Our approach involves integrating pharmacological interventions with rehabilitative training in rodent models, aiming to enhance neural circuit reorganization and ultimately improve functional outcomes. As a Ph.D. candidate, you will gain hands-on experience with a wide range of cutting-edge methodologies, including:

- In Vivo studies: You will have the opportunity to conduct in vivo experiments in rodent models to investigate functional, morphological, and biochemical changes resulting from our therapeutic interventions. We manipulate neuronal activity through chemogenetics, optogenetics, and/or novel pharmacological tools, and we monitor the short- and long-term consequences of these manipulations by using genetically-encoded sensors and fiber photometry, neuronal tracing, and electromyography. These state-of-the-art techniques, together with the kinematic analysis of specific motor tasks, provide a window into the dynamic neural processes at play during motor performance and rehabilitation.

- In Vitro studies: Our research also includes an in-depth in vitro analysis of neurotransmission systems' signaling pathways. You will gain expertise in cellular and molecular techniques to uncover the intricacies of these signaling mechanisms. We employ techniques such as BRET, FRET, and NanoBiT on a daily basis to characterize the interaction between GPCRs. In this project we will delve deeper into the interaction between orexin and serotonin receptors, particularly involved in motor recovery and neuroplastic processes

Full offer: https://www.neurociencies.ub.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1010_PhD_A-Flores-lab.pdf