

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:
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NMDA receptors
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TrkB signalling
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NOS/NO/ cGMP pathway
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PI3/Akt signalling
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PPARγ signalling
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ERK signalling
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UPR signalling
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:
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Neuroinflammation, via the activation of microglial cells and astrocytes and the release of cytokines
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Protein clearance via ER stress/UPR signalling and macro-autophagy
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Cell death pathways (e.g. caspase-dependent apoptosis, necroptosis)
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Mitochondrial pathways and energy metabolism (production of reactive oxygen species, levels of ATP, NADPH)