Research Labs
This page lists Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology research groups by principal investigator. Learn about the broader goals for study within the research groups as well as details on individual faculty labs and teams.
Awatramani Lab Dr. Awatramani’s lab investigates dopamine neurogenesis and subtypes as well as the role of microRNAs in Schwann cell (SC) differentiation.
Research description.
Topic 1. Mechanisms underlying dopamine neurogenesis The floor plate, the ventral organizing center in the embryonic neural tube, patterns the neural tube by secreting the potent morphogen Shh. Using genetic fate mapping, we have recently shown that the midbrain floor plate, unlike the hindbrain and spinal cord floor plate, is neurogenic and is the source of midbrain dopamine neurons (Joksimovic, et al, 2009 Nature Neuroscience , Joksimovic et al. 2009 PNAS ). We are interested in understanding pathways that are involved in floor plate neurogenesis and production of dopamine neurons. We have shown that Wnt signaling is critical for the establishment of the dopamine progenitor pool and that miRNAs may modulate the dosage and timing of the Wnt pathway (Anderegg et al, PloS Genetics 2013).
Topic 2. Deconstructing Dopaminergic Diversity The neurotransmitter dopamine, produced mainly by midbrain dopaminergic neurons, influences a spectrum of behaviors including motor, learning, reward, motivation and cognition. In accordance with its diverse functions, dopaminergic dysfunction is implicated in a range of disorders affecting millions of people, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), schizophrenia, addiction and depression. How a small group of neurons underpins a gamut of key behaviors and diseases remains enigmatic. We postulated that there must exist several molecularly distinct dopaminergic neuron populations that, in part, can account for the plethora of dopaminergic functions and disorders. We are currently working to test this hypothesis and define dopamine neuron subtypes.
Topic 3. MicroRNAs in Schwann cell (SC) differentiation MicroRNAs, by modulating gene expression, have been implicated as regulators of various cellular and physiological processes including differentiation, proliferation and cancer. We have studied the role of microRNAs in Schwann cell (SC) differentiation by conditional removal of the microRNA processing enzyme, Dicer1 (Yun et al, 2010, J Neurosci ) . We reveal that mice lacking Dicer1 in SC (Dicer1 cKO) display a severe neurological phenotype resembling congenital hypomyelination. SC lacking Dicer1 are stalled in differentiation at the promyelinating state and fail to myelinate axons. We are beginning to determine the molecular basis of this phenotype. Understanding this will be important not only for congenital hypomyelination, but also for peripheral nerve regeneration and SC cancers.
For more information, please see Dr. Awatramani's faculty profile .
Publications
View Dr. Awatramani's complete list of publications in PubMed .
Rajeshwar Awatramani, PhD at 312-503-0690
Batra Lab Dr. Batra's lab is focused on his research interests in neurology, including brain injury, neuroinflammation, stroke and vascular biology.
Visit Dr. Batra's faculty profile for more information
Bonakdarpour Lab Dr. Bonakdarpour’s lab uses multimodal neuroimaging to study the underlying neural mechanisms of language impairment (aphasia) and impairment in other areas of cognition.
For more information about the Bonakdarpour Lab, please visit the Bonakdarpour Laboratory website .
Twitter: @bbonakda
Braga Lab Dr. Braga’s lab investigates the relationship between neural activity within brain networks and cognitive functions.
The Braga Lab is investigating the relationship between neural activity within large-scale brain networks and cognitive functions that are advanced in humans, such as the use of language or thinking about the past or future. These functions are localized to associative regions of the brain that have disproportionately expanded in recent hominin evolution and are separated from information processing hierarchies devoted to any single sensory modality. By mapping brain networks in association areas with precision within individual volunteers using functional MRI, and measuring neural population activity using intracranial techniques, we can characterize brain networks at high spatial and temporal resolution and make insights into their specialization and function. A major focus of the lab is to study the nature of cross-network interactions and the role these play in different cognitive processes.
For lab information and more, visit Dr. Braga's faculty profile or the Braga Lab website .
