The ZonMw open competition programme has funded 31 research projects in the field of fundamental (bio)medical research. Of these, three projects are affiliated with Psychiatry Amsterdam. Below we tell you more about the projects funded by this grant. Congrats to our colleagues and their teams: Karel Scheepstra, Marco Boks and Eus van Someren!
Unraveling the neuroplastic effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in depression
Our brains are not fixed: they can adapt, for instance by forming new connections between nerve cells. This ability is called neuroplasticity. This neuroplasticity is important for recovery from several psychiatric illnesses, such as depression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is currently the most powerful treatment known to boost neuroplasticity. During ECT, a brief electrical pulse triggers a controlled seizure in the brain. Yet we still do not fully understand the changes ECT produces in the brain. Uncovering this is key to improving treatments for mental disorders.
We think that ECT restores a balance in excitability in the brain that is important for the adaptive capacity. This project will study ECT’s effects on the brain at multiple levels. We will use brain scans in patients receiving ECT to measure changes in brain structure, function, and connections. Additionally, we will study donated brain tissue from people who received ECT to look at changes in cells. By combining these approaches, we aim to find biological markers that explain ECT’s effects and can advance psychiatric treatment strategies
The team: Dr. A. Dols (UMC Utrecht Brain Center), Dr. E. Dellen (UMC Utrecht), Dr. P. Van Eijndhoven (Radboudumc), Dr. L. Douw (Amsterdam UMC), Prof. I. Huitinga (Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience), Dr. K.W.F. Scheepstra (Amsterdam UMC)(photo).
The transgenerational impact of Socio Economic Status on Mental Health; Inheritance revisited
Mental disorders are often considered hereditary, yet genes are only part of the story. Socioeconomic circumstances such as poverty and work also play a major role. Their impact can carry over from parent to child, creating the appearance of inheritance and sustaining inequalities in health.
This project investigates three pathways. First, dynastic effects: parental problems, including mental disorders, may cause financial insecurity or stress at home, raising children’s risk. Second, gene–environment correlations: genetic vulnerabilities may coincide with greater likelihood of experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, making genes and environment difficult to separate. Third, epigenetic changes: experiences of poverty or stress may leave biological marks, such as DNA methylation, which can be passed from parent to child.
Using data from large Dutch cohort studies, we examine how these processes jointly shape mental health across generations. Findings will guide policy and prevention efforts to break the cycle of poverty and mental disorders.
The team: Dr. M.P.M. Boks (Amsterdam UMC)(photo), Dr. C.A. Cecil (Erasmus MC), Prof. J.O. Mierau (University of Groningen), Prof. B.W.J.H. Penninx (Amsterdam UMC), Prof. K.J.H. Verweij (Amsterdam UMC).
From patients to mice: effects of poor sleep on the processing of fearful memories
Sleep is vital for memory. Poor sleep often results in disturbed memories and emotions, which contributes to stress and anxiety. Despite its importance in mental health, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms through which insufficient or poor sleep impacts emotional well-being, particularly how it exacerbates distressful memories. This research project aims to investigate the brain mechanisms of how poor sleep worsens fear memories and explore potential interventions. Using brain activity recordings from more than 500 patients with insomnia, we identify patterns that reflect disrupted sleep. We then investigate these patterns in mouse models to study the underlying biological processes in detail.
Finally, we test treatment strategies that target these mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to provide new entry points for therapies that improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of storing emotional or traumatic memories, thereby improving daily functioning and mental health in insomnia patients.
The team: Dr. R.H. Havekes (University of Groningen), Prof. H.W.H.G. Kessels (University of Amsterdam), Dr. S.L. Lesuis (University of Amsterdam), Prof. E. Someren (Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience)(photo).
Purpose of the ZonMw Open Competition programme
The ZonMw Open Competition programme aims to provide space for curiosity-driven and creative collaboration among researchers, leading to groundbreaking science. The programme specifically targets researchers from two or more disciplines who synergistically promote excellent team science. Applications are assessed and ranked based on the criteria of relevance and quality. Knowledge utilization and participation are also key evaluation points. All awarded applications include a solid plan for knowledge utilization and participation, aligned with the research objectives.
Source:ZonMw Open Competition congratulates 31 research teams on the granted subsidy