Baertsch Lab

The Baertsch Lab investigates how breathing is generated and regulated by the brain. By uncovering fundamental cellular and network mechanisms of respiratory control, we hope to inspire new therapeutic interventions to treat breathing disorders associated with neurological pathology, prematurity, and opioid use.

Research Projects

How endogenous and exogenous opioids affect mechanisms of respiratory control

We are working to understand how the activation of opioid receptors affects breathing, to inspire new therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse OIRD without eliminating the beneficial pain-killing effects of these drugs.

Decoding the origins of breathing

Breathing is driven by the coordinated activity of neurons in the brainstem, which continues to produce respiratory rhythms even when separated from the rest of the brain. We investigate the specific cell types and their properties and interactions that allow this network to produce rhythm.

Identifying neural circuits that integrate breathing with behavior and emotion

We are working to identify the neural circuits and mechanisms that mediate state-dependent control and allow breathing to conditionally dissociate from its underlying automatic regulation.

Join the Lab

The Baertsch Lab is currently recruiting! If you are interested in joining our team, please email a CV and statement of interest to Dr. Baertsch at nathan.baertsch@seattlechildrens.org.