Twitter: @RodBraga
Piso Lab Dr. Caraveo Piso’s lab studies the role of Ca 2+ signaling in synucleinopathies using diverse model systems from yeast to human neurons.
We are focused on a group of neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as synucleinopathies, characterized by the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn). These include Parkinson's Disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies and Multiple Systems Atrophy among others. We use diverse systems that span from yeast to mammalian models to study these diseases. In particular, we are interested in the role Ca 2+ signaling plays in the toxicity caused by α-syn and to delineate basic mechanisms of Ca 2+ signaling relevant to neuronal physiology.
For more information, visit Dr. Caraveo Piso's faculty profile or the Caraveo Piso Lab website .
Please see Dr. Caraveo Piso's publications on PubMed .
Contact Information
Gabriela Caraveo Piso, PhD
Assistant Professor in Neurology
Ward 10-150
312-503-4492
Carvill Lab Dr. Carvill’s lab studies the genetic causes and pathogenic mechanisms that underlie epilepsy.
The primary goal of our research is to use gene discovery and molecular biology approaches to identify new treatments for epilepsy. We aim to 1) identify the genetic causes of epilepsy, 2) use stem cell models to understand how genetic mutations can cause epilepsy, 3) develop and test new therapeutics for this condition. Our work is based on the promise of precision medicine where knowledge of an individual’s genetic makeup shapes a personalized approach to care and management of epilepsy.
Current Projects:
- Next generation sequencing in patients with epilepsy
- Alternative exon usage during neuronal development
- Identify the regulatory elements that control expression of known epilepsy genes
- Stem cell genetic models for studying the epigenetic basis of epilepsy
For more information, see Dr. Carvill's faculty profile or the Carvill Lab Website .
See Dr. Carvill's publications on PubMed .
Contact Gemma Carvill, PhD
Twitter: @CarvillLab
Cheng Lab Dr. Cheng’s lab investigates cancer stem cell biology, cellular signaling and therapy responses in human brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma (GBM).
Our lab broadly studies cancer stem cell biology, cellular signaling, RNA biology, and therapy responses in human brain tumors, in particular, glioblastoma (GBM). We have a range of different projects currently underway in glioma cell lines, gliomas stem-like cells (GSCs), patient-derived xenograft (PDX) GBM model, human iPSC-derived glioma organoid model, orthotopic glioma xenograft model in mice, and clinical glioma tumor specimens. Our current research focuses on novel mechanisms/cellular signaling of GSC biology, tumorigenesis, progression, and therapy responses of GSCs and GBMs.
Roles of RNA alternative splicing and RNA-binding proteins in glioma
RNA alternative splicing (AS), an evolutionarily conserved co-transcriptional process, is an important and influential determinant of transcriptome and proteome landscapes in normal and disease states such as cancer. AS is regulated by a group of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that bind to the cis-acting elements in proximity to a splice site thus affecting spliceosome assembly. In cancers, altered expression of or mutations in RBPs result in dysregulated AS that impacts cancer biologic properties. We have established AS/RBP networks that are dysregulated in both adult and pediatric gliomas through bioinformatic analysis of both public and our own datasets of clinical glioma tumors. We are investigating the biological significance of AS/RBPs dysregulation in glioma progression and therapy response by using human iPSC-derived glioma organoid model and GSC brain xenograft models in animals. In addition, we are exploring novel therapeutic approaches of targeting glioma-associated AS/RBP networks to treat GBMs.
Roles of Non-coding RNAs in glioma
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), act as transcription repressors or inducers of gene expression or functional modulators in all multicellular organisms. Dysregulated ncRNAs plays critical roles in cancer initiation, progression and responses to therapy. We study the mechanisms by which deregulated expression of lncRNAs or circRNAs influence GBM malignant phenotypes through interactions with signaling pathways. We study the molecular consequences and explore clinical applications of modulating ncRNAs and related oncogenic signaling pathways in GBM. We are establishing profiles of ncRNAs in clinical gliomas and patient-derived GSCs, and study mechanisms and biological influences of these ncRNAs in regulating GSC biology and GBM phenotypes.
