Brain axis' themes

The brain axis focuses on molecular, cellular, and preclinical levels to address the biological bases of brain functioning in normal and pathological states, elaborating tools to characterize brain processes to overcome pathological dysfunctions.

Four research themes will be developed:

Neuronal functioning

  • Describe the organization of the neuronal actin/microtubulin cytoskeletons in normal and pathological contexts, including Alzheimer disease and schizophrenia models. 
  • Identify specific sets of mRNA (messenger RNA) involved in axonal survival after injury.
  • Decipher the molecular mechanisms leading to synaptic plasticity alterations in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Understand the role of the neuron/glia interplay during normal and neurodegenerative aging.

Neural networks

  • Molecular pathways at play in the formation of a functional optic nerve circuit after injury.
  • Multi-level approach of brain networks underlying epilepsy and cognition, from single cell to cell network.
  • Pathophysiological mechanisms at the cellular level of subthalamic nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in obsessive compulsive disorders.

Preclinical neuro-diagnosis

  • Preclinical in vivo evaluation of a radiotracer of pathological human Tau protein oligomers, to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. 
  • Preclinical proof of concept of a 5-min MR vascular fingerprinting exam to diagnose stroke. This requires advanced biophysical modeling and AI-driven image reconstruction.
  • Preclinical evaluation of the combination of quantitative multiparametric MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) and MR Spectroscopy of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) to delineate the epileptogenic area, with a focus on the impact of anti-epileptic drugs on these imaging biomarkers. 
  • Early and longitudinal monitoring of fine alterations of certain neurotransmitters through biosensors. 

Preclinical neuro-therapeutics

  • Safety and efficacy evaluation of the use of microbeam synchrotron radiation in reducing seizure in a model of mesio-temporal lobe epilepsy.
  • Proof of concept of regeneration stimulation strategies for CNS (central nervous system) trauma in a model of optical nerve injury.
  • Safety and efficacy evaluation of an intracerebral injection of neural stem cells embedded in a self-healing hydrogel (existing patent) to enhance recovery in a rat model of stroke. 
  • Preclinical evaluation of focal gene-transfer performed using MR-guided Focused Ultrasound and in the context of a genetic model of Parkinson Disease

Submitted on March 7, 2023

Updated on April 25, 2023