Molecular Neurodegeneration

Their focus is the search for novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to aid the diagnosis and management of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders characterized by synaptopathy. They employ techniques in mass spectrometry, immunoassays, biochemical fractionation, and in vitro cell-based assays. The group is supported by national and international research and knowledge transfer grants, and our biomarkers are protected by a patent licensed to ADx Neurosciences.

Main Lines of Research

• Development and validation of fluid biomarkers of synapse degeneration in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders characterized by synapse degeneration and dysfunction. (Belbin, Olivia Elizabeth).
• Omic approaches to understand the molecular basis of synapse degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. (Belbin, Olivia Elizabeth).
• Development of pathway-based polygenic risk scores to elucidate the genetic factors underlying Alzheimer’s disease and use of in vitro cell-based assays to assess their function. (Belbin, Olivia Elizabeth).

Scientific Challenges

• Consolidating our niche while maintaining synergy with the Neurobiology of Dementia research group.
• Maintain our scientific production and funding, prioritizing the projects with higher impact.
• Establishing tools for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease through polygenic risk scores.
• Incorporating synaptic biomarkers into longitudinal studies and clinical trials through closer relations with Pharma.
• Exploring synaptic biomarker utility in primary psychiatric disorders.
• Explore effect of disease comorbidities on synaptic biomarkers.

Contact

Olivia Belbin
OBelbin@santpau.cat