Mobility experience with a research focus
PhD sandwich
Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences/Medicine
Field of research: Drug discovery in neuropsychopharmacology.
Melatonin (MLT), a neuromodulator mainly acting through two G-protein coupled receptors named MT1 and MT2, regulates many brain functions, including circadian rhythms, mood, pain and sleep. Ongoing research in our lab is showing the importance of selectively targeting only one of the two MLT receptors in terms of both disease pathophysiology and psychopharmacology drug discovery. In particular, we are investigating in mice the neuropsychopharmacological properties of novel and selective ligands for MT1 and/or MT2 receptors using well validated animal paradigms for depression, anxiety, social behavior, and cognitive functions. We are also exploring their neuronal mechanism of action using in-vivo electrophysiology in anesthetized or freely moving mice and neurochemistry (determination of neurotransmitter release and metabolism using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique). Overall, the candidate will have the possibility to deepen his knowledge on the neurobiological and pharmacological basis for developing selective MT1 and/or MT2 receptors ligands as novel drugs in neuropsychopharmacology.
Italian and English
Familiarity with handling rodents, mostly mice, and basic procedures with mice (injections). Experience with behavioral pharmacology experiments and immunohistochemistry is a plus.
PhD sandwich: 6-12