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SCIENTIFIC SEMINARS
On May 9th, 2024, we hosted the distinguished scientist, Prof. Leszek Kaczmarek, Professor at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland, and head of the Laboratory of Neurobiology.
Leszek Kaczmarek has got his PhD in experimental hematology (mentor: Prof. W. Wiktor-Jedrzejczak), followed by D.Sc. (dr hab.) in the field of experimental oncology. He carried out postdoctoral studies in Philadelphia, USA (mentor: Prof. R. Baserga) and then was visiting professor in the University of Catania, Italy; McGill University, Montreal, Canada; University of California, Los Angeles and Institute of Photonic Sciences, ICFO, Castelldefels, Spain. Since 1986 his laboratory at the Nencki Institute has been investigating brain-mind connection at all the levels of brain organization from molecular to cellular to network to behavior in health and disease.
Most of the work involves experimental animal models, however joint studies with clinicians on human neuropsychiatric disorders have also been pursued. The current major focus is on extracellular enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-9, which his laboratory documented to play paramount role in neuronal/synaptic plasticity and then in learning and memory, development of epilepsy, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders and alcohol addiction.
In his recent studies, Prof. Kaczmarek and his team, aimed to test whether MMP-9 might be engaged in epileptogenesis (epilepsy development). Indeed, they have provided a genetic proof (by using MMP-9 gene knockout to impair epileptogenesis and MMP-9 over-expressing rats and mice to enhance the epilepsy development) supporting that notion. To follow up on those results, they have recently tested inhibitors of MMP-9 enzymatic activity as therapeutics to prevent epileptogenesis in such clinically relevant preclinical models, as traumatic brain injury and stroke in mice. In result, they have identified MMP-9 inhibitor as a possible anti-epileptogenesis drug that is currently being prepared for phase one clinical trials.
The lecture was streamed on the SAME-Match-Treat platform, which serves as the project’s platform to engage with young scientists across partner institutions. We invite you to register and join our community! Home | SAME-Match-Treat (b2match.com)
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With a relentless pursuit of knowledge, we unravel the complexities of the mind, unraveling the mysteries that hinder mental well-being. Join us as we pave the way for breakthroughs in neuroscience and offer hope for a brighter future
With unwavering determination, we delve into the depths of the human mind, pioneering breakthroughs that inspire a brighter future for mental well-being and transform lives.
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