MODE OF ACTION

Neuronal physiology and neurodegeneration depend on the interaction of different cell types and the regulation of molecular pathways. At Neuro-Sys we use pharmacological tools, modulation of gene expression, immunocytochemistry, gene and protein level analysis to carefully dissect the mode of action of your compounds.

We investigate how a neuroactive molecule regulates various pathways such as neurotrophic signalling. We use specific and well-validated antagonists of receptors and inhibitors of enzymes that are highly relevant to neuronal survival, such as:

• NMDA receptors

• TrkB signalling

• NOS/NO/ cGMP pathway

• PI3/Akt signalling

• PPARγ signalling

• ERK signalling

• UPR signalling

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In addition, we use SIRNA to precisely modulate the expression of genes relevant for your compounds and targets. Biomolecular analysis of protein expression/phosphorylation will define the mode of action of your compounds:

• Neuroinflammation, via the activation of microglial cells and astrocytes and the release of cytokines

• Protein clearance via ER stress/UPR signalling and macro-autophagy

• Cell death pathways (e.g. caspase-dependent apoptosis, necroptosis)

• Mitochondrial pathways and energy metabolism (production of reactive oxygen species, levels of ATP, NADPH)