Neurodegenerative diseases are a major health problem. Millions of people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer, Parkinson and other brain-related diseases and there is a major need to find new therapeutic strategies in order to ensure more effective treatments. In this context, it is essential to have relevant in vitro models of these pathologies. Our studies allow identifying new therapeutic targets and new compounds for therapeutic applications in the following fields.
Diseases applications
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States. The predominant motor symptoms of PD includes slow movement, resting tremor, rigidity, and gait disturbance, which are caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN).
Huntington’s disease
HD (Huntington’s disease) is an autosomal dominant inherited neurodegenerative disease that affects approximatively / 4–10 cases per 10 000 persons among Caucasians. The mutation causes an unstable huntingtin (htt) protein characterized by an expansion of the polyglutamine tract, leading to the formation of aggregates, decrease in the neurotrophic factor release, mitochondrial and vesicular trafficking impairment.
Stroke, Senile dementia
Stroke and dementia represent a major health issue as they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although the physiopathology of these diseases is complex and multi-factorial, ischemia (oxygen / glucose deprivation) and ischemia-induced excitotoxicity are two common features.
Neuropathies & demyelinating diseases
A correct production and maintenance of myelin sheath is essential to the proper function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Resembling insulation of an electrical wire, the myelin sheath enables electrical signals to be rapidly and correctly conducted along the nerve fiber.
