A/ProfAlessandro Castorina

A/Prof Castorina research interests in the last fifteen years have been focused on investigating the broad function of two neuroprotective/immunomodulatory neuropeptides known as PACAP and VIP in cellular and experimental models of CNS diseases, with the aim to get a better understanding of the potential therapeutical implications of these endogenous protective molecules in the treatment of neurodegenerative / neuroinflammatory / neurological / neurotraumatic conditions.

A parallel line of research, in collaboration with UTS internal and external partners, has been to unveal the contribution of novel environmental risk factors in the genesis and progression of multiple sclerosis.

Using advanced molecular biology techniques, sophisticated transgenic mice and supported by brain tissue banks and a team of expert bioinformaticians, A/Prof. Castorina has now focused his research towards understanding the causes of impaired myelin regeneration and the identification of novel treatments to enhance neuroprotection and promote myelin self-reparative responses.
These research is essential and complementary to existing treatments, primarily aimed to suppress the dysfunctional immune system.