"Childhood traumatic experiences have lasting effects on mental health. Adverse early-life events—including abuse, neglect, and social conflict—increase the risk of psychiatric disorders and heightened stress sensitivity later in life. However, the mechanisms by which early experiences produce persistent changes in brain function remain poorly understood.

My research focuses on how early-life experiences shape the development of limbic circuits, which are critical for emotional regulation and stress responses. In particular, we investigate how social interactions during the early postnatal period influence circuit maturation, functional integration, and plasticity. Disruptions to these processes may increase vulnerability to maladaptive affective behaviors.

To address these questions, my group uses a multidisciplinary approach that integrates gene expression profiling and genetic manipulation with in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology, circuit-level interventions (optogenetics and chemogenetics), advanced imaging, and quantitative behavioral analysis in mouse models. By linking molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms to behavior, our work aims to identify specific cell types, circuits, and molecular pathways that can be targeted to prevent or treat neurodevelopmental and childhood trauma-related mental health disorders."

Asami Tanimura is a DANDRITE Team Leader, and Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University.