ENI-Pasteur is a node based primarily in the Department of Neuroscience, which was established in January 1st, 2002 by Jean-Pierre Changeux as Chair.The current chair of the Department is Dr. Pierre-Marie Lledo.

Institut Pasteur is located in central Paris and offers an outstanding and unparalleled research environment through its state-of-the-art research laboratories with integral biological services capability, cutting-edge scientific equipment, and technologically-advanced platforms.

Our Department is composed of six research Units (comprising 100 people). It aims at elucidating the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development, plasticity, and pathogenesis of sensory circuits as well as cognitive functions in the mammalian brain. For this, we are studying brain functions and behavior on multiple scales: from the structure/function of synaptic proteins, to intra- and interneuronal information processing to the identification of genetic and epigenetic factors influencing circuit function. The fundamental research performed in the Department will provide a better understanding of the defective processes in neurological and psychiatric disorders and the necessary knowledge for the development of therapeutic approaches.

The perspective

• We aim to understand the molecular, cellular, and network mechanisms that shape dynamic connectivity within the brain and result in learning, memory, sensory perception, social communication and cognition.
• We aim to understand how genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors individually and collectively shape dynamic brain connectivity, and result in neurological/psychiatric disorders.
• We aim to develop pharmacological and genetic tools for preventing/alleviating/curing peripheral and central neuronal circuit deficits.
• We aim to understand the influence of the microbiome on the human central nervous system.

The principal expertise of the Department

Questions addressed in the Department are related to how mechanical, biochemical and electrical signals are produced and stored in neurons and neuronal networks to create and represent information. We use genetic, molecular, cellular, and behavioural strategies to understand the fundamental principles of brain function and their alteration in brain disease.
These units have interests ranging from molecular and cellular physiology to clinical studies. A strong point of the center is that it has developed interactions between experimental neuroscience, modeling and technical developments, particularly regarding advanced optical techniques

Team Lead

Name
Professor David DiGregorio – Dynamic Neuronal Imaging

Members

Name

Alumni

Name
Alumni Dr. Thomas Bourgeron – Neurogenetics of human cognitive functions and genetic susceptibility to psychiatric diseases
Alumni Dr. Pierre-Jean Corringer – Molecular Biology
Alumni Dr. Pierre-Marie Lledo – Perception and Memory