Neuropharmacology

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. Our objective is the discovery of the molecular mechanisms implicated in these diseases with the hope of providing new targets to develop more efficacious treatments in the clinic.In order to understand the mechanisms causing particular neural dysfunctions we use two complementary approaches: conventional behavioural, pharmacological and cellular methodologies, and the evaluation of protein-protein interactions using multiple molecular techniques. We have demonstrated the translational capability of our research, and we maintain a tight collaboration with a Spanish Pharmaceutical Company under the project of identifying the molecular mechanism of a new and very potent antiallodynic drug.