Aberrant DNA and RNA structures in therapy-resistant GBM
Standard of care treatment for GBM includes the DNA damaging agent temozolomide (TMZ), which has a known mechanism of action to target and mutate guanine bases. With this knowledge in hand, we sought to determine the effects of guanine (G) mutations in DNA and RNA secondary structure. G’s are important for creating structures like g-quadruplexes in both DNA and RNA which can affect changes in translation or be used as docking sites for DNA repair and RNA binding proteins. Using whole genome sequencing data along with isogenic drug sensitive and resistant lines, we are investigating the role of G mutations in DNA and RNA secondary structure to determine potential therapeutic avenues with the help of a chemical biologist to create novel drugs to target these TMZ-induced aberrant pathways.
Targeting autophagy to treat glioma
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that removes unnecessary or dysfunctional components through a lysosome-dependent regulated mechanism, thus serving as a protective mechanism against stressors and diverse pathologies including cancer. We study mechanisms by which phosphorylation, acetylation and ubiquitination of autophagy-related proteins regulate GSC and GBM phenotypes and autophagic response, which, in turn contributes to tumor cell survival, growth and resistance to therapy. We investigate whether disruption of these post-translational processes in autophagy-related proteins inhibits autophagy and enhances the efficacy of combination therapies in GBMs. In collaboration with a medicinal chemist, we are characterizing a next generation of novel autophagy inhibitors that specifically target a key autophagy regulator that we recently reported.
Multi-omics and GBM non-responsiveness to immunotherapies
GBM is categorized as a “cold” tumor that does not respond to current immunotherapies using various immune-checkpoint blockers. Although extensive efforts have been made to sensitize GBM to immunotherapies, the mechanistic studies to determine alternative therapies from understanding the underlying signaling and clinical trial results are still disappointing. We are interested in utilizing the information of multi-omics of clinical gliomas, in particular, proteomics profiling in relation to genomic and epigenomic profiling, to identify potential protein targets that could be the major modulators through post-translational modifications in these “cold” GBM tumors. We will also consider the involvement of tumor microenvironment and immune cells in these conditions. These studies are a brand-new direction that are high-risk and high-reward to turn “cold” GBM tumors to immunotherapy responsive tumors.
For more information, please see Dr. Cheng's faculty profile and lab website .
View Dr. Cheng's complete list of publications in PubMed .
Shi-Yuan Cheng, PhD at 312-503-5314
Visit us on campus in the Lurie Building, Room 6-119, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
Chou Lab Dr. Chou’s lab focuses on the role of inflammation and immune response in vascular brain injuries and biomarker discovery.
For more information, view the faculty profile of Sherry H-Y Chou, MD .
Recent Publications
View Dr. Chou's full list of publications at Pubmed .
Twitter: @SherryChou399
Deng Lab Dr. Deng’s lab is focused on understanding the mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Visit Dr. Deng's faculty profile for more information.
Elbaz Lab Dr. Elbaz’s lab investigates the mechanisms that regulate myelin-forming cell development and function.
Myelin is a multilayer lipid membrane structure that ensheaths and insulates axons, allowing for the efficient propagation of action potentials along axons. Myelin abnormalities are part of a wide range of neurological disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis, leukodystrophies and neurodegenerative disorders. Our efforts to understand the molecular control of myelin formation are crucial in order to intervene, and enhance, myelin formation, remyelination, and recovery.
Our research is dedicated to investigating the mechanisms that regulate myelin-forming cell development and function. Myelin is a multilayer lipid membrane structure that ensheaths and insulates axons, allowing for the efficient propagation of action potentials along axons. Myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), and by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
In the CNS, our research is focused on the transcriptional control of oligodendrocyte differentiation and CNS myelin formation. The transcriptional network that controls oligodendrocyte differentiation contains only a handful of transcription factors, many of which have been characterized in considerable detail by us and by others. Nevertheless, our understanding of this transcriptional network is still lacking. Our studies aim to fill this void and fully characterize this transcriptional network. Our main transcription factors of interest are zinc finger protein 24 (Zfp24) and Sp7. Our previous research has identified Zfp24 and Sp7 as transcription factors that are essential for CNS myelination. We are now looking at the upstream effectors and downstream targets of Zfp24, and we are characterizing the role of Sp7 in oligodendrocyte lineage cells. In order to study Zfp24 and Sp7, we are developing novel mice models that allow us to either ablate or activate these transcription factors in oligodendrocyte lineage cells.
