Induced-pluripotent stem cells and neuroproteomics as tools for studying neurodegeneration.

The investigation of neurodegenerative diseases advanced significantly with the advent of cell-reprogramming technology, leading to the creation of new models of human illness. These models, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), facilitate the study of sporadic as well as hereditary diseases and provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved with neurodegeneration. Through proteomics, a quantitative tool capable of identifying thousands of proteins from small sample volumes, researchers have attempted to identify disease mechanisms by detecting differentially expressed proteins and proteoforms in disease models, biofluids, and postmortem brain tissue.

Molecular Features Triggered by Antipsychotic Medication in Brain Cells.

Treating schizophrenia is a challenge currently handled with the use of antipsychotic drugs. Despite being the most applied treatment strategy, current antipsychotics present severe limitations and side effects which impact patients' health and quality of life. For instance, although these drugs target mainly the dopamine system, they present target promiscuity and work by distinct mechanisms of action.

Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Antidepressant Treatment on Major Depression.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex and multifactorial psychiatric disorder that causes serious health, social, and economic concerns worldwide. The main treatment of the symptoms is through antidepressant (AD) drugs. However, not all patients respond properly to these drugs.