Research subject

The team is developing a neuroproteomic project that has two main objectives: i) to characterize the signaling networks associated with several serotonin receptors and their role in various neurological and psychiatric disorders (mood disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, neuropathic pain), ii) to identify biomarkers of neurological disorders and determine their impact on these diseases. It is based on a multidisciplinary strategy based on (phospho)proteomic approaches associated with biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral studies.

Our efforts focus on three serotonin receptors, the 5-HT_2A, 5-HT₄ and 5-HT₆ receptors.

The 5-HT_2A receptor is a major target of antipsychotics and psychedelic hallucinogens such as LSD. This receptor interacts with another antipsychotic target, the metabotropic glutamate mGlu₂ receptor, to form heteromers that play a key role in the therapeutic response to antipsychotics. We are investigating the signaling mechanisms of 5-HT_2A/mGlu₂ heteromers and their impact on synaptic transmission and plasticity.

The 5-HT₄ receptor, which exerts pro-cognitive effects and promotes the non-amyloidogenic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and thus prevents the accumulation of amyloid peptide in senile plaques, is a potential target to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease and alleviate associated cognitive symptoms. We are characterizing the signaling mechanisms involved in the non-amyloidogenic cleavage of APP and study the impact of the receptor on the evolution of the disease in preclinical models. In line with the role of the 5-HT₄ receptor in the maturation of the enteric nervous system by the gut microbiota, the team recently initiated a project to characterize the impact of the microbiota on the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The 5-HT₆ receptor plays a key role in neuronal development and is a promising target for treating the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. We are looking for novel receptor-mediated signaling pathways involved in neuronal differentiation, synaptogenesis and cognition, which are potential targets for the treatment of cognitive impairment in dementia or psychoses. In collaboration with chemist teams, we participate in the development of new compounds targeting 5-HT₄ or 5-HT₆ receptors (or both receptors) and the characterization of their therapeutic potential.

Our work on biomarkers is currently focused on the search for prognostic biomarkers of multiple sclerosis and the study of the impact of a panel of biomarkers identified in the cerebrospinal fluid by quantitative proteomics on the progression of the disease.