In the PNS, our research is focused on understanding the mechanisms involved in PNS injury, recovery, and remyelination. PNS injury is a critical health concern. Understanding the mechanisms that control the response of Schwann cells to PNS injury is necessary to lay the foundation for future therapies. In our first project, we are focused on the role of the WNT signaling pathway in remyelination of the PNS. In our second PNS project, we are characterizing the effect of PNS demyelination on the sensory neurons.
For lab information and more, see Dr. Elbaz's faculty profile.
Silicon Nanowires for Intracellular Optical Interrogation with Subcellular Resolution . Rotenberg MY, Elbaz B , Nair V, Schaumann EN, Yamamoto N, Sarma N, Matino L, Santoro F, Tian B. Nano Lett . 2020 Feb 12;20(2):1226-1232. PMID: 31904975.
m6A mRNA Methylation Is Essential for Oligodendrocyte Maturation and CNS Myelination . Xu H, Dzhashiashvili Y, Shah A, Kunjamma RB, Weng YL, Elbaz B , Fei Q, Jones JS, Li YI, Zhuang X, Ming GL, He C, Popko B. Neuron . 2020 Jan 22;105(2):293-309. PMID: 31901304.
A terminal selector prevents a Hox transcriptional switch to safeguard motor neuron identity throughout life. Feng W, Li Y, Dao P, Aburas J, Islam P, Elbaz B , Kolarzyk A, Brown AE, Kratsios P. Elife . 2020 Jan 3;9. PMID: 31902393.
Molecular Control of Oligodendrocyte Development . Elbaz B , Popko B. Trends Neurosci . 2019 Apr;42(4):263-277. PMID: 30770136.
Phosphorylation State of ZFP24 Controls Oligodendrocyte Differentiation. Elbaz B , Aaker JD, Isaac S, Kolarzyk A, Brugarolas P, Eden A, Popko B. Cell Rep . 2018 May 22;23(8):2254-2263. PMID: 29791837.
Activity-Dependent Myelination Shapes Conduction Velocity. Elbaz B. J Neurosci . 2016 Nov 16;36(46):11585-11586. PMID: 27852767
Transcriptional Fingerprint of Hypomyelination in Zfp191null and Shiverer (Mbpshi) Mice . Aaker JD, Elbaz B , Wu Y, Looney TJ, Zhang L, Lahn BT, Popko B. ASN Neuro . 2016 Oct;8(5). PMID: 27683878.
Adenomatous polyposis coli regulates radial axonal sorting and myelination in the PNS. Elbaz B , Traka M, Kunjamma RB, Dukala D, Brosius Lutz A, Anton ES, Barres BA, Soliven B, Popko B. Development . 2016 Jul 1;143(13):2356-66 PMID: 27226321.
WDR81 is necessary for purkinje and photoreceptor cell survival. Traka M, Millen KJ, Collins D, Elbaz B , Kidd GJ, Gomez CM, Popko B. J Neurosci . 2013 Apr 17;33(16):6834-44 PMID: 23595742.
Immunosuppressive drugs, immunophilins, and functional expression of NCX isoforms. Rahamimoff H, Elbaz B , Valitsky M, Khatib M, Eskin-Schwartz M, Elmaz D. Adv Exp Med Biol . 2013;961:275-87. PMID: 23224887.
Cyclophilin A is involved in functional expression of the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger NCX1. Elbaz B , Valitsky M, Davidov G, Rahamimoff H. Biochemistry . 2010 Sep 7;49(35):7634-42. PMID: 20681522.
Modulation of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger expression by immunosuppressive drugs is isoform-specific. Elbaz B , Alperovitch A, Gottesman MM, Kimchi-Sarfaty C, Rahamimoff H. Mol Pharmacol . 2008 Apr;73(4):1254-63. PMID: 18182482.
