Mechanisms of Neuronal Dysfunction and Neurodegeneration

Recommended Prerequisites

Recommendation of basic knowledge in neurobiology and neuroanatomy (1st semester).

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods include: a) Theoretical (T) classes, which include the teaching of most of the programmatic contents and the continuous evaluation, having implicit relevance in the learning and evaluation process; b) Theoretical-practical (TP) classes, in which the presentation and discussion of scientific articles will be made; c) Practical (P) classes, which will use different methodologies in the study of neurodegenerative processes; and d) Seminars (S). Classes TP, P and S are compulsory.

Learning Outcomes

To analyze and integrate the different mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction and death and the participation of glial cells, to evaluate different molecular targets of cellular dysfunction and neurodegeneration, as well as the different methodologies used to study neurodegenerative processes and the application of cellular and genetic therapies.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Study of the molecular mechanisms of dysfunction and degerenerescence of central nervous system cells (e.g., neurons, oligodendrocytes) and influence of the aging process. Dysfunction of protein quality control machinery (e.g. ubiquitin-proteasome system and macroautophagy), endoplasmic reticulum stress, neuroinflammation and glial cell involvement (e.g. microglia) and alteration of the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, excitotoxicity and intracellular homeostasis alteration of calcium, mitochondrial dysfunction, and production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Changes in hippocampal signaling and hypothalamic signaling. Non-cell autonomous mechanisms-exosomes

Molecular and cellular changes associated with the neurogenic process. Identification of therapeutic targets and the application of pharmacological therapies combase in selective, cellular and genetic molecular targets (e.g., expression of microRNAs) through the use of non-viral (e.g. lysosomes) and viral vectors.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Cristina Carvalho Rego

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 20.0%
Other: 30.0%
Mini Tests: 50.0%

Bibliography

- Rego AC, Duarte CB, Oliveira CR (2017) "Neurociências", 1ª Ed., Lidel.

- Brady S, Siegel GJ, Albers RW, Price DL (2012) “Basic Neurochemistry: Principles of Molecular, Cellular, and Medical Neurobiology”, 8ª edição, Academic Press.

- Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, Hall WC, LaMantia A-S, White LE (2012) “Neuroscience”, 5ª edição, Sinauer Associates Inc.

- Fawcett JW, Rosser AE, Dunnett SB (2001) “Brain Damage, Brain Repair”, 1ª Ed., Oxford University Press.

- Rego AC, Oliveira CR (2003) Mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species in excitotoxicity and apoptosis implications for the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurochem. Res. 28, 1563-1574.

- Nadeau SE, Ferguson TS (2004) “Medical Neuroscience”, 1ª edição, Saunders – Elsevier.

- Artigos de revisão recentes.