University of Nevada-Reno · PhysiologyGonzales Neurovascular Lab
Albert Louis Gonzales · Reno, Nevada
Research Focus
Dr. Albert Gonzales' lab at the University of Nevada Reno focuses on understanding how certain brain cells, called pericytes, regulate blood flow in tiny blood vessels called capillaries, and how this process is affected in Alzheimer's disease. The research explores how amyloid-beta proteins disrupt the normal functions of pericytes, which could lead to cognitive decline in aging individuals. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies for improving brain health and preventing neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's and other vascular diseases.
Alzheimer's Diseasecapillary hemodynamicsamyloid-betapericytesneurodegenerationcardiovascular diseaseblood flow regulationmicrovasculature
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate the impact of amyloid-beta on pericyte function and capillary blood flow.
AIM 02Characterize the signaling pathways involved in pericyte contraction in response to pressure changes.
AIM 03Examine the role of thin-stranded pericytes in facilitating oxygen delivery during neuronal activity.
Skills the Lab Values
electrophysiologycell culturegenetically engineered miceadvanced optical imagingoptogenetic stimulationWestern blotlaser scanning microscopyimmunohistochemistrydata analysisanimal models
Output against the department
Publications65bottom 12% of dept.251st of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.4kbottom 16% of dept.239th of 286
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.