معرفی
Eero Castrén is an Academy Professor at the Neuroscience Center of the University of Helsinki, Finland. He previously directed the Neuroscience Center (2013-2016) and held the Sigrid Juselius Professorship (2003-2012). His research spans neuropharmacology, neuronal plasticity, and neurotrophic factors, with a focus on antidepressants and BDNF signaling.
- Education: MD (1983), PhD (1989) from the University of Kuopio, Finland.
Research Interests: Dr. Castrén investigates how antidepressants modulate neuronal plasticity and neurotrophic signaling in the adult brain. His work has established that antidepressants directly bind to the TrkB receptor, activating BDNF pathways critical for behavioral effects. He explores reactivation of critical-period-like plasticity in visual cortex, fear extinction, and aggression extinction, linking these to combined antidepressant-psychotherapy efficacy in mood disorders.
Scientific Awards & Honors:
- Anna-Monika Prize (2017) for neurobiology of depression research
- Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland (2016)
- Advanced Investigator Grant, European Research Council (2013-2018)
- Member, Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (since 2004)
Research Funding: Currently supported by Sigrid Juselius Foundation (€270k, 2020-2022), Jane & Aatos Erkko Foundation (€1M, 2019-2024), and multiple Academy of Finland grants (€440k, 2020-2021; €270k, 2016-2020). Past ERC funding (€2.5M, 2013-2017) supported foundational studies on antidepressant mechanisms.
