University of Innsbruck
Trinity College Dublin and Karolinska Institute Stockholm
During her MSc studies in Molecular Medicine at Trinity College Dublin, Theresa was awarded a Eurolife Scholarship for Early Career Researchers to pursue her MSc thesis research abroad. She went to Karolinska Institute in Stockholm to do her Master thesis in the lab of Lars Olson at the department of Neuroscience.
For her PhD studies at University of Freiburg, Theresa was awarded a fellowship within the DFG-funded Research Training Group 1104 – From Cells to Organs: Molecular Mechanisms of Organogenesis.
During her PhD stuides, Theresa was a research fellow in the BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies and the CIBSS Cluster of Excellence for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies.
Theresa was awarded the Best Poster Award at the 3rd Triregional Meeting Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Meeting in Strasbourg in 2016 for her Post of Bsx functions in Pineal Complex Development.
2020
4. Schredelseker, Theresa; Veit, Florian; Dorsky, Richard I; Driever, Wolfgang
Bsx Is Essential for Differentiation of Multiple Neuromodulatory Cell Populations in the Secondary Prosencephalon Journal Article
In: Front Neurosci, vol. 14, pp. 525, 2020, ISSN: 1662-4548.
@article{pmid32581684,
title = {Bsx Is Essential for Differentiation of Multiple Neuromodulatory Cell Populations in the Secondary Prosencephalon},
author = {Theresa Schredelseker and Florian Veit and Richard I Dorsky and Wolfgang Driever},
doi = {10.3389/fnins.2020.00525},
issn = {1662-4548},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-06-03},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Front Neurosci},
volume = {14},
pages = {525},
abstract = {The hypothalamus is characterized by great neuronal diversity, with many neuropeptides and other neuromodulators being expressed within its multiple anatomical domains. The regulatory networks directing hypothalamic development have been studied in detail, but, for many neuron types, control of differentiation is still not understood. The highly conserved Brain-specific homeobox (Bsx) transcription factor has previously been described in regulating and expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) in mice. While is expressed in many more subregions of both tuberal and mamillary hypothalamus, the functions therein are not known. Using genetic analyses in zebrafish, we show that most expression domains are dependent on Nkx2.1 and Nkx2.4 homeodomain transcription factors, while a subset depends on Otp. We show that the anatomical pattern of the ventral forebrain appears normal in mutants, but that Bsx is necessary for the expression of many neuropeptide encoding genes, including , , , , and , in distinct hypothalamic anatomical domains. We also found Bsx to be critical for normal expression of two Crh family members, and , as well as , in the hypothalamus and the telencephalic septal region. Furthermore, we demonstrate a crucial role for Bsx in serotonergic, histaminergic and nitrergic neuron development in the hypothalamus. We conclude that Bsx is critical for the terminal differentiation of multiple neuromodulatory cell types in the forebrain.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The hypothalamus is characterized by great neuronal diversity, with many neuropeptides and other neuromodulators being expressed within its multiple anatomical domains. The regulatory networks directing hypothalamic development have been studied in detail, but, for many neuron types, control of differentiation is still not understood. The highly conserved Brain-specific homeobox (Bsx) transcription factor has previously been described in regulating and expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) in mice. While is expressed in many more subregions of both tuberal and mamillary hypothalamus, the functions therein are not known. Using genetic analyses in zebrafish, we show that most expression domains are dependent on Nkx2.1 and Nkx2.4 homeodomain transcription factors, while a subset depends on Otp. We show that the anatomical pattern of the ventral forebrain appears normal in mutants, but that Bsx is necessary for the expression of many neuropeptide encoding genes, including , , , , and , in distinct hypothalamic anatomical domains. We also found Bsx to be critical for normal expression of two Crh family members, and , as well as , in the hypothalamus and the telencephalic septal region. Furthermore, we demonstrate a crucial role for Bsx in serotonergic, histaminergic and nitrergic neuron development in the hypothalamus. We conclude that Bsx is critical for the terminal differentiation of multiple neuromodulatory cell types in the forebrain.3. Schredelseker, Theresa; Driever, Wolfgang
Conserved Genoarchitecture of the Basal Hypothalamus in Zebrafish Embryos Journal Article
In: Front Neuroanat, vol. 14, pp. 3, 2020, ISSN: 1662-5129.
