University of Florida · NeuroscienceLewy Body Dementia Research Lab
Matthew J Lavoie · Gainesville, Florida
Research Focus
Dr. Matthew J. Lavoie's lab focuses on understanding Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a common form of neurodegenerative dementia. The lab investigates how mutations in the GBA1 gene, which cause a lysosomal storage disorder, affect brain cell function and contribute to the pathology of LBD. By studying neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, the team aims to uncover the molecular interactions involved in the disease and the influence of other genetic factors such as LRRK2.
Lewy Body DementiaGBA1LRRK2neurodegenerationstem cellspathologydementiagenetics
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the molecular mechanisms linking GBA1 mutations to Lewy Body Dementia.
AIM 02Examine the effect of GBA1 on lysosomal protein trafficking and metabolism of alpha-synuclein.
AIM 03Explore the interactions between GBA1 and LRRK2 in neuronal function.
AIM 04Determine the changes in alpha-synuclein degradation and secretion in neurons with GBA1 mutations.
AIM 05Model the effects of dual GBA1 and LRRK2 mutations on synucleinopathy and amyloid biology.
Skills the Lab Values
induced pluripotent stem cell technologycell culturemolecular biology techniquesgenetic modificationimmunohistochemistryWestern blottingmicroscopydata analysis in Rpathology assessmentsanimal models
Output against the department
Publications70bottom 20% of dept.538th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations15ktop 27% of dept.184th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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