Behavioral neuropsychopharmacology

Scientific activity


Our research group aims to study:

1. Preclinical development of new drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease)

2. Molecular and biochemical bases of neuropathic pain and gastrointestinal pain in Fabry Disease

3. Dysfunction of adult neurogenesis related to neurodegenerative diseases and Fabry diseaseMolecular, cellular, functional and behavioral consequences of modulation of neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1) and its role in depression.

The ultimate aims are to:

1. Clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying some neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease), identifying new therapeutic targets.

2. To clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the onset of neuropathic and gastrointestinal pain, identifying new therapeutic targets for Fabry Disease.

3. Search for new targets for the development of new antidepressant drugs.

In particular, we are pursuing these lines of research:

1. Possible use of Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor (CNF1) toxin from Escherichia Coli for the treatment of astrogliosis and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease

2. Mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain, dysfunction in adult neurogenesis and intestinal motility in lysosomal disorders such as Fabry’ syndrome.

3. Research of new targets for the development of new antidepressant drugs.

Principal Investigator

Team

Gabriele Campana

Assistant professor

Marco Caprini

Associate Professor

Lucia Carboni

Associate Professor

Other members

Dott. Stefano Loizzo (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS Roma)