Cellular Neurobiology Lab

The studies carried out in the Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology have focused on the pathophysiological role of purinergic receptors in neuro-degenerative and neuro-inflammatory diseases of the nervous system such as, in particular, multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Through pharmacological analysis, biochemical, molecular and cell-morphology, are investigated the methods of activation and inhibition of purinergic receptors, as well as their biological effects. The studies are designed to prevent diseases of the nervous system and slow their progression.

Purinergic receptors: Function and Mechanism of Action

The research activity of the Laboratory focuses in particular on the purinergic P2X and P2Y receptor types, which are membrane receptors activated by purine and pyrimidine molecules. These are exemplified by Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which is the universal molecule for energy exchange within each cell. In addition, ATP is localized abundantly in the extracellular spaces of tissues and organs of the human body, especially after cell stimulation or cell damage, so becoming a molecule also important for exchange of information between cells. In particular, the Laboratory is studying the function and mechanism of action of these receptors in the cells of the nervous system, namely neurons and glial cells (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia).