Neurovascular unit and neurodegeneration

In our group we work to unravel the mechanisms driving neuronal death with the aim of finding novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases. We base our objective in the study of proteins that might become direct therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration, according to their own function and characteristics, for example the neuronal antiapoptotic isoform FAIM-L. In this regard, we are focused not only in brain neurodegeneration, especially in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies, but also in retinal neurodegeneration, as another neuronal system tightly related with brain function. Also, we explore the capacity of other systems to affect the neuronal function, and therefore to modulate neuronal physiopathology in neurodegenerative conditions, as it is the influence of the vascular system and its alterations in neuronal function and dysfunction. 

• To study the interaction between FAIM-L and Tau, and its implications in neuronal physiology and neurodegenerative diseases 
• To elucidate the role of FAIM-L in the retina, and its possible association with neurodegeneration related to type II diabetes, as an approximation to the neurodegeneration associated to Alzheimer's disease or other retinal pathologies. 
• To uravel the role of FAIM-L in the regulation of proteostasis, protein folding and ubiquitination. 
• To study the participation of the cerebrovascular system dysfunction in neurodegeneration.

We are particularly interested in intracellular neuronal proteins related with the apoptotic machinery, which are able to prevent neuronal death but also develop other functions related with the synaptic function, as it is the case of the long isoform of the antiapoptotic protein FAlM (FAIM-L). We are also interested in the interrelationship between the different components of the neurovascular unit system, and in the effect of vascular alterations occurring in systemic disease for the neuronal function and dysfunction not only in the brain, but in other neuronal tissues such as the retina.