Gustavo Paratcha, Ph.D.

Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

Research Focus

Our ability to develop efficient therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders will greatly depend on how well we understood the principles that govern the development of the vertebrate nervous system. The development of the nervous system is determined by a complex and intricate interplay between intrinsic cellular programs and extrinsic cues located in the neural environment. Within this broad context, my group is interested in understanding the functions and signaling pathways through which trophic factors and their receptors regulate the proliferation of neural stem cells, modulate the migration of neuronal progenitors and determine neuronal growth, survival and ultimately synaptic maturation and plasticity. To achieve this, we use microarray technology, cellular, molecular and biochemical techniques, and in vivo models in transgenic mice. Our final goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying the development of the nervous system, and thereby contribute to improve our knowledge and the therapeutic treatment of the diseases that affect it.

Selected Publications

• Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience website