Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period for brain development and adverse experiences like social isolation (SI) can lead to long-term affective disorders. This project investigates the impact of adolescent SI on adult psychopathology by identifying behavioral and molecular markers of vulnerability and resilience to SI-induced anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. Neurobiological mechanisms involved (HPA axis, BDNF, dynorphin) will be investigated by RNA-seq and genetic/epigenetic analyses. We hypothesize that SI increases susceptibility to affective disorders via neuroendocrine and neurofunctional dysregulation. The therapeutic potential of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound with promising antidepressant effects, will be evaluated in this model. We expect it to significantly reduce negative affective symptoms, particularly in SI-exposed rats, and to exert stronger therapeutic effects in these subjects. Molecular analyses will help uncover the underlying mechanisms of its action.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Patrizia Romualdi
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie
Coordinator:
Università degli Studi di MILANO(Italy)
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 72.000,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
16/10/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
