Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most serious challenges in modern psychiatry. It affects approximately 4% of the global population, and its prevalence continues to rise due to ongoing worldwide conflicts. Trauma profoundly reduces quality of life for those affected. Developing effective therapies is the focus of Dr. Mykhailo Batiuk, a neurobiologist and molecular biologist and recipient of a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant, who has chosen to carry out his project at Łukasiewicz – PORT.
Pioneering Research on Traumatic Memory
Dr. Batiuk’s project centers on epigenetics—the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene activity without altering the DNA sequence itself. Traumatic experiences can “switch” these regulatory pathways on and off, disrupting brain cell function and contributing to PTSD symptoms. Using advanced single-cell genomics technologies, and drawing on experience gained in Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, Dr. Batiuk aims to pinpoint key epigenetic changes and identify new therapeutic targets. The project is expected to pave the way for more effective treatments that may ultimately provide real support to individuals suffering from trauma-related disorders.
Why Łukasiewicz – PORT?
Choosing Wrocław as the site of the project was deliberate. Łukasiewicz – PORT has extensive experience in translational research and a team of scientists specializing in neuroscience. The Ukrainian researcher also notes that the institute’s location—close to Ukraine, with a large community of war refugees in the region—amplifies the importance of mental-health research and creates unique conditions for implementing this type of study.
An additional advantage is the recently established Center of Excellence for Precision Phenotyping and Biological Data Banking (P4Health), where Dr. Batiuk will conduct his work. The center was created to advance personalized medicine and to support ambitious international research grants carried out by top experts.
Trauma and Epigenetics
Dr. Mykhailo Batiuk specializes in understanding the role of neurons and glial cells in brain function and in neuropsychiatric disorders. He is particularly interested in how traumatic experiences and environmental factors influence epigenetic regulation, affecting memory mechanisms and behavior. His research integrates single-cell genomics, neurobiology, and psychiatry to shed light on the biological foundations of mental illnesses.
This is not his first collaboration with Łukasiewicz – PORT—earlier work with Dr. Michał Ślęzak provides a strong foundation for expanding joint research initiatives. Launching Dr. Batiuk’s project at Łukasiewicz – PORT strengthens the institute’s scientific capacity and marks another milestone in building international research partnerships. It also signals that Wrocław is becoming an increasingly important hub on the European scientific map—a place where groundbreaking solutions for mental health are being developed.
