The Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology conducts multidisciplinary research to reveal the functional organization at molecular, cellular and systems levels of CNS circuits that regulate coordinated neuroendocrine, autonomic and metabolic responses to stress and neuroimmune interactions. We are committed to characterize the signaling molecules and mechanisms used in such networks and to study their plasticity in response to various challenges.

Our problem-solving methodical repertoire includes wide range of molecular, anatomical, immunological, and physiological techniques, and involves collaboration with numerous local, national and international research groups.

In addition to in vivo experiments on normal and genetically manipulated laboratory rodents, we also use in vitro technologies, such as organotypic slice cultures and are ready to apply comparative approaches.

Traditionally, the major focus of our work is on the neurobiology of stress, the neuro-immune regulation and their relationship.

Current project goals are:

1. To reveal excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms that stimulate and constrain the activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, respectively
2. To reveal at both systems and cellular levels the means with which the immune and the central nervous system communicates.

During the review period we have established two techniques in the Institute and made them available to other research groups: the organotypic slice culture technique and the multisynaptic tracing technology with genetically modified herpesviruses.

Our mission is to provide basic research background to fight stress-related pathological conditions, such as certain metabolic-, immune-, cardiovascular- neurodenerative- and psychiatric diseases.

We aim to reveal complex functional neuronal circuits that are involved in the coordinated regulation of autonomic, neuroendocrine and immune responses, to identify signaling molecules that affect communication in these networks and to study their regulation under stress. The research involves combination of various anatomical and physiological techniques from the molecular to the systems levels. In addition to strong research program, we are committed to transfer this knowledge for prevention and development of new treatment strategies against stress-induced disorders.