Molecular Physiology

 Molecular Physiology
 

Molecular Physiology applies molecular biology techniques to answer questions coming from physiology, in particular in our institute we focus on neurophysiology. The research ranges from the molecular mechanisms of protein actions – involved, for example, in cell signaling and ion transport - to the mechanisms by which information is transmitted and integrated between cells and organs, during processes such as development or neurodegeneration.

Physiology in the post-genomic era is focused on the understanding how thousands of encoded proteins serve to bring about the highly coordinated behavior of cells and tissues both in physiological and in pathological conditions.  Research approaches this goal at many levels of organization, ranging from single molecules and individual cells to multicellular systems and the whole organism. 

Areas of study especially include cerebral cortex development, neurodegenerative mechanisms and the understanding of the physiological function of the proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson and Prion diseases. 

Research programs employ a wide range of approaches, including gene cloning, expression and mutagenesis, biochemistry, genetics, protein expression analysis, biophysics, solution NMR, immunofluorescence on tissue slices or neuronal cultures.