Neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease Laboratory
RESEARCH
Molecular Neurobiology of Alzheimer's Disease
Research rationale
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Although details of AD pathogenesis still remain elusive, abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and Tau in the brain is hypothesized to trigger pathogenic cascades that lead to AD. Abnormal accumulation of Aβ and Tau starts from specific brain regions and progressively propagates throughout the brain. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of their accumulation and propagation is critical to understand AD pathogenesis. We are currently studying the molecular mechanisms for their accumulation and propagation utilizing cellular and mouse models.
Mounding evidence suggests that clearance of damaged mitochondria, termed mitophagy, is dysregulated and thereby lead to accumulation of damaged mitochondria and synaptic deficits in neurons. However, the underlying mechanisms for mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy deficits are largely unknown. We are currently studying the role of mitochondria and mitophagy in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease as well as aging.
Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of microRNAs is closely linked to the pathogeneses of various human diseases. However, the functional and therapeutic implication of microRNAs in AD remains largely unknown. Understanding the role of miRNAs in AD may provide new opportunities to develop novel therapeutic interventions for AD. We are currently seeking to probe the role of microRNAs in AD pathogenesis.
Research Focus
• Dissect the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease
• Study the mechanisms of Aβ/Tau accumulation and propagation
• Probe the role of miRNAs in the brain and Alzheimer’s disease
• Elucidate the molecular link between aging and Alzheimer's disease
• Determine the role of mitophagy in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and aging
Research Models and Tools
● Research models: primary neural cells, mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
● Research tools: mouse genetics, tissue culture, immunostaining, microscope imaging, real-time PCR, Protein biochemistry etc.