Laboratory of Cholinergic Signaling

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ABOUT THE LABORATORY

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that binds to nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs and mAChRs, respectively). While nAChRs are ion channels and mAChRs are metabotropic receptors coupled with G-proteins, both mediate acetylcholine signaling in the central nervous system and periphery. There are multiple subtypes of nAChRs and mAChRs with different structures and pharmacological properties, giving them distinct functions on cellular and organism levels. Although common, the various receptor subtypes are all expressed in specific neuronal populations that also serve different functions. The most fundamental processes such as neuronal signaling and activity, neurotransmitter release and neuronal plasticity are modulated by acetylcholine receptors. Therefore, it is unsurprising that they have been identified as potent therapeutic targets in a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, turning a potential target into an actual therapy is not easy. The ultimate goal of our group is to explore and exploit the great complexity of acetylcholine receptors to pave the way toward new, more safe and efficient therapeutic approaches.

What we do
To achieve our goal of understanding the complexity of acetylcholine receptors, we study their expression and function in particular neuronal populations. Using various imaging techniques, we aim to uncover what combinations of various subtypes of acetylcholine receptors are expressed in specific neurons and what their subcellular localization and trafficking in these neurons is in vivo. Then, using targeted genetic approaches, we alter the expression of the receptors in different neuronal types in order to determine how these alterations can affect the function of the neuron and most importantly, the behavior of the whole organism. We are also aware that the same genetic approaches we employ in mice cannot be used in human patients. That is why we employ targeted drug delivery techniques and viral vectors in wild-type animals in order to test the possibility of controlling cholinergic signaling in a neuronal-type-specific manner for future clinical applications.

What motivates us
We believe that only a thorough understanding of acetylcholine receptors’ functions and mechanisms can enable us to develop effective therapy targeting these receptors. Such therapy should be specific, not only for different subtypes of acetylcholine receptors but also for individual types of neurons expressing them. Therefore, we strive to test approaches that would allow us to control the function of acetylcholine receptors in a neuronal-type-specific manner. Last but not least, we believe that basic research is not just about opening new avenues for drug development and other practical matters. Basic research is mainly about identifying and the subsequent pushing back of borders. The chief aim of our research is to answer the question of how we can mold and tune the refined mammalian brain by using acetylcholine receptors.

Future lab members
Are you interested in joining the team? Let us know!

Address
Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Videnska 1083
14200, Prague 4

Phone
+420 241062287

Email
helena.janickova@fgu.cas.cz

Achievements

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The Laboratory of Cholinergic Signaling was established on 1.10.2024. Congratulations!

Publications

Photogallery

People

Head of Laboratory

Head of Laboratory
Tel: 2287
Email: helena.janickova@fgu.cas.cz

Deputy head of laboratory

Laboratory staff

Graduate student
Tel: 2555
Email: amanda.barboza@fgu.cas.cz
Lab technician
Tel: 2555
Email: noemi.biernot@fgu.cas.cz
Research assistant
Tel: 2555
Email: verma.chandani@fgu.cas.cz
Lab technician
Tel: 2555
Email: ludmila.hamrle@fgu.cas.cz
Lab technician
Tel: 2524
Email: dana.ungerova@fgu.cas.cz
Lab technician
Tel: 2555
Email: anna.urushadze@fgu.cas.cz