This research project will compare the strains we generate with those we purify from AD and AD related neurodegenerative disorders such as progressive supranuclear palsy. If we are successful in identifying an artificial disease-relevant strain. we will continue our screening efforts to identify disease-relevant tau aggregation inhibitors while simultaneously working toward building a library of tau aggregate strains for multiple neurodegenerative tauopathies. These efforts will not only greatly increase the probability of generating effective therapeutics.

Basic Research

Basic Research

Brain Health Topic:
 Vagal signaling between the gut and the CNS contributes to appetite regulation. inflammation and immune
 responses. gastrointestinal motility. nausea. emesis. and even mood1-6
 . Therefore. vagal neurons are an
 attractive target for medical interventions. Since vagal signaling may be modulated within the digestive tract.
 drugs need not cross the blood-brain barrier. reducing potential side effects and toxicity. To eventually identify
 potentially drug-able targets within the vagus to improve mental and digestive health.

Basic Research

Basic Research

Basic Research

Basic Research

Cell-type specific manipulation of neural circuits is required for the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and autism. Existing technologies to control neural activity offer limited possibilities. Manipulation of brain circuits via direct drug treatment is restricted by the selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier. the rapid clearance of cerebral fluids and the lack of specificity. which results in poor response to drugs and undesirable side effects.

Basic Research