• PlaN

• the role of serotonergic receptors in the remodeling of neuronal cytoarchitecture and their signal transduction pathways;
• the molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation and dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons;
• the alterations of synaptic plasticity in murine models of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

• PHANEPA

The main topic of PHANEPA group is to study and identify possible pharmacological targets in neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative disorders in CNS and pain. To this aim we use the most current pharmacological in vitro and in vivo models to study the role of endogenous mediators on the pharmacological effect of new compounds. The dated experience of the group in pain studies places it among the few Italian groups able to study the mechanism of action and the efficacy of natural and synthesized compounds through animal models.

• MiBut

Human body, mainly the gastrointestinal tract (GI), is largely colonized by several species of bacteria (about 500-1000 species), collectively called "microbiota". The main research line of the MiBut group is to evaluate the possible correlation between microbiota and brain (known as "gut-brain axis"). This relationship is strongly strengthened by the high comorbidity between alterations of the GI and psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression, epilepsy, etc.). In particular, the research is aimed at identifying the role of short-chain (butyrate) and long-chain (endocannaibinoids, palmitoylethanolamide) fatty acids, and in determining new pharmacological targets at the peripheral level for pathologies affecting the central nervous system. For this propose, we use pharmacological models and experimental techniques in vitro and in vivo.

• Idealcare

The group is interested in the study of natural compounds and their potential use in the neuro-inflammation related to the main neurodegenerative diseases. Particularly, since many years the interest is focused on the molecules active at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor sites as well molecules interfering with the endocannabinoid system in animal model of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Moreover, the group studies the toxicity of peptide beta amyloid in glial and neuronal cell cultures. Behavioral test, molecular biology and histological analysis are performed. The group is hold several collaboration with other research groups.