Cyclosporin A-dependent downregulation of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger expression . Rahamimoff H, Elbaz B , Alperovich A, Kimchi-Sarfaty C, Gottesman MM, Lichtenstein Y, Eskin-Shwartz M, Kasir J. Ann N Y Acad Sci . 2007 Mar;1099:204-14. PMID: 17446460.
High expression in leaves of the zinc hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri of AhMHX, a homolog of an Arabidopsis thaliana vacuolar metal/proton exchanger. Elbaz B , Shoshani-Knaani N, David-Assael O, Mizrachy-Dagri T, Mizrahi K, Saul H, Brook E, Berezin I, Shaul O. Plant Cell Environ . 2006 Jun;29(6):1179-90. PMID: 17080942.
For general lab inquiries, please contact Braesen Rader: [email protected]
For Dr. Elbaz please email: [email protected]
Twitter: @BennyElbaz
Our Mailing Addresses
Dr. Elbaz's Office Benayahu Elbaz-Eilon, PhD Department of Neurology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine 7-665 Morton Medical Research Building 310 East Superior Street Chicago, IL 60611
The Elbaz Lab Braesen Rader Department of Neurology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine 7-450 Searle Building 310 East Superior Street Chicago, IL 60611
Gate Lab Dr. Gate’s lab is focused on the intersection of the immune system and neurodegenerative disease.
The Gate lab in Northwestern Neurology works at the interface of the immune system and neurodegenerative disease. The lab is focused on employing human genomics approaches to uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration. Chief among our strategies is single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to identify transcriptional changes in human specimens. We also employ spatial transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry and cytometry approaches to validate genomic changes observed by scRNAseq. The Gate lab is focused primarily on neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including, but not limited to: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Amyotropic lateral sclerosis.
For lab information and more, see Dr. Gate's faculty profile.
See Dr. Gate's publications on PubMed .
Email David Gate, PhD
Twitter: @DGateLab
Glaser Lab Dr. Glaser's lab develops interpretable machine learning methods to better make sense of large-scale and complex neural activity data.
The Glaser Lab develops new computational tools to better understand how different brain areas and cell types functionally interact, how neural activity flexibly drives movement and behavior, and how neural activity dynamics change across behaviors, internal states, and diseases.
For more information, visit Dr. Glaser's faculty profile or the Glaser Lab website .
Please see Dr. Glaser's publications on PubMed .
Kalb Lab Dr. Kalb’s lab studies the activity-dependent development of circuits in the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases.
Glutamatergic synapses that include the GluA1 subunit have a privileged role in activity-dependent brain development and this is driven, in part, through the assembly of a large multi-protein complex in the post-synaptic density. A critical molecular component of this complex is the scaffolding protein SAP97. Among the >90 known SAP97 binding partners we have determined that a novel protein called CRIPT plays an essential role in this process. Humans with mutations in CRIPT have a severe developmental brain disorder. We are using a variety of approaches to understand the mechanisms by which CRIPT controls synapse biology and dendrite growth including: 1) study of a conditional knock-out (cKO) mouse that we built, 2) super-resolution imaging of glutamate receptors/TARPs/MAGUKs using neurons derived from patient iPS cells and 3) electrophysiology of dissociated neurons and hippocampal slices from the cKO mice. Insight into the molecular logic of SAP97/CRIPT function will have implications for childhood maladies such as intellectual disability and autism/autism-spectrum disorders.
In our studies of adult onset neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia we find evidence for maladaptive changes in cellular intermediary metabolism and proteostasis. Ongoing metabolomics interrogations are uncovering why changes in fuel utilization are toxic and discovering new targets for therapeutic intervention. The relationship between altered metabolism and perturbed protein homeostasis is also an area of intense interest with special focus on a proteasome adaptor protein called RAD23. Our experimental platforms are: 1) cells from patients with various genetic abnormalities (i.e., mutations in C9orf72, TDP43, etc.) differentiated into neurons, 2) C.elegans , and 3) primary rat/mouse neurons. Targeting proximal events in neurodegenerative diseases will lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
For lab information and more, visit Dr. Kalb's faculty profile or the Kalb Lab website .
