Since 2008, the CRN2M (Center for Research in Neurobiology and Neurophysiology of Marseille) combines basic and translational research which associate teams from the medical and the scientific components of Aix Marseille University.
The CRN2M develop research projects in four major topics :
- The ion channel functions : the mechanisms of the ion channel targeting to the initial segment of the axon versus the dendrite, to the nodal and the perinodal regions of the myelinated fibres, the neuron-glia interactions in the myelinated fibres and the pathophysiology of the demyelinating diseases, the roles of the ion channels in the transduction of mechanical and thermal painful stimuli in the somatic and visceral sensitivity.
- The synaptic plasticity : the role of astrocytes in modulating the glutamatergic transmission, the synaptic plasticity during the treatment of the visceral information within the spinal bulb.
- The role of the transcription factors, clock genes and intracellular signalling in the pituitary development and their contribution to the pathophysiology of neuroendocrine tumorigenesis.
- The neuroimmune interactions in neurodegenerative diseases.
These research are conducted at molecular, cellular and physiological levels, to implement our knowledge and to develop new therapeutic tools and diagnostic approaches through the interface with hospital departments.
These interfaces cover several important areas in terms of public health, such as, somatic and visceral pain, respiratory pathologies, neuroimmunes demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases as well as neuroendocrine disorders.
In 2012 the Centre involves 8 teams around its main areas of expertise : Neurobiology of ion channels and synaptic transmission, Glial regulation, Neuroendocrinology and Neuroimmunology :
- TEAM 1 : Visceral information processing
Team leader : TELL Fabien
- TEAM 2 : Ions channels and sensory transduction
Team leader : DELMAS Patrick
- TEAM 3 : Neuron-glia interactions and neuropathology
Team leader : FAIVRE-SARRAILH Catherine
- TEAM 4 : Signalling in neuroendocrine tumors
Team leader : BARLIER Anne
- TEAM 5 : Role of transcription factors and clock genes in pituitary pathophysiology
Team leader : BRUE Thierry
- TEAM 6 : Neuroimmune interactions and nervous system pathologies
Team leader : BOUCRAUT José
- TEAM 7 : Architecture of axonal domains
Team leader : DARGENT Bénédicte
- TEAM 8 : Gliotransmission and synaptopathies
Team leader : MOTHET Jean-Pierre
The CRN2M has integrated in 2012 the technology platforms of the IFR Jean Roche. The platforms coordinator is CREST Marcel.
The four research platforms are :
- Centre for Microscopy and Imaging (CMI) , north component of the platform « Cellular imaging in Marseille » stamped IBISA.
- Le Centre d’Analyses Protéomiques de Marseille (CAPM) , north component of the platform « Marseille Proteomic (MaP) » stamped IBISA. Specific research projects linked to the platform concern the structure-function properties of toxins contained in animal venoms.
- Centre for Transgenomic Studies (CTA) is a facility accredited by veterinary services of the Prefecture des Bouches-du-Rhône.
- Quantitative qPCR (PTq PcR) is a service offered to the teams.
In addition basic to clinical Research Interface (12R) is an interface to promote transfer between basic and clinical research. This structure is designed to support projects at the interface of basic and clinical research such as diagnostic methods, identification of biomarkers, experimental studies in animal concerning mechanisms and side effects of treatments. An interface in neurogastroenterology as already been initiated.
The CRN2M is a Research Unit from the CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, located in the School of Medicine of Marseille, in the North Campus. The CRN2M is designed to accomodate teams in cellular and molecular neurobiology practising fundamental translational research open to the resolution of important issues in terms of public health.
This objective and skills provide to the Center a specific place in the network of the Neuroscience Research in Marseille.
Direction : Pr Alain Enjalbert
