S., Khiroug, L., Belluardo, N., Lindholm, D., and Korhonen, L. (2007). Endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibition protects against excitotoxic neuronal injury in the rat brain. J. Neurosci. 27(4): 901-908.

43. Tanaka, K., Khiroug, L., Santamaria, F., Doi, T., Ogasawara, H., Ellis-Davies, G.C.R., Kawato, M., and Augustine, G.J. (2007). Ca² requirements for cerebellar long-term synaptic depression: role for a postsynaptic leaky integrator. Neuron 54(5): 787-800.

44. Tian, L., Stefanidakis, M., Ning, L., Van Lint, P., Nyman-Huttunen, H., Libert, C., Itohara, S., Mishina, M., Rauvala, H., and Gahmberg, C.G. (2007). Activation of NMDA receptors promotes dendritic spine development through MMP-mediated ICAM-5 cleavage. J. Cell Biol. 178(4): 687-700.

45. Tolonen, M., Palva, J.M., Andersson, S., and Vanhatalo, S. (2007). Development of the spontaneous activity transients and ongoing cortical activity in human preterm babies. Neuroscience 145(3): 997-1006.

46. Tornberg, J., Segerstråle, M., Kulesskaya, N., Voikar, V., Taira, T., and Airaksinen, M.S. (2007). KCC2-defi cient mice show reduced sensitivity to Diazepam, but normal alcohol-induced motor impairment, Gaboxadol-induced sedation, and neurosteroid-induced hypnosis. Neuropsychopharmacology 32: 911-918.

47. Uvarov, P., Ludwig, A., Markkanen, M., Pruunsild, P., Kaila, K., Delpire, E., Timmusk, T., Rivera, C., and Airaksinen, M.S. (2007). A novel N-terminal isoform of the neuron-specifi c K-Cl cotransporter KCC2. J. Biol. Chem. 28(42): 30570-30576.

48. Vesikansa, A., Sallert, M., Taira, T., and Lauri, S. (2007). Activation of kainate receptors controls the number of functional glutamatergic synapses in the area CA1 of rat hippocampus. J. Physiol. 583: 145-157.

49. White, S.J., Vissers, L.E.L.M., Geurts van Kessel, A., de Menezes, R.X., Kalay, E., Lehesjoki, A.-E., Giordano, P.C., van de Vosse, E., Breuning, M.H., Brunner, H.G., den Dunnen, J.T., and Veltman, J.A. (2007). Variation of CNV distribution in fi ve different ethnic populations. Cytogenet. Genome Res. 118(1): 19-30.

50. Vullo, D., Innocenti, A., Nishimori, I., Scozzafava, A., Kaila, K., and Supuran, C.T. (2007). Carbonic anhydrase activators: Activation of the human isoforms VII (cytosolic) and XIV (transmembrane) with amino acids and amines. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 17: 4107-4112.


Theses 2007

Doctoral Theses

Hienola, Anni. N-syndecan and HB-GAM in neural migration and differentiation: Modulation of growth factor activity in brain.

Laurén, Juha. Characterization of LRRTM and NGR gene families: Expression and functions.

Sairanen, Mikko. Neurotrophins and neuronal plasticity in the action of antidepressants and morphine.

Master’s Theses

Taipale, Miia. Katepsiinien tutkimus EPM1-taudissa Cstb-poistogeenistä hiirimallia hyödyntäen.

Patents 2007

Saarma, M., Laurikainen, A.M., Hiltunen, J.O., Airaksinen, M.S., and Klinge, E.M. Neurotrophic factors in the treatment of peripheral nerve dysfunction of pelvic area. EP 1 181 042 B1, 14.11.2007.


8 %

6 %

4 %

12 %

22 %

21 %

18 %

9 %

U n ive rs ity o f H e ls in k i (o w n a s s e ts )

U n ive rs ity o f H e ls in k i a n d Min is try o fE d u ca tio nAca d e m y o f Fin la n d

S ig rid Ju s é liu s Fo u n d a tio n

N a tio n a l Te ch n o lo g y Ag e n t

Fo lkh ä ls a n

E u ro p e a n U n io n

Oth e rs

Funding of the Neuroscience Center in 2007 In euros Percentage

1. Basic funding 2 347 500 42,5%University of Helsinki (own assets) 1 200 000 21.7%University of Helsinki and Ministry of Education 1 147 500 20.8%2. Competitive funding 3 172 549 57.5%Academy of Finland 994 470 18.0%Sigrid Jusélius Foundation 490 000 8.9%TEKES 417 648 7.6%Folkhälsan 358 191 6.5%European Union 222 310 4.0%Graduate schools 297 530 5.4%Other state organizations 149 200 2.7%Other science organizations 119 900 2.2%Biocentrum Helsinki 93 300 1.7%Performance-based funding 30 000 0.5%Total 5 520 049 100%

Finances

University of Helsinki (own assests)

University of Helsinki and Ministry of Education

Academy of Finland

Sigrid Jusélius Foundation

TEKES

Folkhälsan

European Union

Others


Proportion of foreign researches in the category of Researchers 37.6%Proportion of PhDs in the category of Researchers 54.1%Proportion of women in the categories Researchers and Undergraduate students 53.1%Proportion of women of all staff 60.2%

