University at Albany · BiologyBerglund Therapeutics Lab
Andrew Berglund · Albany, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Andrew Berglund's lab focuses on developing new small molecule therapeutics to treat neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly myotonic dystrophy and spinocerebellar ataxias. The research aims to understand the mechanisms through which expanded RNA sequences disrupt normal RNA processing and to design drugs that can reduce the toxicity of these expanded RNAs. By utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models, the lab evaluates the efficacy and safety of these compounds, potentially advancing towards future clinical therapies.
myotonic dystrophyspinal cerebellar ataxiasRNA processingsmall molecule therapeuticsalternative splicingCAG repeat diseasesdrug development
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop new small molecules to treat myotonic dystrophy by reducing toxic expanded RNAs.
AIM 02Investigate the role of alternative splicing in CAG repeat expansion diseases.
AIM 03Evaluate the therapeutic potential of small molecules across multiple spinocerebellar ataxias.
AIM 04Utilize patient-derived cell lines to assess drug efficacy and safety.
AIM 05Explore the molecular mechanisms of action of modified polycyclic compounds.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureRNA sequencingin vivo modelingdrug designcompound screeningmolecular biology techniquesbiochemical assaystoxicity assessmentdata analysis in biology