Metabolismo de Neurónios e Células da Glia

Students will acquire critical knowledge and concepts related to several aspects of metabolism of brain cells. The main focus will be glial cell metabolism and how these cells support neuronal function. Namely, how microglial metabolism cross-talks with inflammation control and how astrocytes respond to neuronal metabolic needs and/or cerebral blood perfusion. Moreover, implications of glial cell metabolism on human health (development) and disease (stroke or neurodegeneration) will be tackled.

Two levels of learning are expected: (i) theoretical knowledge about the subject and (ii) addressing students to state of the art biomedical research and its methodology.

The aim is to integrate the taught metabolic pathways of glial cells with the underlying mechanisms of brain function under physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, students will be taught to read, analyze and critically evaluate scientific papers and will learn the main experimental approaches used in Biomedical research. Being a 3rd year curricular unit, it may support students for their future choices for Master degrees or other specializations.