Neuropeptides and memory

Intervenants

Many different neuropeptides co-exist with fast-acting classical neurotransmitters in neurons of the central nervous system and play a modulatory role on brain function. In particular they are important for the modulation of learning and memory associated with changes in the internal state of the subject (arousal, stress, inflammation, reward…). In this context, our work aims at understanding the role of the opioid neuropeptidergic systems in the acquisition and consolidation of memory, with a special interest for the nociceptin/orphaninFQ system and its regulation by stress. Our hope is to identify new pharmacological targets useful to improve pathological conditions such as anxiety disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Our ongoing projects focus more specifically on:

  • The neuroanatomical characterization of some neuropeptidergic pathways in the limbic system
  • The targeting of the nociceptin system to modulate aversive memory and improve cognitive deficits
  • The modulation of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus by opioid neuropeptides

Funding

   

Université Paul Sabatier
118 Route de Narbonne

31062 TOULOUSE Cedex
France


05 61 33 58 00

Annuaire général