Líneas de investigación

Role of brain plasticity and the gut-brain axis in stress physiology

Study of the neurobiological mechanisms that link synaptic plasticity and bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the digestive system, in the context of physiological responses to stress.

Hippocampal granule cells from the rat brain stained with Golgi-Cox, contrasted with Nissl staining. Courtesy of Heriberto Coatl-Cuaya (NIMH, NIH).

Tight junctions of the mouse colon using electron microscopy. Image obtained in collaboration with David Martín-Hernández (CSIC).

Immune response as a risk factor in psychiatric disorders

To study how neuroplasticity processes and immune responses, along with their inflammatory and oxidative/nitrosative consequences, during critical stages of development may contribute to the emergence of neurodevelopmental and chronic stress-related disorders.

Immunofluorescence detection of Bergmann glia and astrocytes (green), mitochondria (red), and nuclei (blue) in the rat cerebellum. Image obtained in collaboration with Alicia Gil Velazco.

Astrocytes stained with Golgi-Cox in the rat hippocampus.

Behavioral and molecular pharmacology related to psychiatric disorders and aging

Evaluation of preclinical models and pharmacological strategies aimed at modifying behaviors altered by stress, neurodevelopmental insults, or chronic substance use. In particular, we are interested in pathways regulated by BDNF/Nrf2. This includes models related to drug addiction for the study of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use, withdrawal, and relapse, with a focus on the development of emerging therapies.

Diagram showing the molecular effects of antipsychotics (white arrows) and the alterations in the rat prefrontal cortex in a neurodevelopmental model for the study of schizophrenia (red arrows). Taken from Tendilla-Beltrán et al., (2021). The prefrontal cortex as a target for atypical antipsychotics in schizophrenia, lessons of neurodevelopmental animal models. Prog. Neurobiol. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101967)