EN
Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells are widely used in neurotoxicity and neuroprotection research. Since this cell line, derived from peripheral nervous system, possesses a dopaminergic phenotype and is sensitive to dopaminergic specific toxins (e.g. MPP(+), 6-OHDA), it has been extensively utilized not only to study Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology but also to test new putative neuroprotective agents. During the presentation the advantages and limitations associated with the use of this cellular model for the study of PD will be presented with discussion on its translational potential. Finally, data from the study performed in SH-SY5Y cells aimed to assess the neuroprotective potential of metabotropic glutamate receptors group II and III (mGluR II/III) activators will be demonstrated. There are many experimental evidences demonstrating the importance of normalizing glutamatergic and GABAergic pathways in the basal ganglia circuitry, using for example agonists of mGluR II and III. With the emergence of new mGluR III specific agents, there is a need for efficient cellular screening platform to assess both neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of action.