Rotation Projects

Novel modeling of Alzheimer's disease/inflammation interactions

Novel anatomically and temporally controlled inflammation mouse models are being created, that when combined with an established mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), will be utilized to elucidate the role of brain inflammation in propagation of AD-related pathogenesis and how peripheral vaccination modulates this process. Quantitative bionomic technology will be used in parallel with standard histochemical, biochemical, and electrophysiological assays to correlate the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation influences the initiation and propagation of AD-like pathology and degradation of hippocampal-associated synapses.

Gene therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-derived amplicon vectors are being optimized for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases arising early in life. For this project, novel integration-competent forms of the amplicon are being created that will direct expression of gene products specifically within neurons and neuroprogenitor cells of the brain. These studies will yield a novel HSV vector platform, provide a detailed understanding of transgene expression in vivo, and evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of protecting neurons in well-established models of disease.