Team Harms

Molecular Stroke Research

We focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms that occur during stroke and are especially interested in how we can use those to promote recovery after stroke.

Schlaganfallcentrum der Charite - Forschungsgruppe Harms

Twitter: @HarmsLab

Researchgate - Christoph-Harms-Lab

Retune

MDC-Berlin-participatinglabs

Research

Christoph Harms' research focuses on rodent stroke research, brain imaging, and molecular stroke therapeutics. He is especially interested in how the brain defends itself ('endogenous neuroprotection') and how the brain's plasticity might be boosted to promote stroke healing and functional recovery. Collateral plasticity and post-stroke angiogenesis, he argues, are critical requirements for retuning disrupted networks and reducing symptom load.

Group Photo

Projects

Key Projects

Restoring of Motor Function after Stroke

In this project we are investigating the role of different neurotransmitter systems in the recovery processes after stroke. We are using different modes of stimulation (e.g. electrical deep brain stimulation) to meliorate motor deficits and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

In Cooperation with:

Local Inflammation and Recovery after Stroke

In this key project we are examining the roles of inflammation and corresponding cytokines in their role in stroke formation. Here we try to intervene in certain pathways to enhance recovery after stroke.

In Cooperation with:

Prof. Grantin
DFG Funding IL6
Phagocytosis

Collateral and blood vessel plasticity

In this key project we like to take a look at the blood vessel formation and collateralization during stroke. We are trying to understand the different factors that lead to an improved outcome

In Cooperation with:

Prof. H. Gerhardt
Leducq Foundation

Further Projects

Endogenous Neuroprotection

Here we are trying to utilize different molecules to take a look at how they are affecting neuroprotection after stroke. We are using several methods for molecular investigation of those systems like cell culture and blotting.

Modelling of Stroke Outcome Prediction of Outcome after Stroke

Here we are using animal MRI imaging and lesion symptom mapping to try to contribute to a better prediction of functional outcome after stroke.

Microbiota and Stroke

In this project, we are investigating to role of microbiota in the formation and recovery after stroke.

Selected publications

de Filippo R, Rost BR, Stumpf A, Cooper C, Tukker JJ, Harms C, Beed P, Schmitz D (2021). Somatostatin interneurons activated by 5-HT2A receptor suppress slow oscillations in medial entorhinal cortex. Elife 10. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.66960

Donath S, An J, Lee SL, Gertz K, Datwyler AL, Harms U, Muller S, Farr TD, Fuchtemeier M, Lattig-Tunnemann G, Lips J, Foddis M, Mosch L, Bernard R, Grittner U, Balkaya M, Kronenberg G, Dirnagl U, Endres M, Harms C (2016). Interaction of ARC and Daxx: A Novel Endogenous Target to Preserve Motor Function and Cell Loss after Focal Brain Ischemia in Mice. J Neurosci 36:8132-8148. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4428-15.2016

Hoffmann CJ, Kuffner MTC, Lips J, Lorenz S, Endres M, Harms C. (2022) Zfp580 Regulates Paracrine and Endocrine Igf1 and Igfbp3 Differently in the Brain and Blood After a Murine Stroke. Front Physiol 13:887180. doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.887180

Hoffmann CJ, Harms U, Rex A, Szulzewsky F, Wolf SA, Grittner U, Lattig-Tunnemann G, Sendtner M, Kettenmann H, Dirnagl U, Endres M, Harms C (2015). Vascular signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 promotes angiogenesis and neuroplasticity long-term after stroke. Circulation 131:1772-1782. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.013003

Jochner MCE, An J, Lattig-Tunnemann G, Kirchner M, Dagane A, Dittmar G, Dirnagl U, Eickholt BJ, Harms C (2019). Unique properties of PTEN-L contribute to neuroprotection in response to ischemic-like stress. Sci Rep 9:3183. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-39438-1

Knorr S, Musacchio T, Paulat R, Matthies C, Endres H, Wenger N, Harms C, Ip CW (2022). Experimental deep brain stimulation in rodent models of movement disorders. Exp Neurol 348:113926. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113926

Koch S, Mueller S, Foddis M, Bienert T, von Elverfeldt D, Knab F, Farr TD, Bernard R, Dopatka M, Rex A, Dirnagl U, Harms C, Boehm-Sturm P (2019). Atlas registration for edema-corrected MRI lesion volume in mouse stroke models. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 39:313-323. doi: 10.1177/0271678X17726635

Kuffner MTC, Koch SP, Kirchner M, Mueller S, Lips J, An J, Mertins P, Dirnagl U, Endres M, Boehm-Sturm P, Harms C, Hoffmann CJ (2022). Paracrine Interleukin 6 Induces Cerebral Remodeling at Early Stages After Unilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Mice. Front Cardiovasc Med 8:805095. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.805095

Malik AR, Lips J, Gorniak-Walas M, Broekaart DWM, Asaro A, Kuffner MTC, Hoffmann CJ, Kikhia M, Dopatka M, Boehm-Sturm P, Mueller S, Dirnagl U, Aronica E, Harms C, Willnow TE (2020). SorCS2 facilitates release of endostatin from astrocytes and controls post-stroke angiogenesis. Glia 68:1304-1316. doi: 10.1002/glia.23778

Perovic T, Harms C, Gerhardt H (2022). Formation and Maintenance of the Natural Bypass Vessels of the Brain. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 9. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.778773

Wenger N, Vogt A, Skrobot M, Garulli EL, Kabaoglu B, Salchow-Hommen C, Schauer T, Kroneberg D, Schuhmann M, Ip CW, Harms C, Endres M, Isaias I, Tovote P, Blum R (2022). Rodent models for gait network disorders in Parkinson's disease - a translational perspective. Exp Neurol:114011. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114011