Neurosciences

Overview

The Neuroscience area is consolidating its position as one of the largest clusters of research labs working on neurological diseases across Europe. Thirteen groups are currently part of this area, working closely with top clinicians at the hospital. The area encompasses different aspects related to neuroscience, such as neural development, neurodegeneration, neuroimmunology, neurological pain, mental health, neurosurgery or pediatric neurology.

There are groups also focused on cell signaling and apoptosis and translational bioinformatics.

Publications

183

total

815.974

impact factor

4.459

average impact factor

Director: Joan X. Comella Carnicé

team

zoom

download

Our main goal is to characterize the role of the death receptor antagonist FAIM-L in nervous system physiology.

We have characterized two new isoforms of FAIM, namely FAIM-S_2a and FAIM-L_2a, which were previously unknown. They have roles in neuronal differentiation, and contrary to FAIM-L, they do not show protection against death receptor-induced apoptosis.

We have started the characterization of the FAIM knockout model, which is epileptic, by immunohistochemical, behavioral and electrophysiological approaches. This positions FAIM-L as a new and unexpected target for further neuronal pathologies, as it has also been previously involved in neurodegeneration and some alterations in neuronal plasticity. Additionally, we are further characterizing the role of some partners of FAIM-L in neuron physiology and pathology, particularly Siva-1and XIAP, and examining factors that could control FAIM expression. We are also exploring new links between diabetes and neurodegeneration where FAIM could be playing interesting roles.

Neurosciences

Overview

Publications

Director: Joan X. Comella Carnicé

Research Areas