@article{pmid32116574,
title = {Conserved Genoarchitecture of the Basal Hypothalamus in Zebrafish Embryos},
author = {Theresa Schredelseker and Wolfgang Driever},
doi = {10.3389/fnana.2020.00003},
issn = {1662-5129},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-02-06},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Front Neuroanat},
volume = {14},
pages = {3},
abstract = {Analyses of genoarchitecture recently stimulated substantial revisions of anatomical models for the developing hypothalamus in mammalian and other vertebrate systems. The prosomeric model proposes the hypothalamus to be derived from the secondary prosencephalon, and to consist of alar and basal regions. The basal hypothalamus can further be subdivided into tuberal and mamillary regions, each with distinct subregions. Albeit being a widely used model system for neurodevelopmental studies, no detailed genoarchitectural maps exist for the zebrafish () hypothalamus. Here, we compare expression domains of zebrafish genes, including , , , , , , , , and , the orthologs of which delimit specific subregions within the murine basal hypothalamus. We develop the highly conserved () gene as a novel marker for genoarchitectural analysis of hypothalamic regions. Our comparison of gene expression patterns reveals that the genoarchitecture of the basal hypothalamus in zebrafish embryos 48 hours post fertilization is highly similar to mouse embryos at E13.5. We found the tuberal hypothalamus in zebrafish embryos to be relatively large and to comprise previously ill-defined regions around the posterior hypothalamic recess. The mamillary hypothalamus is smaller and concentrates to rather medial areas in proximity to the anterior end of the neural tube floor plate. Within the basal hypothalamus we identified longitudinal and transverse tuberal and mamillary subregions topologically equivalent to those previously described in other vertebrates. However, the hypothalamic diencephalic boundary region and the posterior tuberculum still provide a challenge. We applied the updated prosomeric model to the developing zebrafish hypothalamus to facilitate cross-species comparisons. Accordingly, we applied the mammalian nomenclature of hypothalamic organization to zebrafish and propose it to replace some controversial previous nomenclature.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Analyses of genoarchitecture recently stimulated substantial revisions of anatomical models for the developing hypothalamus in mammalian and other vertebrate systems. The prosomeric model proposes the hypothalamus to be derived from the secondary prosencephalon, and to consist of alar and basal regions. The basal hypothalamus can further be subdivided into tuberal and mamillary regions, each with distinct subregions. Albeit being a widely used model system for neurodevelopmental studies, no detailed genoarchitectural maps exist for the zebrafish () hypothalamus. Here, we compare expression domains of zebrafish genes, including , , , , , , , , and , the orthologs of which delimit specific subregions within the murine basal hypothalamus. We develop the highly conserved () gene as a novel marker for genoarchitectural analysis of hypothalamic regions. Our comparison of gene expression patterns reveals that the genoarchitecture of the basal hypothalamus in zebrafish embryos 48 hours post fertilization is highly similar to mouse embryos at E13.5. We found the tuberal hypothalamus in zebrafish embryos to be relatively large and to comprise previously ill-defined regions around the posterior hypothalamic recess. The mamillary hypothalamus is smaller and concentrates to rather medial areas in proximity to the anterior end of the neural tube floor plate. Within the basal hypothalamus we identified longitudinal and transverse tuberal and mamillary subregions topologically equivalent to those previously described in other vertebrates. However, the hypothalamic diencephalic boundary region and the posterior tuberculum still provide a challenge. We applied the updated prosomeric model to the developing zebrafish hypothalamus to facilitate cross-species comparisons. Accordingly, we applied the mammalian nomenclature of hypothalamic organization to zebrafish and propose it to replace some controversial previous nomenclature.2. Schredelseker, Theresa
Transcriptional Control of Neuronal Patterning and Differentiation in the Zebrafish Forebrain PhD Thesis
2020.
