The lab led by Dr. Josef Anrather at Weill Medical College of Cornell University focuses on understanding how environmental factors trigger Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other CNS autoimmune diseases. They investigate the role of specific toxins, particularly Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin and Bordetella pertussis toxin, in compromising the protective barriers of the central nervous system and leading to autoimmunity. The goal is to identify potential molecular targets for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat MS.

Dr. Jacqueline Burre's lab focuses on understanding the roles of different types of synuclein proteins in the brain and their connection to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Her team is investigating how these proteins affect nerve cell functions and how disruptions in their behavior might lead to early signs of these diseases. By using specialized mouse models and biochemical techniques, the lab aims to identify potential early biomarkers and novel therapies for these age-related conditions.

Dr. Costantino Iadecola's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the links between cerebrovascular health and cognitive function, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The research explores how genetic factors, such as the ApoE4 allele, and environmental factors, like dietary salt intake, contribute to neurovascular dysfunction and cognitive impairment. By using advanced techniques in live animal models, the lab aims to uncover new insights into brain health and develop potential therapeutic strategies for dementia.

Dr. Dilek Colak's research lab at Weill Medical College focuses on the role of astrocytes in brain function, specifically how they regulate cognitive abilities through a process called Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD). By studying how astrocytic NMD influences synaptic plasticity and memory, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating cognitive dysfunctions linked to neurological disorders. Their work combines advanced genetic models and imaging techniques to explore the complex interactions between neurons and astrocytes in the brain.

Dr. Subhash C. Sinha's lab focuses on discovering new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the immune system's response to tau pathology, a key factor in memory loss. The research aims to develop small molecule inhibitors of a protein called cGAS, which plays a role in neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's. By investigating these inhibitors, the lab hopes to identify therapeutic strategies that can reduce cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Wenjie Luo's lab focuses on understanding the role of microglia and cholesterol metabolism in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how a specific gene variant (APOE4) affects neuroinflammation and tau toxicity. The research aims to uncover novel cellular mechanisms and therapeutic targets by studying a cholesterol-related enzyme, CH25H, and its impact on Alzheimer’s progression. This work could lead to new prevention strategies or treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Giovanni Manfredi's lab focuses on understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to neurological diseases, including conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They explore the complex roles mitochondria play in cellular metabolism and how stress responses are activated when mitochondrial function is impaired. This research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to combat mitochondrial disorders and their effects on the central nervous system.

Dr. Teresa A Milner's lab focuses on understanding how menopause affects blood pressure and the brain's mechanisms behind this change using mouse models. They specifically look at hormonal changes associated with menopause and how they influence hypertension, particularly through brain signaling pathways. By exploring the roles of estrogen receptors and synaptic plasticity in the hypothalamus, the lab aims to uncover potential new therapies to manage hypertension in postmenopausal women.

Dr. Susan A. Gauthier's lab focuses on understanding multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically how chronic inflammation affects the brain and cognitive function in patients. By using advanced imaging techniques, her team aims to identify biomarkers for treatment effectiveness and develop personalized therapies. Their research explores both structural and functional changes in the brain as MS progresses, ultimately seeking to improve patient care and outcomes.

Dr. Hibiki Fujita's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, specifically linked to a protein called CHCHD10. By studying how mutations in this protein lead to neurodegeneration and exploring potential therapies, the lab aims to develop new treatments for these challenging neurological diseases. Students in this lab will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Dr. Caroline Alayne Pearson's lab at Weill Medical College of Cornell University investigates how glucose transport impacts brain development and disorders. The lab focuses on understanding the role of a specific glucose transporter in neural progenitor cells and its relevance to conditions like GLUT1-Deficiency Syndrome. Through cutting-edge techniques, researchers study how changes in glucose regulation affect neural cell development and function.

Dr. Keith P. Purpura's lab focuses on understanding how eye movements affect our ability to perceive and process visual information. By studying the roles of fixational eye movements and saccades in primate brains, the lab seeks to uncover the neural mechanisms that underpin how we interpret shapes and textures in our visual environment. This research could provide insights into cognitive disorders related to eye movement disruptions.

Dr. Li Gan's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, mainly by studying misfolded tau proteins in human neurons. The lab employs innovative techniques to explore how different proteins and genetic factors influence the development of tau pathology. By investigating these complex interactions, the lab aims to identify potential new treatments for these debilitating diseases.

Dr. Manu Sharma's lab focuses on understanding the role of molecular chaperones in regulating tau protein levels and preventing the aggregation seen in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. By investigating how these chaperones and their complexes interact with tau, the lab aims to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Using a combination of in vitro neuron models and in vivo mouse models, the lab seeks to uncover new mechanisms that could contribute to tackling the tauopathies associated with aging populations.

Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Ross's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to spina bifida, a serious neural tube defect. By combining advanced DNA sequencing and machine learning techniques, the lab aims to identify specific gene mutations and interactions that lead to the condition. Their research strives not only to uncover the biological mechanisms behind spina bifida but also to pave the way for better prevention strategies and treatment options for affected individuals.

Dr. Jonathan D Victor's lab focuses on understanding how the brain processes visual information, specifically how we perceive textures and material properties. The research integrates experimental studies with computational modeling to investigate how visual data is transformed into perceptions that guide our behaviors. By developing new analytical tools and leveraging insights from psychophysics and neuroscience, this lab aims to enhance our understanding of visual perception and its implications for addressing visual processing deficits.

Dr. Zhuhao Wu's lab focuses on creating advanced resources for studying the human brain through the development of artificial intelligence-assisted recombinant antibodies. By utilizing AI algorithms, the lab aims to improve the quality and scalability of antibodies used for brain mapping, enabling detailed insights into brain structure and function. Their innovative platform will not only provide enhanced antibody tools but also create a user-friendly database for researchers worldwide.