UNN researchers launch new project to fight brain diseases

Scientists from Lobachevsky University and Sirius University have launched a project to study the genetics of neurological diseases. During the research, unique animal models of congenital defects of the nervous system and brain tumours will be developed. The researchers are planning to determine the role of many previously unexplored genes and to test new methods of cellular immunotherapy of cancer.

“In 2024, we won the competition of the Sirius Federal Territory on priority areas of science, technology and innovation development. This will allow us to combine our efforts to develop early diagnosis and therapy of congenital defects of the central nervous system. We will also develop new approaches to the treatment of malignant brain tumours,” said Professor Victor Tarabykin.

The Nizhny Novgorod scientists will carry out part of their work in the field of molecular biology, cell technologies and genetics at the Sirius Laboratory Complex. In vivo research will be conducted at the UNN Centre for Genetic Collections of Laboratory Animals. It includes more than 30 lines of mice, including unique models of nervous system diseases (Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, autism, damage to the cortex and corpus callosum). These lines and models are already being used in research at Lobachevsky University, as well as at other research centres and commercial institutions.

“The transgenesis laboratory of the Centre for Genetic Collections of Laboratory Animals has received a strong boost in its development with the support of the Priority 2030 program. Thanks to this, we managed to introduce the whole range of embryological and transgenic methods into the university's research projects. Scientists from the UNN Research Institute of Neurosciences and the  Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, as well as the world-class Photonics Research Centre are conducting research on mouse models specially created in the laboratory,” said Alexey Babaev, head of the centre.

The transgenesis laboratory team also performs testing of import-substituting materials and reagents for in-vitro fertilization clinics, creates and maintains collections of laboratory animals for innovative projects with the participation of pharmaceutical companies.