Molecular mechanisms of neurological diseases

The chapters covered in this course focus on the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms of the most common neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, IBS, lysosomal or mitochondrial diseases, demyelinating diseases), rather than on their clinical/diagnostic/therapeutic presentations. The first two lectures will lay the neuroanatomical and cellular foundations needed to understand the CNS and the main pathophysiological mechanisms associated with neurodegeneration (protein aggregation, protein dissemination, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial or lysosomal defects, axo-plasmic transport, excitotoxicity, etc.). These mechanisms will be placed in the context of selected neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanistic specificities of each disease and elements of genetics will be integrated into the teaching.