Molecular neurobiology research group

Research classification (Frascati)
Head of the research group
Keyword
neurotrophins
BDNF
bHLH transcription factors
TCF4/E2-2
neuronal activity-regulated transcription
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome
schizophrenia
neurodegenerative disorders
Covid-19
Overview
Our studies focus on the molecular mechanismsof gene expression, including transcription,mRNA and protein subcellular localization,translation, posttranslational modifications,and signaling, in the nervous system health anddisease. The main emphasis of the research ison neurotrophins, their receptors and activityregulated gene expression. We study specifically(1) molecular mechanisms controlling neuralactivity-regulated transcription and translationof the neurotrophin BDNF; (2) transcriptionalderegulation in Huntington’s disease; (3) TrkBsignaling, and its cross talk with Notch, Hedgehog and Plexin pathways; (4) the functions ofthe basic helix-loop-helix transcription factorTCF4 in the nervous system of mammals and Drosophila and its deregulation in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome and schizophrenia; (5) synaptic functions of the dendritically localized Neuralized1as an ubiquitination ligase and transcriptionalregulator.
Period of activity of the research group
Publications related to the research group