NEURONS – Natural products as key drivers in the development of neuroprotective therapeutic agents

Abstract/Aim
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and depression, are increasing worldwide. Most of the currently available treatments are inefficient and known for having undesirable side-effects, thus becoming urgent to develop new drugs. The NEURONS aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of natural and/or natural-derived compounds, isolated from seaweeds as well as rubiscolins and their analogs, as antidepressant and neuroprotective agents on in vitro depression and PD cellular models, respectively, characterization of their mechanisms of action. NEURONS will also promote the mobility of researchers in a multicultural training experience strategy, sharing theorical knowledge and practical skills, contributing to raise new research questions and opportunities for the development of novel neuroprotective drugs.

Keywords
Seaweeds; Neurological disorders; Parkinson’s Disease

Partners
Medical University of Lodz (Polónia)

Coordinator MARE-Polytechnic of Leiria
Rui Pedrosa – rui.pedrosa@ipleiria.pt

Funding
2.000,00€ (MARE-Polytechnic of Leiria) | FCT // Duration 2022-2024