Molecular Physiology of the Synapse

The group is focused on understanding the organization and dynamics of the proteome from synapses of the forebrain, particularly excitatory synapses from the cortex and hippocampus. We want to unravel how synaptic proteome physiology orchestrates synaptic plasticity, ultimately contributing to cognition and behavior. Furthermore, we pursue to understand how disruption of normal molecular synaptic physiology can contribute to certain disorders, particularly cognitive disorders such as intellectual disability or autism.

Main lines of research

• Molecular and cellular analyses of the vertebrate synapse (Bayes Puig, Alejandro).
• Molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying intellectual disability and autism (Bayes Puig, Alejandro).
• Research into animal models of mental and behavioral disorders (Bayes Puig, Alejandro).
• Development of new biochemical methods to study the synapse (Bayes Puig, Alejandro).

Challenges

• Characterize the molecular roots of cognition and behavior.
• Identify the synaptic molecules and mechanisms involved in mental and behavioral disorders, mainly intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
• Identify drugs that might help treat mental and behavioral disorders.
• Study the reversibility after birth of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting cognition.

Contact

Àlex Bayés
abayesp@santpau.cat