Pardal, Ricardo

Our group studies the biology of progenitor/stem cells in the adult nervous system. These cells reside in specific niches, from where they participate in the development, maintenance and repair of the neural tissue. The cellular and molecular contacts established within the niche, between the stem cells and the rest of the niche components, are essential for the normal functioning of neural stem cells. A disruption of these niche crosstalks could lead to disease conditions, due to a lack of regenerative capacity or to hyperproliferation within the niche. We have two models in which to study these niche interactions: 1.- the physiology of an adult peripheral neurogenic niche, the carotid body; 2.- the pathology of a neural crest-derived tumor, the neuroblastoma. Our detailed studies on the physiological and pathological behaviour of neural stem cells, including their responses to environmental hypoxia, might contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumorigenic growth within the nervous system.