See Dr. Kalb's publications on PubMed .
Contact Dr. Kalb at 312-503-5358
Kessler Lab Dr. Kessler’s lab focuses on the biology of neural stem cells and growth factors and their potential for regenerating the damaged or diseased nervous system.
The Kessler Laboratory focuses on the biology of neural stem cells and growth factors and their potential for regenerating the damaged or diseased nervous system. A major interest of the laboratory has been the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in both neurogenesis and gliogenesis and in regulating cell numbers in the developing nervous system. Both multipotent neural stem cells and pluripotent embryonic stem cells are studied in the laboratory. Recent efforts have emphasized studies of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSC). The Kessler lab oversees the Northwestern University ESC and IPSC core and multiple collaborators use the facility. In addition to the studies of the basic biology of stem cells, the laboratory seeks to develop techniques for promoting neural repair in animal models of spinal cord injury and stroke. In particular, the lab is examining how stem cells and self-assembling peptide amphiphiles can be used together to accomplish neural repair. The lab is also using hIPSCs to model Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders.
For more information see the faculty profile of John Kessler, MD .
View Dr. Kessler's full list of publications in PubMed .
Kim Lab Dr. Kim's lab focuses on her research interests in neurology, including arteriovenous malformation, brain injury or trauma, stroke, critical care outcomes and dementia.
Visit Dr. Kim's faculty profile to learn more.
Kimchi Lab Dr. Kimchi's lab studies the brain networks and neural rhythms that support clear thinking, with a goal of preventing and treating acute alterations in cognition.
Consciousness and awareness depend upon an intricate balance of brain network activity. On any given day, this neural balance is disrupted in over 20% of hospitalized older adults, resulting in delirium, an acute and dramatic disorder of attention and awareness. Despite being the most common neuropsychiatric condition in the hospital, delirium remains underrecognized, poorly understood, and does not have any FDA approved therapies.
Our translationally motivated, basic science research explores how neuromodulators such as acetylcholine and systemic factors such as inflammation influence the function of neural networks critical for attention and awareness. We also lead clinical research in patients to predict who will develop delirium and how we can prevent and treat it. Our work leverages wearable technology to measure brain activity noninvasively, coupled with AI analyses to discover new biomarkers that track and predict the course of delirium.
For lab information and more, visit Dr. Kimchi's faculty profile or the Kimchi Lab website .
Please see Dr. Kimchi's publications on PubMed .
Eyal Y. Kimchi, MD, PhD
Twitter: @ekimchi
Kiskinis Lab Dr. Kiskinis’ lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that give rise to neurological diseases using human stem cell-derived neuronal subtypes.
The broad objective of our laboratory is to understand the nature of the degenerative processes that drive neurological disease in human patients. We are primarily interested in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Epileptic Syndromes as well as the age-associated changes that take place in the Central Nervous System (CNS). We pursue this objective by creating in vitro models of disease. We utilize patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming methods to generate different neuronal subtypes of the human CNS. We then study these cells by a combination of genomic approaches and functional physiological assays. Our hope is that these disease model systems will help us identify points of effective and targeted therapeutic intervention.
For more information view the faculty profile of Evangelos Kiskinis, PhD , or the Evangelos Kiskinis Lab site .
View Dr. Kiskinis' publications at PubMed .
Koralnik Lab Dr. Koralnik’s lab studies viral effects on the nervous system.
The laboratory of Igor Koralnik, MD, studies how viruses affect the nervous system. These include SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19, HIV in patients with substance use, as well as the entire virome in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the Koralnik Lab is involved in global neurology research with international partners.
For more information and publications see the faculty profile of Igor Koralnik , visit the Koralnik Lab or the Program for Global Neurology.
See Dr. Koralnik's publications on PubMed .
Email Dr. Igor Koralnik
Twitter: @IgorKoralnik
Krainc Lab Dr. Krainc’s lab studies the mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders that affect children and adults.
