Axe 1 : Neurobiologie et neuropharmacologie

This research area focuses on understanding the fundamental processes underlying the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems, identifying the pathological mechanisms of neurological disorders, and developing new approaches for their treatment. The complexity of the nervous system presents a significant challenge for scientists seeking to understand the causes of neurological diseases. We address this challenge by exploring neuronal processes, from single-molecule studies of neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels, and transporters, to cellular studies of isolated nerve cells and circuits, and including systems and behavioral approaches in disease models.

The teams in Axis I study a variety of human brain disorders, such as depression, chronic pain, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, neurodevelopmental disorders including Fragile X syndrome, stroke, brain cancer (glioblastoma), and substance abuse. The Axis comprises researchers with diverse knowledge and expertise, ranging from molecular biology and biochemistry to pharmacology, synaptic physiology, and cognitive science. Together, we form the largest neuroscience community in the region, and we are committed to working collaboratively and communicating scientifically with other entities. Several researchers are also involved in theoretical and practical teaching responsibilities on neurophysiology and brain disorders, open to the French scientific community. Furthermore, our researchers organize several activities within the framework of the national "Brain Awareness Week" program in our region, aiming to promote the importance of brain research to the general public. The creation of this research area will strengthen collaboration between the different teams by promoting internal scientific communication, the exchange of technical expertise, and experimental tools and models. More broadly, we aim to strengthen interdisciplinary projects within the IPMC, supported by high-level local technical platforms, to explore new avenues of research.