Brain plasticity enables the brain to cope with the environment and is highly volatile in development but highly compromised during aging. The aim of our research is to understand the plastic potential of the brain in different stages of life when exposed to the external challenges. We use the application of general anesthesia (Propofol) in early development and the implementation of various dietary regimes in normal and pathological aging to understand molecular mechanisms underlying plasticity-related processes.

The research focus of this project is to highlight some cellular and molecular mechanisms which underlie neuroinflammation, to identify potential target molecules and signaling pathways. Our aim is to find adequate therapeutic approaches for sanitation of neuroinflammation and promotion of regeneration after the central nervous system (CNS) damage. The efficacy of several therapeutic approaches (purine nucleoside analogues: Ribavirin and Tiazofurin, hyperbaric oxygenation, B vitamins - B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) in suppression of detrimental and enhancement of beneficial inflammatory mechanisms is tested. Considering the pivotal role of extracellular purine nucleotides and nucleosides in the control of neurodegenerative processes and inflammatory responses a particular focus will be put on regulation of their metabolism and the role of ectonucleotidases.