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Synaptic Dysfunction in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Descrizione del progetto

Approfondimenti meccanicistici sui disturbi mentali

Prove sempre più numerose indicano che disturbi mentali quali l’autismo e la schizofrenia sarebbero caratterizzati da una connettività disfunzionale nel cervello. L’obiettivo del progetto Syn2Psy, finanziato dall’UE, è quello di formare alcuni ricercatori in fase iniziale di carriera nella risoluzione di questioni fondamentali relative ai disturbi neuropsichiatrici. La logica è quella di approfondire i difetti sinaptici e di progettare strategie che bersagliano circuiti neuronali specifici come mezzo per modulare il decorso della malattia. I ricercatori svilupperanno nuovi modelli di malattia per studiare i percorsi di regolazione dello sviluppo e della plasticità delle sinapsi, oltre a elaborare potenziali interventi terapeutici. I partner industriali del progetto offriranno competenze in materia di sviluppo tecnologico e farmacologico.

Obiettivo

The large public health burden and individual suffering associated with mental disorders speaks to the need to study their biological underpinning. Genetic research, animal models of disease and human neuroimaging studies have provided convergent evidence to common pathways implicated in their aetiology, namely pathways that regulate synapse development and plasticity, which result in abnormal structural and functional connectivity in the brain of neuropsychiatric patients. The time has come to integrate studies across different levels, leading to the identification of signatures of illness associated to specific risk pathways, which can drive the development of novel therapies.

The objective of Syn2Psy is to provide high-level Ph.D. training for 14 early stage researchers (ESRs) to answer three critical questions: 1) What are the synaptic defects at the basis of neuropsychiatric disorders? 2) Which are the neuronal circuits that are disrupted, and may be targets for therapies? 3) How and when can we modulate the course of disease? Syn2Psy combines strong scientific with complementary know-how from the non-academic sector, and network-wide actions on scientific and complementary soft skills, to train a new generation of high achieving ESRs and provide them with the transferable skills necessary for thriving careers in a flourishing area. Industrial partners Lundbeck, Eurotrials and ZEISS provide experience on drug, clinical trials and technology development, the Coimbra University Hospital will expose the students to clinical research, while the clinic for child development PIN and the Marionet theatre company offer training in societal awareness and outreach. The excellent basic scientific knowledge and diverse skills acquired by ESRs will enhance their employment prospects in both the academic and non-academic sectors, and their scientific contributions will inform novel therapeutic approaches for alleviating this leading cause of disability worldwide.

Coordinatore

CENTRO DE NEUROCIENCIAS E BIOLOGIACELULAR ASSOCIACAO
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 713 160,72
Indirizzo
UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA LARGO MARQUES DE POMBAL
3004 517 Coimbra
Portogallo

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Regione
Continente Centro (PT) Região de Coimbra
Tipo di attività
Research Organisations
Collegamenti
Costo totale
€ 713 160,72

Partecipanti (5)

Partner (5)