The overarching goal of my laboratory is to study rare diseases such Huntington’s and genetic forms of Parkinson’s disease, as a window to understanding neurodegeneration across the lifespan. More recently, we have focused on rare lysosomal diseases such as Gaucher’s in order to identify specific targets and mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s and related synucleinopathies. It is expected that such defined targets will facilitate mechanism-based development of targeted therapies for children with neuronopathis Gaucher’s disease as well as adult-onset synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease. To validate and study these targets and novel therapies in human neurons, we have utilized induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) generated by reprogramming of patient-specific skin fibroblasts. These iPS cells are differentiated into specific neuronal subtypes in order to characterize the contribution of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors to disease mechanisms and to test novel therapeutic approaches.
For more information see the faculty profile of Dimitri Krainc or visit the Krainc Lab website .
View Dr. Krainc's full list of publications in PubMed .
Contact information
Dimitri Krainc, MD, PhD Ward Professor and Chairman 312-503-3936
Knutson Lab Dr. Knutson's lab focuses on clinical and observational research examining sleep, circadian rhythms and chronic diseases, as well as the sociocultural determinants of sleep and circadian rhythms.
Learn more about Dr. Knutson's research at Northwestern Scholars .
Twitter: @klknut
Liotta Lab Dr. Liotta's lab focuses on improving the acute management of and outcomes for critical neurologic illness.
The lab’s current primary focus is the management of severe hepatic encephalopathy in patients with fulminant, acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure and noninvasive detection of cerebral edema.
Visit Dr. Liotta's faculty profile to learn more.
Lubbe Lab Dr. Lubbe’s lab investigates the genetics of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The characterization of how genetic changes contribute to increasing disease risk or to disease causality is key to understanding the underlying disease etiology. Through the bioinformatics analysis of next generation sequencing data (whole genome or exome), the Lubbe lab aims to identify novel genes or loci that when altered may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Furthering our knowledge of the processes that cause Parkinson’s disease could potentially pave the way to the development of novel treatments.
For lab information and more, visit the Lubbe Lab website or Dr. Lubbe's faculty profile .
Steven Lubbe, PhD
312-503-5298
Ward 10-132
Maas Lab Dr. Maas' lab researches the detection and management of evolving neurologic symptoms in critically ill patients, with an emphasis on understanding the role of the circadian system and impaired brain arousal.
Visit Dr. Maas' faculty profile to learn more.
Mazzulli Lab Dr. Mazzulli’s lab investigates cellular self-renewal systems, amyloid formation in the brain, and the relationship of these processes to neurodegeneration and aging.
We are investigating cellular self-renewal mechanisms, amyloid formation in the brain, and the relationship of these processes to neurodegeneration and aging. We primarily use human neurons made from induced pluripotent stem cells as well as in vitro protein aggregation models to delineate the pathogenic mechanisms of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Our group is largely focused on utilizing neurons from rare lysosomal diseases to study how alterations in biomolecule degradation pathways influence the accumulation and conformation of disease-linked proteins such as alpha-synuclein. Another major effort of the lab is to determine how amyloid formation influences cellular self-renewal mechanisms in neurons, such as lysosomal clearance of damaged macromolecules, and the effect on the aging process.
We use the following techniques and model systems:
- Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into midbrain dopamine neurons to model both rare and common neurodegenerative diseases.
- Analytic biochemical techniques, such as HPLC and size exclusion chromatography, to study protein accumulation and misfolding in neurons.
- Analysis of protein and lipid degradation pathways in neurons with a focus on the autophagic-lysosomal clearance system by a variety of biochemical and cell biological techniques
- Primary neuronal cultures and transgenic mice to study the effect of metabolic pathways on protein accumulation and aging.
- Recombinant protein purification of disease-related proteins to study conformational changes in cell-free in vitro systems.
For lab information and more, visit the Dr. Mazzulli's faculty profile or the Mazzulli Lab website .
Joe Mazzulli, PhD
312-503-3933
Menichella Lab Dr. Menichella’s lab investigates the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain in hereditary and acquired peripheral neuropathies.
