In most neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), neuronal pathology begins as a focal process that extends to other regions of the nervous system.
Our research aims to understand the biological mechanisms underlying the neurodegenerative process in ALS. Likewise, our research points to the development of new drugs that could stop or slow disease progression, which would allow a significant improvement in patient’s quality of life.
The experimental approach is based on characterizing the neurodegenerative “cellular microenvironment”, unravelling the role of neurons and glial cells as well as immune and vascular cells. We have recently identified new cell types with aberrant phenotype as well as new protein mediators and receptors that promote the degenerative process and that can be targeted by specific drugs.
The results of these studies will impact on a better understanding, diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Characterization of aberrant phenotypes of glial cells during ALS.
Influence of mast cells and neutrophils on the degeneration of motor neurons and loss of neuromuscular synapses.
Development of new neuroinflammatory modulators for the treatment of ALS
Nitro-NGF as a new glial factor that mediates the apoptosis of the motor neuron.
2016-2017 – Research contracts for drug development for ASL (Megapharma, Uruguay and AbScience, France)
2015-2017 – ECOS Project U014S02 “Mastocytes and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases: characterization of the mechanisms involved and new therapeutic targets”
2013-2014 – Clemente Estable Fund-ANII. FCE_1_2011_1_7342. “Phenotypically Aberrant astrocytes (AbA cells): identification of mechanisms and neurotoxic genes”. Amount granted aprox. US$ 40,000.
