NeuroKines

Brain damage in newborns can be caused by intrinsic factors (strokes, epilepsy, tumors) or extrinsic factors (fetal or maternal infections, head trauma, exposure to toxic substances). These conditions increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), affecting the child’s neurological and cognitive functions.

The NeuroKines team (Team 1) is dedicated to studying the cellular mechanisms responsible for these lesions, with a goal to identifying new therapeutic targets. Using in vitro and in vivo models reproducing these neonatal and pediatric neuropathological processes, our aim is to test candidate molecules and develop innovative neuroprotective strategies. Our goal is also to transfer these advances into clinical trials to improve the management of at-risk newborns.

The NeuroKines team is composed of 4 groups with complementary themes, led by:
– Juliette Van Steenwinckel and Pierre Gressens (G1)
– Alice Jacquens and Vincent Degos (G2)
– Pascal Dournaud (G3)
– Stéphane Auvin (G4)

KEY WORDS: Neurodevelopmental disorders, Prematurity, Traumatic brain injury, Fetal alcohol syndrome, Epilepsy, Autism, Cognitive deficits, Neuroinflammation, Microglia, Cytokines.