@phdthesis{nokey,
title = {Transcriptional Control of Neuronal Patterning and Differentiation in the Zebrafish Forebrain},
author = {Theresa Schredelseker},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342233746_Transcriptional_Control_of_Neuronal_Patterning_and_Differentiation_in_the_Zebrafish_Forebrain },
year = {2020},
date = {2020-02-01},
urldate = {2020-02-01},
abstract = {The staggering complexity of a vertebrate brain is reflected in its development during which a multitude of signaling pathways orchestrate the expression of even more transcription factors patterning the embryonic brain and regulating neuronal differentiation. Despite the widespread use of the highly fecund and easily genetically modifiable zebrafish as a model for neurodevelopmental research, characterization of embryonic forebrain genoarchitecture in zebrafish is sparse.
Bsx is a highly conserved homeodomain transcription factor expressed in the pineal complex, telencephalic septum region and several subregions within the developing hypothalamus. Here I present Bsx functions for all of those expression domains in the zebrafish forebrain. For the first time, I identified upstream signaling pathways and transcription factors regulating bsx expression. Using TALENs, I targeted the bsx gene and generated a zebrafish line expressing a truncated and putatively non-functional Bsx protein. In zebrafish embryos homozygous for this mutation, I found the development of all cell types of the pineal complex to be disturbed. Upon loss of functional Bsx, several genes involved in rod- or cone-like phototransduction are aberrantly expressed in the pineal complex, which in teleosts is directly light-sensitive. Since rate-limiting enzymes of the serotonin and melatonin biosynthesis pathway are not expressed, I deduced absence of those signaling molecules in the pineal gland of bsx mutants. Furthermore, the complete absence of parapineal cells in bsx mutants results in the development of double-right isomerized habenulae. Through demonstrating that urotensin 1 expression is missing in the telencephalic septum region upon loss of functional Bsx, I provide a first description of Bsx functions in the telencephalon.
Substantial discrepancies exist in anatomical models and nomenclature on the zebrafish basal forebrain. I thus analyzed gene expression domains therein and compared them to anatomical domains which have recently been defined within an updated prosomeric model based on paralog gene expression in other vertebrate classes. I was able to identify both peduncular and terminal as well as tuberal and mamillary subregions in the zebrafish basal hypothalamus. Building on these data, I adopted the updated prosomeric model to zebrafish and suggest a higher degree of evolutionary conservation between the teleostian and mammalian basal hypothalamus than previously postulated.
Upon loss of functional Bsx I found expression of neuropeptidergic precursor transcripts to be absent in several distinct cell clusters within different subregions of the hypothalamus. Based on the reduction of nitric oxide synthase 1 expression and absence of histamine decarboxylase expression, I concluded nitric oxide signaling to be altered and brain histamine to be absent in bsx mutant larvae. Overall I found Bsx to be necessary for normal development of several neuronal subpopulations within the zebrafish forebrain.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
The staggering complexity of a vertebrate brain is reflected in its development during which a multitude of signaling pathways orchestrate the expression of even more transcription factors patterning the embryonic brain and regulating neuronal differentiation. Despite the widespread use of the highly fecund and easily genetically modifiable zebrafish as a model for neurodevelopmental research, characterization of embryonic forebrain genoarchitecture in zebrafish is sparse.
Bsx is a highly conserved homeodomain transcription factor expressed in the pineal complex, telencephalic septum region and several subregions within the developing hypothalamus. Here I present Bsx functions for all of those expression domains in the zebrafish forebrain. For the first time, I identified upstream signaling pathways and transcription factors regulating bsx expression. Using TALENs, I targeted the bsx gene and generated a zebrafish line expressing a truncated and putatively non-functional Bsx protein. In zebrafish embryos homozygous for this mutation, I found the development of all cell types of the pineal complex to be disturbed. Upon loss of functional Bsx, several genes involved in rod- or cone-like phototransduction are aberrantly expressed in the pineal complex, which in teleosts is directly light-sensitive. Since rate-limiting enzymes of the serotonin and melatonin biosynthesis pathway are not expressed, I deduced absence of those signaling molecules in the pineal gland of bsx mutants. Furthermore, the complete absence of parapineal cells in bsx mutants results in the development of double-right isomerized habenulae. Through demonstrating that urotensin 1 expression is missing in the telencephalic septum region upon loss of functional Bsx, I provide a first description of Bsx functions in the telencephalon.
