Malin Silverå Ejneby
My research is focused on understanding the role of synaptic facilitation in epileptic processes, from a biophysical level to a neuronal network level. For carrying out this research I use detailed mathematical models describing cellular processes and embed these models into larger neuronal networks with thousands of nerve cells.
The nerve cells in the brain have a remarkable ability to change the strength of connections between nerve cells. Different nerve cells can decrease, or increase, signal transmission based on its past activity. Synaptic facilitation enhances the connection between nerve cells during repeated stimulation and the amplification increases the faster the nerve cells signals. It is observed throughout the nervous system, yet the functional roles of synaptic facilitation have been remarkably difficult to clarify in various neuronal circuits. One reason for the difficulties is that we do not understand the cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic facilitation, several hypotheses still co-exists. However, it is important to untangle this since a dysfunction of synaptic facilitation has been suspected to be involved in epileptic processes and other disorders of the brain.
Research background
Malin has a interdiciplany research profile with a core competence in neurobiology. Her educational background is in Biology (BSc) and Medical Biology (MSc). In 2018 she completed her Ph.D. at Linköping University, working on electrophysiological charterization and pharmacological modulation of voltage-gated ion channels in various cell types. From 2019-2021 she worked at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, developing new wireless and minimal invasive biotechnologies for pheripheral nerve stimulation. In January 2022 she joined our group as postdoc to untangle the role of synaptic facilitation in epileptic processes.