Departament de Genètica. Universitat de Barcelona

RESEARCH PROJECTS

1) Role of the cerebro-spinal fluid on the development of vertebrates Central Nervous System

During early stages of embryo development, the brain cavity is filled with Embryonic Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (E-CSF), a complex fluid that contributes to the regulation of the survival, proliferation and neurogenesis of the neuroectodermal stem cells. Our research aims to dissect the role of the particular gene products of the E-CSF proteome on CNS development in two different vertebrate species commonly used as model systems, namely chick and rat, whose E-CSF proteome we have identified. The methodological approach is based on the functional analysis by immunodeprivation of each individual protein identified that may be involved in the regulation of CNS development. The parameters to be analysed include cell behaviour, and the expression of genes involved in CNS patterning, both in vivo and in vitro. The identification of the particular function of the gene products contained within the E-CSF is a key contribution to the general understanding of CNS development, and may also contribute to greater knowledge of some human diseases (see below, Research Line 2).

Staff
Dr. David Bueno

Predocs
Maryam Parvas
Anna Castells

Collaborators
Dr. Angel Gato (Dept. de Anatomía, Univ. de Valladolid)
Dr. José Antonio Moro (Dept. de Anatomía, Univ. de Valladolid)
Dra. Maria Isabel Alonso (Dept. de Anatomía, Univ. de Valladolid)
Dra. Eliandre de Oliveria (Platf. de Proteòmica, Serveis Cientificotècnics, Parc Científic de Barcelona)
Dr. Isidre Casals (Platf. de Proteòmica, Serveis Cientificotècnics, Parc Científic de Barcelona)
Dr. Jaleel Miyan (Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, UK)
Dr. Peter Brown (Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, UK)

2) Adult CSF, neurodegenerative disorders and proliferation and neurogenesis of adult neural stem-cells

The occurrences of stem cells in the adult CNS generate good expectations on neuronal regeneration therapy. Chick and rat E-CSF proteomes include gene products that have been reported to be altered in the CSF of patients suffering neurodegenerative diseases. Our research aims to establish a relationship between particular alterations in the proteome of patients suffering neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer) with respect to control humans, as well as with the evolution of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments. Our research also aims to analyse the capacity of the molecules normally occurring in the E-CSF/CSF to activate adult neural stem cells proliferation and neurogenesis to generate a significant number of new neurones in the adult CNS. The methodological approach is based on proteomic and DIGE analysis, in vitro cultures of adult neural stem cells and the use of model systems for Alzheimer disease. This line of research will increase the knowledge of the role exerted by molecules involved in neurodegenerative diseases in the particular evolution and response to conventional treatments, favouring new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

During early stages of embryo development, the brain cavity is filled with Embryonic Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (E-CSF), a complex fluid that contributes to the regulation of the survival, proliferation and neurogenesis of the neuroectodermal stem cells. Our research aims to analyse the mechanisms’ transport for proteins, water and ions from the embryonic serum to the cephalic cavity and viceversa, which is crucial for the role of this fluid on the neuroectoderm. The methodological approach is based on the microinjection in both, chick and rat embryos, of several different proteins (endogenous and foreign proteins) of different molecular weights, properly labelled to analyse the dynamics of transport at different physiological conditions, as well as the tissular, cellular and subcellular identification of the transport areas by immunochemical procedures. The location of water and ion channels is also analysed by both immunochemistry and electrophysiology. The identification of the features of this transport of molecules is a key contribution to the general understanding of CNS development, and it may have some important pharmacological implications.

Staff
Dr. David Bueno

Predocs
Maryam Parvas
Anna Castells

Collaborators
Dr. Peter Brown (Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, UK)