Perrone Capano Carla

Biography

PERRONE CAPANO CARLA, Department of Pharmacy, UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI FEDERICO II, Italy.

Research Interest

The main goal of our research group is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying development, survival and disease of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) circuits. These latter are involved in control of movement, reward-related behavior and cognitive functions. Dysfunction of mDA neurons plays a critical role in Parkinson's disease, mood disorders, drug addiction, and attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In our laboratory, we use animal models to study: i) the cellular and molecular effects of psychostimulants administration on brain reward circuits formed by mDA neurons; ii) the behavioral and molecular bases of ADHD; iii) the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the embryonic development of mDA neurons in the rodent brain; To this end, we also use stem cells and brain primary cultures. The elucidation of the mechanisms regulating the commitment of neural progenitors towards the mDA lineage is also important for potential cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease.