Our team is interested in modifications operating at the level of neural circuits (neuroadaptations) in various situations. We combine the use of experimental models and clinical research to identify the cellular and molecular bases responsible for the dysfunction of neural circuits involved in motor and cognitive functions, whether in physiological conditions (eg deprivation of sleep) and pathological (neurodevelopmental diseases and neurodegenerative diseases).

• Regarding neurodevelopmental disorders, the team aims to characterize motor deficits in autism spectrum disorders. Indeed we aim to determine their possible use as an early biomarker to identify the relationships between motor and cognitive deficits and the associated cellular and molecular substrates. We have a particular interest for the cerebellum and basal ganglia.
• Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, the team aims to identify the mechanisms of non-motor side effects induced by the treatment of Parkinson’s disease such as dopamine dysregulation syndrome or impulse control disorders. To carry out this work, the team uses behavioral analysis approaches, in-vivo and ex-vivo electrophysiology, viral vector gene transfer, targeted neuronal inactivation and functional neuroanatomy.

Research projects

• Exploring New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathways in Autism Spectrum Disorders (M. Jaber)
• Role of striatal parvalbumin interneurons in autism spectrum disorders (L. Galvan)
• Role of fronto-striatal plasticity in the side effects induced by anti-parkinsonian treatments (M. Benoit-Marand)
• Implication of cognitive flexibility in impulse control disorders induced by anti-parkinsonian treatments (P.O. Fernagut).
• Sleep and inspiratory endurance (X. Drouot)

Funding

• Peer-reviewed Articles
• Reviews, Book Chapters and comments
• Oral Communications
• Posters