Northwestern University · NeuroscienceThe Tau Dynamics Lab
Robert J Vassar · Evanston, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Robert J. Vassar's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly how specific proteins contribute to neuron degeneration and tau pathology. The lab investigates the roles of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE1) and the protein annexin A6 in neuronal health and disease. Through their studies, they aim to discover new therapeutic strategies for AD by exploring the fundamental biological processes that lead to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Alzheimer's diseasetau pathologyangiotensin converting enzymeneurm neurodegenerationannexin A6
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate the role of ACE1 in neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
AIM 02Examine the effects of annexin A6 on membrane repair in neuronal cells.
AIM 03Analyze single cell transcriptomes of microglial cells in context of AD.
AIM 04Explore the relationship between amyloid plaques and tau pathology.
Skills the Lab Values
gene editingmouse modelscell cultureRNA sequencingbiochemistry assaysimmunofluorescence microscopyelectrophysiologytranscriptomicsprotein analysis
Output against the department
Publications225top 32% of dept.218th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations32ktop 12% of dept.78th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.