Development and degeneration of the nervous system

In our laboratory we aim at understanding the mechanisms underlying NERVOUS SYSTEM development, understanding DEVELOPMENT as the whole process in an organism life: from embryonic development to aging. We are also interested in the processes of NEURODEGENERATION. We have centered our research efforts in the analysis of a particular family of proteins, the LIPOCALINS, and in the members of this family that are expressed in the nervous system at key moments during DEVELOPMENT. These proteins, named for their very conserved 3D structure forming a cup that binds mostly hydrophobic ligands, form a diverse family present in all kingdoms of life. Among them is the lipocalin LAZARILLO (Laz) and its relatives (the homologous gene in vertebrates is called APOLIPOPROTEIN D, ApoD), that play important roles both in early development and during physiological aging and neurodegeneration: Axonal outgrowth, modulation of lifespan, and neuroprotection are some of their uncovered functions.