SUMMARY
Tamas Kozicz, M.D., Ph.D., pursues the scientific understanding of genes and brain circuits associated with or altered by the stress response, and how defects in biochemical and metabolic processes impact resilience mechanisms throughout the body. Bridging basic and clinical research, Dr. Kozicz aims to gain a deeper understanding of deficits in behavior, learning and memory in terms of systemic bioenergetics and mitochondrial quantitative genetics, with special attention to mechanisms of sex differences.
Dr. Kozicz's lab uses a highly interdisciplinary and translational approach integrating functional and structural neurobiological, behavioral, genetic, epigenetic and physiological outcomes using in vivo (rodent) and in vitro (bioengineered stem cells) model systems. The goal of this research is to provide important insights into the brain mechanisms that promote resilience and may improve the lab's ability to design therapeutic interventions for mental illness.
Focus areas
- Using preclinical animal models, Dr. Kozicz studies biological mechanisms mediating resilience to stress. Applying a system biology approach, Dr. Kozicz is specifically interested in the significance of energy metabolism (mitochondrial function) mediating the impact of stress on the body and mental health. Dr. Kozicz is working in close collaboration with the patient association United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation on this project.
- Dr. Kozicz uses human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived neural progenitors and neurons as a disease model for elucidating the potential significance of altered energy metabolism (mitochondrial dysfunction) in mental illness. In this project, Dr. Kozicz is also collaborating with United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.
- Dr. Kozicz is involved in evaluating the mechanism of action of novel therapeutic approaches in congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), including various dietary therapies. He is investigating the D-galactose working mechanism in cellular systems and in animal models. In this project, Dr. Kozicz is working in close collaboration with the patient association CDG CARE.
Significance to patient care
Ultimately, the research of Dr. Kozicz's team will advance preclinical research beyond scientific discovery to help translate the scientific insights into clinical applications and alleviate the ever-growing burden of mental illness by developing targeted interventions facilitating health care tailored to the individual needs of patients with mental illness.
Professional highlights
- Editorial board member, PLOS One, 2018-present
- Associate editor, Frontier of Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018-present
- Editorial board member, Neurobiology of Stress, 2016-present
- Editorial board member, Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2015-present
- Editorial board member, International Journal of Stress Management, 2015-present
- Editorial board member, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2014-present
- Editorial board member, Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, 2013-present
- Chairman, Department of Anatomy, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands 2012-2017