How we perceive the world shapes how we react to it, but we do not fully understand why people perceive things differently. Our brain’s sensory areas develop during periods early in life. While these periods follow a set schedule, they can also be influenced by the environment and brain chemicals like serotonin. "We know that perception varies greatly between individuals," says Prof. Homberg, "but we still don’t fully understand how these individual differences arise. Together with Dirk Schubert and Kubra Külmez I will explore how early life changes in serotonin and environmental factors affect brain plasticity, specifically in the somatosensory cortex—a brain region responsible for processing sensory information like touch."
Animal research
This research is a continuation of Prof. Homberg’s collaboration with Dr. Dirk Schubert. Together, they have been investigating the role of serotonin in sensory cortex development for over a decade. The new grant allows them to revisit their previous animal work with modern, more advanced techniques that are brought in by Dr. Kubra Gülmez. "Previously, we studied these processes in brain slices outside the body (ex vivo), but now we can observe them in living organisms. This allows us to gain a much deeper understanding of how serotonin influences the development of sensory circuits over time," explains Prof. Homberg.
The project's primary focus is on brain plasticity—how the brain adapts and changes in response to experiences. In particular, Homberg and her team are interested in whether the changes in sensory processing caused by serotonin imbalances can be "reversed" or "normalised" in adulthood. This could have implications for understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders where sensory processing is altered, such as autism.
Aiming for Broader Impact
The project, which will run for four years, aims to provide insights into how early-life factors contribute to long-term behavioural differences. By understanding the roots of individual differences in sensory processing, this research may eventually inform clinical interventions for developmental disorders linked to altered perception. As Homberg puts it, "We need to know when and how to intervene if we want to correct sensory processing issues later in life. If we can pinpoint whether these issues arise from early developmental periods or continue into adulthood, we can develop better-targeted treatments."
