The research group Food Toxicology and Alternative/Complementary Methods to Animal Testing led by Prof. Seeger focuses on innovative models for investigating neurotoxicity and infections of the nervous system. The core of their work is the development and application of stem cell-based models, particularly neural cells and three-dimensional organoids, to explore the effects of harmful substances and pathogens on the nervous system.
A key interest lies in the application of the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept to elucidate the complex mechanisms of nervous system infections. Current projects investigate how infections impair brain development and how intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can lead to neurological problems. Furthermore, we are developing an innervated 3D skin model to represent chronic pain and make it usable for chemical testing and drug development. For regulatory chemical testing, we are also working on an animal-free model to identify demyelinating substances.
The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms by using state-of-the-art technologies such as multi-omics. These findings will help to identify new biomarkers, develop targeted therapies, and reduce animal testing (3R principle).
Prof. Bettina Seeger, Ph.D.
phone: +49 511 856-7602
mail: Bettina.Seeger(at)tiho-hannover.de
