The studies of the researchers of the neurobiology section are centered on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that preside at the differentiation of the nervous cells, with particular reference to the NGF-dependent populations, and on those that provoke their degeneration and death: the potential practical utilization of research results is on neurodegenerative diseases. This activity is the main nucleus of research of the neurobiology section of the Institute.
The scope of these studies is to identify all the cells (of nervous and not nervous origin) that respond to growth factors, to analyze the genic expression in response to such factors and to search the causes and the mechanisms that provoke neuronal death through cytotoxic or apoptotic mechanisms. The experimental methods in use for such studies regard the methodologies of cellular cultures, the techniques for their trasfection and genic manipulation as well as those concerning the cultures of stem cells. The employment of the methodologies of molecular biology constitutes the technical approach in such studies. The understanding of such mechanisms has remarkable importance regarding the neurodegenerative diseases, and in particular multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer, whose therapy is previewed as a possible application of the research and opens interesting future developments, thanks also to valid collaborations with universities and national and international centers of research.
CNR, MIUR, European and American plans constitute the main sources of financing for this activity.
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