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Research Programmes

Cell & Developmental Biology

Developmental neurobiology and regeneration

esoriano

Eduardo Soriano

Principal Investigator
Professor (Cell Biology Dept. - UB)

Office Tel : +34 93 403 71 17 +34 93 40215 39

e-mail : eduardo.sorianoirbbarcelona.org

Background

Brain development is a complex process which involves several sequential steps: regional determination, specification of neuronal cell types, control of cell migration, guidance and formation of neural connective networks, and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity.

The correct functioning of all these processes is essential for the construction of the brain. Genetic and molecular alterations of these processes are always associated with anatomical malformations and physiological dysfunctions of this organ. Recent research has demonstrated that these steps are exquisitely controlled by a variety of molecular and cellular mechanisms, including expression of specific transcription factors, activity of morphogens and growth factors, guidance molecules and extracellular proteins, and synaptic activity.

Our research focuses on the identification of new genes involved in these processes, and the characterization of the intracellular signalling pathways activated in growth cones in response to extracellular signals. Moreover, it is known that the adult brain does not regenerate, either after lesions or disease-associated cell-death processes. Studies on the mechanisms that govern the normal development and growth of the nervous system are essential to explain the lack of spontaneous brain repair in adult tissue and to design new regenerative approaches to repair brain lesions.

Research Interests

Our main goal is to identify and characterize new signalling pathways and new genes that participate in the development of the Nervous System, in particular of the cerebral cortex.

We study the role of new genes, previously identified in a substracted cDNA library (eg., the adhesion proteins tspan-5 and Podocalyxin; the beta-catenin-like protein Alex-3), in neural migration and guidance, formation of neural connections, and neural maturation.

We combine biochemical and molecular biology approaches with functional in vitro models. Furthermore, transgenic and knock-out mice are generated to ascertain the function of these genes in vivo. In addition, we dissect new signalling pathways activated by two classical guidance cues, Netrin 1 and Reelin.

We also study the participation of Pyk1, a new cytoslic tyrosine kinase cloned by the group, and also SNARE proteins regulating exocytosis at the growth cone in the signalling pathways activated by Netrin 1 and Reelin.

Finally, our research also addresses new regenerative and cell therapy-based approaches for the repair of lesioned neurons and for the replacement of degenerated, dead neurons in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Research Lines

Our research focuses on the identification of genes and epigenetic factors that govern the development of the cerebral cortex. In particular, we study the molecular factors that regulate neural migration and the formation of specific neural connections.

Major efforts are devoted to determining the role of new genes in these events, by using in vitro cell technologies and murine animal models generated in the laboratory (conditional transgenics and knock-outs). We also dissect the intracellular cascades activated by guidance molecules in growth cones during neural development (receptors, kinases, synaptic proteins, adaptors and activation of transcription factors).

Our team has developed an in vitro model for nerve regeneration by using organotypic slice cultures. In this preparation, neurons can be manipulated easily and bioactive reagents can be tested for the promotion of nerve regeneration. Furthermore, regenerating axons can be visualized directly and monitored under the microscope by labelling with fluorescent markers such as GFP.

Our research involves state-of-the-art techniques in the fields of cell and molecular neurobiology, neurodevelopment and neuroregeneration. We use several experimental approaches, including neural transplantation, the genetic engineering of cell lines expressing genes with axogenic properties, and the generation of transgenic mice, to ameliorate genetic developmental disorders of the cerebral cortex and to promote axonal regeneration of damaged, neural axotomized connections.

A second approach explores the potential of neural stem cells (neurospheres) obtained from adult tissue for neuronal repair; we also aim to characterize new factors that control their proliferative potential and their differentiation into particular types of cortical neurons.

Funding

This group receives financial support from the following sources:

  • Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo (FIS- Spanish National Institute of Health)
  • Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MEC - Spanish Ministry of Science and Education)
  • Generalitat de Catalunya (Government of Catalonia)
  • Fundació “la Caixa” (La Caixa Foundation)
More info

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Research Directory

Core facilities and Services Directory

  • Generalitat de catalunya
  • Generalitat de catalunya. Salut
  • Universidad de Barcelona
  • Parc cientific

Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)
Parc Científic de Barcelona
C/ Baldiri Reixac 10-12
08028 Barcelona - Spain
Tel: (+34)93 403 7111 | Fax: +34 93 403 7114
infoarrobairbbarcelona.org