Göran Engberg

Göran Engberg is a Professor at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Karolinska Institutet. He leads the Electrophysiological Neuropharmacology research group, focusing on neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. His work centers on kynurenic acid’s role in schizophrenia pathogenesis, particularly its interaction with glutamate receptors and immune system activation.

His research integrates electrophysiology, molecular biology, and translational studies to explore how immune-mediated kynurenine pathway dysregulation contributes to psychosis. Collaborations include SciLifeLab for drug development targeting kynurenic acid levels. Engberg’s lab also investigates neurodevelopmental models, such as social isolation effects on rodent sensorimotor gating, linking immune activation to schizophrenia-like behaviors.

Key projects examine CSF biomarkers (e.g., neurogranin, complement proteins) in psychosis, cytokine signaling pathways, and genetic influences on kynurenine metabolism. Engberg’s studies highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining preclinical models with clinical data from first-episode psychosis cohorts.

His lab’s facilities include electrophysiological setups, microdialysis systems, and advanced proteomic/metabolomic analyses. Engberg maintains active roles in academic leadership, contributing to departmental strategic planning and training early-career researchers in neuropharmacology and translational neuroscience.