One of the main goals in neurosciences has been to understand how the information is processed through receiving signals, integrating different inputs, and generating outputs in neuronal cells. These three processes are mediated by interaction of a large variety of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels together with downstream effector molecules in distinct neuronal membrane compartments. Because these key molecules are distributed differentially depending on cell types and synaptic connections between distinct cell types, the precise subcellular and cellular localization of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels in the context of identified neuronal connections is a crucial step for the understanding biological mechanisms of brain function in health and disease.
Our research largely concentrates on the analysis of the cellular and subcellular basis taking place in neuronal signalling processes in the brain, specially focused in understanding how synaptic transmission mediated by neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels takes place in normal and pathological conditions. In addressing these research questions we use immunohistochemical techniques at the light microscopic level and specifically high-resolution immunohistochemical techniques at the electron microscopic level, combined with quantitative analysis and 3D reconstruction of immunolabelling. The laboratory also maintains active collaborations with several laboratories employing electrophysiological and molecular biology approaches. Human brain tissue is also studied to establish what changes occur in disease. Bellow you will find more information on our current research interests: