Overview
The neuroscience research in the Department of Physiology focuses on the integrative physiology of the nervous system, exploring the cellular, molecular, and circuit-level mechanisms that underlie its function and dysfunction. A key emphasis of our research group lies in translating basic neuroscience discoveries to clinical relevance. We study the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, such as chronic pain syndromes, cognitive disorders, and genetic disorders that affect the nervous system. The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between fundamental neuroscience and therapeutic innovation, contributing to the development of effective interventions for neurological disorders. By advancing our understanding of the nervous system in health and disease, our work has significant implications for improving human well-being and cognitive resilience.
Lecturer Dr. Tai Chaiamarit
Neuro-TC lab focuses on understanding the role of lysosomes in cellular homeostasis. Surprisingly, we still have limited understanding of approaches to fix lysosome dysfunction that occurs in neurodegenerative diseases or lysosomal storage diseases. The current research topics include:
1. Mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain of patients with Lysosomal Storage Diseases (LSDs) and Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs)
To study the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in genetic diseases, we employ the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to derive somatic cells from patients who carry the genetic mutations, then revert the cells back to embryonic-like stage and differentiate these stem cells into neurons or to make 3D mini-brain or retinal organoid. These allow in-depth studies of organelle dysfunction and other phenotypes that are observed in human patients. These tools allow the discovery of new therapeutic targets and test novel intervention.
This research is supported by the 2025 NRCT Research Grant for New Scholar and strategic research fund from Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital.
2. Therapeutic delivery methods for neurological disorders
One of the major challenges in treating neurological disorders is the inability of the drug to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). We are investigating the exosome-based approach to deliver nucleic acid, proteins, or drugs to the correct neural cell types that are affected. In the near future, we also plan to provide a neuro-platform for drug screening and drug repurposing.
Dr. Benjamin Ongnok
BO Lab is dedicated to advancing drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases, with a strong interest in neuroimmunology, focusing on the multifaceted functions of microglia in brain health and disease. By integrating in vitro and in vivo models, we investigate mechanistic insights into neuropathology from the molecular to the functional level. Our lab integrates behavioral testing in animal models to assess memory, anxiety, and depression with molecular techniques to translate mechanistic findings into therapeutic potential, with particular emphasis on the development of microglia-based therapeutics. Our current research of interests are as follows:
Senescent Microglia in Brain Aging
We investigate the role of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in aging microglia and its contribution to neurodegeneration. Using secretomics and genetic engineering tools such as lentiviral transduction and CRISPR/Cas9, we model microglial aging and senescence in vitro to identify novel therapeutic targets aimed at preserving cognitive function in the aging brain.
Microglia–Tumor Interactions and Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment
We explore how microglia shape the tumor microenvironment in the brain, aiming to reprogram them into anti-tumor phenotypes. Additionally, we investigate the side effects of chemotherapy on brain functions, known as chemobrain, by examining how mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cell death pathways contribute to neurological damage. Our work aims to develop precise interventions to protect brain health from chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity through in silico drug repurposing approaches.
