Research focus and objectives of the team
Our working hypothesis is that the selective neuronal dysfunctions and death occurring in many neurodegenerative diseases originate not only from neuron-intrinsic impairments but also from the convergence of dysfunctions and damages developed within multiple cell types in specific brain areas. This includes synaptic interactions between the most vulnerable neurons within neuronal networks (e.g. striatal and cortical neurons in Huntington’s disease), as well as functional interactions between these neurons and neighboring glial cells such as astrocytes or microglia. In order to interrogate the respective role of specific cell populations, we are developing innovative in cellulo (rodent primary neural cultures and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)) and in vivo (rodents and non-human primates with Team 6) models of Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease with viral vectors. In parallel we make use of the biological resources, tools and models created to design, develop and assess new biotherapies including in particular gene and substitutive cell therapy approaches. Overall, we aim at:
1.Investigate the molecular basis of regional vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases
2. Elucidate the role of neuron-glia interactions during the course of neurodegeneration
3.Design and assess innovative biotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases
