Prof. Dr. Sophia Stoecklein

Keywords:
functional connectivity MRI,

Research methods:
MRI functional MRI, structural MRI, DTI

Brief research description:
The Functional Neuroimaging Group focuses on the assessment of the “individual brain connectome” based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We work on algorithms to detect and quantify changes in the functional connectivity architecture of individual patients in comparison to large reference cohorts, with the overarching aim to develop imaging biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and therapy guidance of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Our main focus comprises neuro-oncological and neuro-degenerative diseases. In order to better understand the adult brain, our group further uses advanced MRI techniques to study brain development perinatally, including fetal and neonatal imaging of the brain, and organ systems that impact brain development such as the cardio-respiratory system.

Selected publications:

Stoecklein S, Wunderlich S, Papazov B, et al. Functional connectivity MRI provides an imaging correlate for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell-associated neurotoxicity. Neuro-Oncology Advances. 2023;5(1):vdad135. doi:10.1093/noajnl/vdad135

Stoecklein VM*, Stoecklein S*, Galiè F, et al. Resting-state fMRI detects alterations in whole brain connectivity related to tumor biology in glioma patients. Neuro-Oncology. 2020;22(9):1388-1398. doi:10.1093/neuonc/noaa044

Stoecklein S, Hilgendorff A, Li M, et al. Variable functional connectivity architecture of the preterm human brain: Impact of developmental cortical expansion and maturation. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2020;117(2):1201-1206. doi:10.1073/pnas.1907892117

Mueller S, Wang D, Pan R, Holt DJ, Liu H. Abnormalities in hemispheric specialization of caudate nucleus connectivity in schizophrenia. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015;72(6):552. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.3176

Mueller S, Wang D, Fox MD, et al. Individual variability in functional connectivity architecture of the human brain. Neuron. 2013;77(3):586-595. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2012.12.028