CRISPR/Cas9

IN VITRO models​

Gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9

Specific genetic mutations have been identified as cause of neurodegenerative diseases or as strong risk factors, in familial or sporadic cases.

At Neuro-Sys, we apply CRISPR/Cas9 technology to modify the genome of human neuronal cell lines to study these disease-related mutations, by homology direct repair for specific point mutations or by non-homologous end joining for constitutive knock out.

These models are proposed for drug screening.

Pharmacological tools

IN VITRO models​

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We investigate how a neuroactive molecule regulates various pathways such as neurotrophic signalling or protein clearance. 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 signaling

• NOS/NO/ cGMP pathway

• PI3/Akt signaling

• PPARγ signaling

• ERK signaling

• UPR signaling

siRNA

IN VITRO models​

Pharmacological agents interact with receptors or enzymes. They can also modulate, in fine, the expression of genes and proteins. We apply siRNA to invalidate the expression of specific targets to futher characterize the mode of action of test compounds.

Biomolecular

investigations

IN VITRO models + IN VIVO models​

Biomolecular analysis of gene expressions, protein expression/phosphorylation, biochemical essays, 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 signaling 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).