Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in the nervous system

The nervous system consists of a great variety of neurons and glia that together form the components and circuits necessary for nervous system function. Neuronal and glial diversity is generated through a series of highly orchestrated events that control cell numbers, subtype identity, cell morphology, and axonal projection patterns. Although glial cells remain proliferative throughout life, the number of neurons remains largely finite, with the exception of small pockets of adult neurogenesis in the brain. Loss of neurons through injury or disease consequently leads to abnormal circuit function and, depending upon the site of loss, corresponding deficits in cognition, motor function, and sensory processing.
We have for many years focused on understanding the mechanisms that underlie neuronal and glial differentiation during development. However, in the last few years, our interests have largely centered on understanding the physiological pathways that keep neurons alive. By doing so, we hope to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to sporadic neurodegenerative diseases, which make up more than 90% of diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Our lab utilizes an integrated approach that includes in vivo and in vitro models, iPSC-derived neurons, imaging, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and behavior. Please click on the link for our Lab page for more information.