Substantial discrepancies exist in anatomical models and nomenclature on the zebrafish basal forebrain. I thus analyzed gene expression domains therein and compared them to anatomical domains which have recently been defined within an updated prosomeric model based on paralog gene expression in other vertebrate classes. I was able to identify both peduncular and terminal as well as tuberal and mamillary subregions in the zebrafish basal hypothalamus. Building on these data, I adopted the updated prosomeric model to zebrafish and suggest a higher degree of evolutionary conservation between the teleostian and mammalian basal hypothalamus than previously postulated.
Upon loss of functional Bsx I found expression of neuropeptidergic precursor transcripts to be absent in several distinct cell clusters within different subregions of the hypothalamus. Based on the reduction of nitric oxide synthase 1 expression and absence of histamine decarboxylase expression, I concluded nitric oxide signaling to be altered and brain histamine to be absent in bsx mutant larvae. Overall I found Bsx to be necessary for normal development of several neuronal subpopulations within the zebrafish forebrain.2018
1. Schredelseker, Theresa; Driever, Wolfgang
Bsx controls pineal complex development Journal Article
In: Development, vol. 145, no. 13, 2018, ISSN: 1477-9129.
@article{pmid29945867,
title = {Bsx controls pineal complex development},
author = {Theresa Schredelseker and Wolfgang Driever},
doi = {10.1242/dev.163477},
issn = {1477-9129},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-07-08},
urldate = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Development},
volume = {145},
number = {13},
abstract = {Neuroendocrine cells in the pineal gland release melatonin during the night and, in teleosts, are directly photoreceptive. During development of the pineal complex, a small number of cells migrate leftward away from the pineal anlage to form the parapineal cell cluster, a process that is crucial for asymmetrical development of the bilateral habenular nuclei. Here, we show that, throughout zebrafish embryonic development, the () gene is expressed in all cell types of the pineal complex. We identified Bmp and Noto/Flh as major regulators of expression in the pineal complex. Upon loss of Bsx through the generation of a targeted mutation, embryos fail to form a parapineal organ and develop right-isomerized habenulae. Crucial enzymes in the melatonin biosynthesis pathway are not expressed, suggesting the absence of melatonin from the pineal gland in mutants. Several genes involved in rod-like or cone-like phototransduction are also abnormally expressed, indicating that Bsx has a pivotal role in the differentiation of multiple cell types in the zebrafish pineal complex.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Neuroendocrine cells in the pineal gland release melatonin during the night and, in teleosts, are directly photoreceptive. During development of the pineal complex, a small number of cells migrate leftward away from the pineal anlage to form the parapineal cell cluster, a process that is crucial for asymmetrical development of the bilateral habenular nuclei. Here, we show that, throughout zebrafish embryonic development, the () gene is expressed in all cell types of the pineal complex. We identified Bmp and Noto/Flh as major regulators of expression in the pineal complex. Upon loss of Bsx through the generation of a targeted mutation, embryos fail to form a parapineal organ and develop right-isomerized habenulae. Crucial enzymes in the melatonin biosynthesis pathway are not expressed, suggesting the absence of melatonin from the pineal gland in mutants. Several genes involved in rod-like or cone-like phototransduction are also abnormally expressed, indicating that Bsx has a pivotal role in the differentiation of multiple cell types in the zebrafish pineal complex.Theresa always enjoys sharing her experience with students. She held lectures for undergraduate students, engaged in tutorring and supervising students and offers trainings for PhD students and Postdocs.
During her undergraduate studies Theresa started to engage in representation activities and held mandates in several university boards and committes. After her PhD, Theresa switched to professional Science Management.
Contact me for anything you want to know! I am happy to answer any question you have as quickly as possible.