Dr. William G Mantyh's lab focuses on understanding dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, in Native American communities. The lab is conducting important research to determine how genetic factors, like the APOE gene, affect dementia risk among Native Americans, an area that has been largely overlooked. By identifying the unique types of dementia that exist in these populations and how genetic ancestry influences risk, the lab aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for underserved communities.

Dr. Maiken Nedergaard's lab focuses on understanding how the brain clears waste and manages fluid during sleep. They investigate the connections between neural activity, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid movement using advanced imaging techniques, computational models, and animal studies. Their goal is to uncover how the brain's circuitry influences these processes, which can have implications for brain health and diseases.

Dr. Timothy M. Gomez's lab focuses on the development of the nervous system, particularly how neurons extend their axons and dendrites to connect with other neurons. They study how specific signals in the environment of neurons help them navigate through complex tissues during development. By examining structures called invadosomes, which are involved in degrading the extracellular matrix, the lab aims to understand the mechanisms behind axon guidance and potential recovery after nervous system injuries.

Dr. Angelo C. Lepore's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding how certain proteins in the nervous system influence pain after spinal cord injuries. Using advanced genetic mouse models, the lab investigates how the EphB2 receptor interacts with NMDA receptors to affect nerve signaling and contribute to chronic pain conditions. The ultimate goal is to discover new ways to manage pain without relying on traditional opioid treatments.

Dr. Eric J. Nestler's lab focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms involved in addiction and stress-related disorders. Researchers in this lab study how specific types of neurons in brain regions, particularly the nucleus accumbens, respond to drugs like cocaine and opioids, as well as how early life stress can lead to long-lasting changes in brain function and behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify new strategies for treating addiction and stress disorders by unraveling the complex interactions between drug exposure, gene expression, and neuronal activity.

Michael Wehr's lab at the University of Oregon focuses on understanding how neural circuit disruptions lead to cognitive declines in Alzheimer's disease. By examining the relationship between auditory gap detection deficits and large-scale network dysfunctions in the brain, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind specific behavioral impairments. Their research combines advanced imaging and electrophysiology techniques in mouse models to explore potential biomarkers for early Alzheimer's diagnosis and to inform therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Rebecca P Seal's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the neural circuits that contribute to mechanical allodynia, a painful condition resulting from nerve and tissue damage. The lab investigates how different types of injuries shape the neural pathways involved in this heightened sensitivity to touch. By identifying the excitatory and inhibitory neurons involved, the goal is to uncover new therapeutic targets for pain management.

Dr. Stephen J. Moss's lab at Tufts University focuses on understanding how neuroactive steroids affect brain function, particularly through a family of receptors known as G-protein coupled receptors. These steroids can influence behavior and may offer new treatments for mental health issues like postpartum depression. The lab uses various techniques to explore how these compounds mediate their effects on neuronal excitability and might lead to innovative strategies for improving mental health.

Dr. Emilie T. Reas's lab focuses on understanding the effects of Alzheimer's disease treatments and COVID-19 related brain injuries. They study how the blood-brain barrier's health affects treatment responses and cognitive outcomes in older adults. Using advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to identify biomarkers that predict adverse effects from Alzheimer’s therapies and the impact of COVID-19 on brain health, especially concerning sex differences and genetic risk factors.

Dr. Anirban Paul's research lab focuses on understanding how different types of brain cells are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging. The lab explores how certain cell types might be more vulnerable to AD and why others seem to resist damage. By studying these cell types in mouse models, they aim to uncover the molecular and genetic factors that contribute to the risk of developing AD, potentially leading to new insights for treatment and prevention.

Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl's lab focuses on understanding the differences in neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) based on individual patient characteristics like sex, age, and specific disabilities. Their research aims to develop targeted treatments that repair disabilities resulting from MS by studying how various cell types in the central nervous system behave in different regions of the brain. By utilizing a range of experimental techniques, the lab assesses how these factors contribute to MS progression and therapeutic outcomes.

Dr. Davide Trotti's research lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases, particularly C9orf72-associated ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The lab investigates how genomic instability and the mobilization of transposable elements can lead to neuronal damage and cell death. They also explore potential therapeutic strategies to intervene in these processes and improve outcomes for affected patients.

Dr. Ann C. McKee's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts, such as those experienced in sports and military service. The research aims to reveal how these impacts contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) over a person's lifespan, particularly emphasizing early-life changes. By studying brain tissue from various age groups, the lab seeks to identify early biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for these conditions.

Dr. Eva Feldman's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and the complications of diabetes, particularly peripheral neuropathy. The lab investigates how environmental factors and lifestyle choices impact nerve health and disease progression, aiming to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies for these debilitating conditions.

Dr. Jesse Cedarbaum's research lab focuses on understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those related to synucleinopathies, like Parkinson's disease. The lab conducts clinical trials exploring the effectiveness of anti-TNF therapies to slow the progression of symptoms in patients with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. By integrating advanced imaging techniques and immunological assessments, the team aims to uncover new insights into the inflammatory processes that may drive these disorders.

Dr. William W. Seeley's lab at UCSF focuses on understanding the causes of frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease, two worsening neurodegenerative disorders. They investigate the role of certain proteins, like TDP-43, that misbehave in these conditions. By studying brain samples, they aim to find new insights that could lead to better treatments for these challenging diseases.

Dr. Corey T. McMillan's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding complex neurodegenerative disorders, specifically frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The lab investigates how genetic variations influence the diversity in symptoms and progression of these diseases. Their work aims to identify new biomarkers and mechanisms that might help in the development of effective treatments, utilizing advanced imaging and genetic analysis techniques.

Dr. Bryan W. Luikart's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the role of the PTEN gene in neuron development and its implications for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). By studying how PTEN dysfunction affects neuronal growth and synaptic connections, the research aims to uncover potential new treatment approaches for ASD. The lab employs innovative genetic techniques to explore these crucial aspects of neurobiology that influence cognitive and emotional functions.

Dr. Peter K Todd's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the genetic causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The lab investigates how a specific genetic mutation leads to the production of toxic proteins in neurons, potentially revealing new targets for therapeutic intervention. Their research combines cellular models, including patient-derived stem cells, to explore the mechanisms of disease and improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Dr. Harrison Gabel's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding the role of specific gene mutations in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. They study how these mutations affect a special form of DNA methylation in neurons, which is crucial for proper brain function. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms of gene regulation in the nervous system and how disruptions can lead to neurological issues.