Molecular Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration

In its drive to understand the brain, neuroscience is intrinsically interdisciplinary. Molecular neuroscience is a branch of neuroscience that uses molecular biology, molecular genetics, protein chemistry, and other approaches to study the biology of the nervous system. Much of molecular and cellular neuroscience is currently framed in terms of translational research or devoted to the development of systems neuroscience tools. As a result, biological process research is becoming increasingly focused on disease-related events, molecules are viewed simply as potential tools, and fewer fundamental issues about how the brain functions are being addressed.

Neurodegeneration is a frequent ultimate route in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders that results in irreversible neuronal damage and death. In the absence of either efficient treatment strategies or a clear understanding of the unique pathophysiology of neurogenerative disease states, the incidence of neurodegeneration is increasing drastically as the population ages.