The group of NEUROPHARMACOLOGY at the Cajal institute was formally constituted in the 90’s. Actually, we investigate the regulation of synaptic tonus and its influence on pain perception, drug dependence and mood diseases such as schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder.

Neurons are highly specialized cells, differentiated into two compartments, axonal and somatodendritic. These compartments are completely different in their morphology and physiological function. Axon formation is an essential stage in neuronal polarization, followed by the formation of the axon initial segment (AIS), which controls the traffic of proteins into the axon, axon identity, maintains its integrity and is responsible for the generation of action potentials that allow the transmission of nerve impulses.

Research on the mediating mechanisms of lifestyle effects on brain and cognition, with special attention to physical exercise and stress. The group has focused in recent years on the associated neural plasticity mechanisms, with special emphasis on the inter- and trans-generational effects of the exercise that imply epigenetic mechanisms, as well as the relations between pain and memory.

Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the inner workings of key functional and pathological amyloids and their comparative analysis.

Study of neurodegenerative diseases physiopathology and search for therapeutic strategies.

Work in our laboratory is aimed at understanding the role of the transcription factor E2F4 and its post-translational modifications in cell cycle regulation and cell homeostasis of adult neurons, as well as its association with normal and pathological processes of the nervous system. Since a few years ago we actively work in neuronal tetraploidy. The Group is currently constituted by the following members: Dr. José María Frade-López (PI) Dra. Noelia López-Sánchez, PhD Dra. Cristina Sánchez-Puelles-Peñaranda, PhD Dra. Alicia Hernández Vivanco, PhD Dra.

Study of the mechanisms of protection and repair of the neurovascular unit: We conducted a multidisciplinary research on the involvement of the neurovascular unit in diseases affecting the nervous system, including stroke and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. We undertook the study in rodent models by applying anatomical, histochemical, biochemical, and cellular and molecular biology techniques.

The CO2 capture Group focuses on the R&D processes for separating CO2 using CaO as a regenerable sorbent (Calcium Looping) and other system based on gas-solid reactions at high temperature. The Group is also working on thermo-chemical energy storage using such reactions. The tasks include the modeling of gas-solid reaction, experimentation in pilot plants and the development of new processes integrating the reactor models. The funding is mainly from European Projects and research contracts with companies.

The research carried out by the group is included in one of the main research lines of INCAR, such as the decarbonization of industrial sectors.