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_GEEKS- Evaluation of Gene- Environment interaction and protective Effects of Ketamine in Shank2 and Shank3 mice
Funding: PNRR
The project was dedicated to studying the impact of stress in postnatal age in the development of similar behavioral alterations and to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of acute treatment with the psychotropic drug ketamine. In particular, to deepen the role of the interaction between environmental factors (stress) and genetic traits, we used both wild-type mice and transgenic models carrying autism-associated mutations (Shank mice). The project made it possible to develop a gene-environment interaction model and to delve deeper into its behavioral and molecular alterations at the brain level.
The project allowed to obtain useful results for the understanding of the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of neurodevelopmental diseases that led to the identification of possible new therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we observed that psychedelics can improve the behavioral phenotype especially from the point of view of social behavior. This lays the foundation for further studies that delve into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in neurodevelopmental disorders. Finally, the newly generated animal model represents a tool of interest to the entire scientific community.
TRL: 3
Cluster applicativi:
Health, Lifescience
Health, Lifescience
Settori Scientifico Disciplinari
Spoke 1 : Neurodevelopment, Cognition and Social Interaction
