Research

Summary

The major research objective of Dr Thermos’ laboratory has been to gain insights on the role of the neuropeptide somatostatin in CNS function and dysfunction, with emphasis on brain basal ganglia nuclei and the retina (used as a model of the CNS). Collaborative projects also aimed at the investigation of the role of somatostatin receptors in hepatocellular carcinomas (biopsies and HepG2 cells), in Kupffer and Merkel cells, and in T47D human breast cancer cell line. 

Most recently, her lab focuses on the preclinical investigation of new neuroprotective agents targeting the neurodegeneration component of retinal disease. Experimental animal models of retinopathies [ex vivo model of chemical ischemia, in vivo excitotoxicity model and streptozotocin (STZ) model of diabetic retinopathy] are employed to assess the neuroprotective/antiapoptotic effects of somatostatin, cannabinoids and neurosteroids and the mechanisms involved in the neuroprotection.