Neurobiology: molecular, cellular and behavioral aspects, neuropathologies and aging

 

Researches focus on mechanisms regulating brain functional states under physiological and pathological conditions in cells and mouse models. Main themes include the study of development and plasticity, emotionality, movement disorders, learning and memory, response to acute and chronic stress and pain, central control of energy homeostasis and reward, depression, aging and neurodegeneration, brain tumors. The role played by mouse genetic background, neurogenesis, microbioma, hormonal, neuroimmune systems, LncRNA/miRNA-mediated regulation and neurotrophins are investigated. Genetically manipulated animals and cellular models are used to clarify the role of genes in neural stem cell control and in different pathologies related to CNS and PNS functions. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses are carried out, in order to identify new target molecules involved in physiological and/or pathological processes. Molecular, histological and behavioral characterizations provide tools to detect pathological conditions and evaluate rescuing strategies, in a translational perspective.

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