Staff

85

1317611

123

69.1

10.613.84.90.80.8

100

68.5

7.714.14.41.00.9

97.1

71.0

8.014.54.51.01.0

100

Personnel in 2007

Researchers- PhDs 46- Graduate students 39Undergraduate studentsLaboratory techniciansAdministrationMaintenance ComputingTotal* person-years

Number % PY* %

8 ,0 %

7 1 ,0 %

1 4 ,5 %4 ,5 %

1 ,0 %

1 ,0 %

R e s e a rch e rsU n d e rg ra d u a te s tu d e n tsL a b o ra to ry te ch n ic ia n sAd m in is tra tio nMa in te n a n ceC o m p u tin g

Researchers

Undergraduate students

Laboratory technicians

Administration

Maintenance

Computing

Proportion of Staff Categories (percentage in person years) in 2007


Group leaders

Airaksinen, Matti, MD, PhDCastrén, Eero, MD, PhDKhirug, Leonard, PhD Lehesjoki, Anna-Elina, MD, PhDPanula, Pertti, MD, PhDRauvala, Heikki, MD, PhDTaira, Tomi, PhD

Adjunct professors

Goldman, Adrian, PhDHari, Riitta, MD, PhDKaila, Kai, PhDTanila, Heikki, MD, PhD

Senior scientists

Castrén, Maija, MD, PhD **Lauri, Sari, PhDPalva, Matias, PhD

Post-doctoral fellows

Afzalov, Ramil, PhD **Aula-Kahanpää, Nina, PhD ** Chen, Yu-Chia, PhD **Di Lieto, Antonio, PhD Jin, Cong-Yu, PhD **Joensuu, Tarja, PhDKarlstedt, Kaj, PhDKarpova, Nina, PhD Khrustalyov, Denis, PhD Kolikova, Julia, PhDKopra, Outi, PhD Kremneva, Elena, PhD **Kudo, Hisaaki, PhD **Kulesskaya, Natalia, PhD **Laakkonen, Liisa, PhD **Lahtinen, Ulla, PhDLehtinen, Maria, PhD ** Lyubimov, Yaroslav, PhDMolchanova, Svetlana, PhD Myllykangas, Liisa, MD, PhD Nuutinen, Saara, PhD **

O’Leary, Olivia, PhD Palva, Satu, PhD (PhD defense 30.3.2007)Partanen, Sanna, PhD **Polvi, Anne, PhD Pryazhnikov, Evgeny, MD, PhDRantamäki, Tomi, PhD Raulo, Erkki, PhDRossi, Jari, PhD **Savelyev, Sergey, PhD **Shmelev, Anton, PhD ** (PhD defense 19.12.2007)Sun, Xiaohong, PhD **Tiraboschi, Ettore, PhD **Tumova, Sarka, PhD ** Võikar, Vootele, PhD **Wu, Xuefei, PhD

Graduate students

Anttonen, Anna-Kaisa, MD **Gransalke, Kathleen, MSc Hokkanen, Marie-Estelle, MSc Huupponen, Johanna, MSc **Hämäläinen, Riikka, MSc **Kiiltomäki, Marjaana, MScKirilkin, Ilya, MD Knuuttila, Juha, MScKolehmainen, Juuso, MSc Kuja-Panula, Juha, MScKulashekhar, Shrikanth, BSc **Kulesskiy, Evgeny, MScKupari, Jussi, MSc Kuronen, Mervi, MSc Laakso, Tiina, MSc Lindholm, Jesse, MSc (Pharm)Maila, Tomi, MScMankki, Lauri **Manninen, Otto, MSc **Markkanen, Marika, MSc Monto, Simo, MSc (Tech)Priyadarshini, Madhusmita, MScRouhiainen, Ari, MScRozov, Stanislav, MSc **Sallert, Marko, MSc

Sallinen, Ville, MDSegerstråle, Mikael, MSc Sharma, Vikram, MSc **Siintola, Eija, MScSirén, Auli, MD **Sundvik, Maria, MScTegelberg, Saara, MScTervonen, Topi, MSc Torkko, Veera, MSc **Uvarov, Pavel, MScVanttola, Päivi, MSc Vesikansa, Aino, MScZhao, Xiang, MSc Östergård, Maria, MSc

Undergraduate students

Autio, Henri **Hasan Austin, Luisa ** Heinonen, Mirja **Kousi, Maria ** Lehmann, Philipp **Mankki, Lauri **Reinmaa, Eva **Saarenmaa, TuomasSundelin, Lotta Taipale, Miia **Tiittula, AnuToleikyte, Gabija **Vesa, Liisa **Östman, Annika **

Visiting students

Kellner, YvesMugantseva, EkaterinaVashchinkina, Elena

Technicians and other technical staff

Aronen, Mira **Berg, Kaija Bergqvist, Jenny **Hakala, Paula Haller, Kylli


Harju, Anna, BSc Hasenson, Paula **Huttu, Erja Ikonen, RaijaKoivula, Henri, BSc Lågas, Seija Nikkilä, Outi Norrbacka, Susanna **Olanne, Hanna Saarikalle, Eeva-LiisaToivonen, Teija-Tuulia Träskelin, Ann-Liz

Administrative services unit and maintenance

Duus, Markus Mattila, Anna, MScMaunula, Minna, MScRosenblad, TarjaTapani, Katri, BBA

Computing

Veteli, Petri **

Other staff

Pihkanen, Saija, MSc **Vainio, Ilari, PhD **

** working part of the year

Yliopistopaino 2008

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