Neuroscience, Pain and Sensory Systems

The researcher' studies range from the central sensitisation of pain to the fundamentals of vision and motor control. They merge molecular biology, electrophysiology, and experimental models to advance the diagnosis and treatment of neurosensory conditions.

Research groups:

Neurobiology of Pain: Probing central and peripheral sensitisation processes underlying hyperalgesia and chronic pain. The group uses in vitro neuronal cultures and rodent models to evaluate analgesic compounds and clarify the functions of ion channels and signalling pathways.

Motor and Visual System Neurophysiology: Investigating the normal and pathological physiology of the retina and the neuromuscular system, as well as the impact of physical exercise on neural health. They collaborate on preclinical trials of photosensitive molecules for blindness therapies. They hold patent EP23382494.5, 'Compounds for sight restoration', which covers chemical agents utilising light-induced isomerisation to modulate dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors.

Key services offered:

• Evaluation of analgesic potential in cellular and animal models

• Electrophysiological recordings (patch-clamp and evoked potentials) in spinal cord and neuronal cultures

• Functional retinal assays (ERG) and motor-performance tests in animal models

• Development and characterisation of genetically modified experimental models

• Advisory services in patent protection and technology transfer in neuroscience

Current projects

• Comparative effects of AN2786, AN2830, basmisanil and darigabant on spinal neural transmission (Neurobiology of Pain).

• Preclinical evaluation of photosensitive molecules in blindness models and development of compounds for vision restoration.(Motor and Visual System Neurophysiology)

• Translational research into chronic diseases linked to ageing and renal pathology, assessing impacts on motor and sensory function (Motor and Visual System Neurophysiology)