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Cluster IV

Cell Signaling and Neuropathology

Understanding the various cellular and molecular processes underlying pathologies that affect the central nervous system (CNS) is critical to advance in the identification of therapeutic opportunities for neurodegenerative disorders. This cluster is dedicated to studying complex biological processes behind neuropathologies by focusing on cell signaling pathways that respond to stress and signaling pathways that drive fibrosis as possible new therapeutic targets for diseases affecting the CNS and innervated skeletal muscle.

Research Lines

Stress responses and synaptic homeostasis

How signal transduction pathways driving cell homeostasis are involved in neuronal proteostatis.

Effects of antibodies on brain function

Uncover how pathogenic antibodies associated with brain disorders affect synaptic transmission.

Adaptive immunoreceptors and Parkinson's disease

Role of adaptive signal transduction pathways in synaptic maturation and maintenance.

Fibrosis in skeletal muscle diseases

Inflammation as a critical regulator of regeneration and the fibrotic response in muscle.

Researchers

Cheril Tapia, PhD

Cheril Tapia, PhD

Director of the Neurobiology of Aging Lab

Principal Investigator

Alfonso Gonzalez, PhD

Alfonso Gonzalez, PhD

Director of the Biomedical Cytology Lab

Principal Investigator

Soledad Matus, PhD

Soledad Matus, PhD

Director of the Biology of Neurodegeneration Lab

Principal Investigator

Rodrigo Pacheco, PhD

Rodrigo Pacheco, PhD

Director of the Neuroimmunology Lab

Principal Investigator

Enrique Brandan, PhD

Enrique Brandan, PhD

Director of the Cell Differentiation and Pathology Lab

Principal Investigator

Carolina Oliva, PhD

Carolina Oliva, PhD

Associate Researcher

Ivan Alfaro

Ivan Alfaro

Associate Researcher

Andrea Soza, PhD

Andrea Soza, PhD

Associate Researcher

Daniela Rebolledo, PhD

Daniela Rebolledo, PhD

Associate Researcher

Paula Slater, PhD

Paula Slater, PhD

Associate Researcher

Latest Publications Cluster IV

January 1, 2026

Senescent Schwann cells as therapeutic targets in nerve regeneration and peripheral neuropathies
Senescent Schwann cells as therapeutic targets in nerve regeneration and peripheral neuropathies

November 11, 2025

The adverse effect of a hypercaloric high‐fat diet feeding on hypothalamic cellular energy homeostasis is attenuated by a hypoglycemiant
The adverse effect of a hypercaloric high‐fat diet feeding on hypothalamic cellular energy homeostasis is attenuated by a hypoglycemiant

September 26, 2025

Anti-P antibodies that impair memory perturb hippocampal glutamatergic receptor trafficking, synapse structure and microglia
Anti-P antibodies that impair memory perturb hippocampal glutamatergic receptor trafficking, synapse structure and microglia
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