Dr. M. Paola Castelli is a Researcher at the Neuroscience Unit of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari (Italy).
After a degree in Medicine, she completed a Specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a PhD in Immunology and a Specialization in Pharmacology at the University of Cagliari under the supervision of Prof. Gian Luigi Gessa. From 1986 till 1994, she carried out her research at the Department of Immunology, National Cancer Institute of Frederick (NCI-FCRF, USA) and at the Mario Negri Sud Research Institute where she investigated the immunoregulatory properties of cytokines, beta-adrenergic agonists and factors of “thyroid-specific” gene transcription of the TSH receptor. Since 1994, the focus of her research has been on the investigation of different neurobiological mechanisms which underlie behavioral, cognitive and emotional functions, through the investigation of several neurotransmitters, their receptors and their mechanisms of action, such as biological- and physiological- correlates of the Central Nervous System.
Furthermore, since one of her major interests is the study of neurobiology of drug abuse, for the past 20 years she has been involved in research projects investigating molecular and biochemical mechanisms of drugs of abuse, with particular attention paid to the GABAB receptor and the role of CB1 receptors in drug addiction and polydrug abuse. She has over 20 years’ experience in biochemical pharmacology and neurochemistry, with a major focus on neurochemical mechanisms in the origin of drug addiction. As PI or co-investigator in several projects funded by MIUR- (Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research, Italy) or by private foundations, she has contributed to clarify the involvement of the endocannabinoid system and CB1 receptors in both physiological conditions and neuropsychiatric disorders, including eating and mood disorders.