Lab description.
Menichella's lab is especially focused on painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). PDN is a debilitating affliction present in 26% of diabetic patients with substantial impact on their quality of life. Despite this significant prevalence and impact, current therapies for PDN are only partially effective. Moreover, the molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain in diabetes are not well understood.
Neuropathic pain is caused by sustained excitability in sensory neurons which reduces the pain threshold, so that pain is produced in the absence of appropriate stimuli. Towards designing more effective therapeutics, our goal is to identify the molecular and physiological mechanisms that shape sustained excitability in sensory neurons responsible for the transition to neuropathic pain in peripheral neuropathies. More specifically we are investigating the role of molecules involved in inflammation such as chemokine and the potential role of microRNAs.
We take advantage of an integrated approach combining pain behavioral tests, electrophysiology studies including current clamp recordings, in vitro and in vivo calcium imaging studies, confocal studies with conditional and transgenic mouse genetic and chemo-genetic silencing of sensory neuron subtypes using mutated hM4D receptor (DREADD) receptors.
For more publication information see PubMed and for more information see the faculty profile of Daniela Maria Menichella, MD/PhD .
Daniela Maria Menichella, MD, PhD
312-503-3223
Mesulam Lab Dr. Mesulam’s lab studies Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
As the director of the NIH-funded Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center (CNADC), Dr. Mesulam’s research focuses on cognition and aging. The CNADC’s research ranges from evaluating quality-of-life interventions for Alzheimer’s disease, to understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, and everything in between. Many of the research studies at the CNADC are related to primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a rare dementia syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of language abilities with relative sparing of other areas of cognition. As one of the top referral centers for PPA in the world, they maintain a large cohort of patients who are thoroughly studied using a variety of techniques, including MRI, ERP, and neuropsychological testing. All research patients have the opportunity to participate in the Brain Donation Program, which allows researchers to understand the link between clinical presentation and underlying neuropathologic disease.
For more information please see the faculty profile of M Marsel Mesulam, MD or visit the The Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center (CNADC) website .
Phone: 312-908-9339
Twitter: @NUMesulamCenter
Mundt Lab Dr. Mundt's lab focuses on non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
The research interests of Dr. Mundt's lab include innovative approaches to treatment with a focus on patient perspectives, mind-body focused interventions for disorders of sleep and arousal, and examining sleep disturbances in the context of other psychological and physical parameters such as cognition, stress, and metabolic syndrome.
For lab information, please visit Dr. Mundt's faculty profile and the Mundt Lab webpage for more information.
Naidech Lab Dr. Naidech’s lab conducts clinical and translational research to devise new treatments, improve protocols and maximize quality of life for patients with acute neurological injuries.
The section of neurocritical care combines researchers working on complementary areas of neurological emergencies. Ongoing projects include cerebrovascular autoregulation and cognition ( Farzaneh Sorond, MD, PhD ), patient-centered outcomes research, translational research for acute intracerebral hemorrhage such as acute correction of platelet activity ( Andrew Naidech, MD, MSPH ), sleep dysfunction and circadian rhythms in acute illness ( Matthew Maas, MD ), cerebral edema and hepatic encephalopathy ( Eric Liotta, MD ), and basic neuroscience ( Minjee Kim, MD ).
Andrew Naidech, MD, MSPH, FANA
Professor of Neurology
Twitter: @AndrewNaidech
Opal Lab Dr. Opal’s lab aims to understand the cellular basis of neurodegeneration.
The long-term goal of my laboratory is to understand the cellular basis of neurodegeneration. We are testing the idea that neurodegeneration results from derangements in relatively few but strategic sub-cellular pathways. By identifying critical components of these pathways one could begin to not only understand the biology of neurodegeneration, but also embark on the design of novel therapeutic agents.
We are currently studying the autosomal dominant disorder Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), a relentless disease that affects cerebellar Purkinje cells and brainstem neurons. This disorder is caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the involved disease protein and is thus similar to a growing number of disorders, including Huntington disease, that share this mutational mechanism. Patients with SCA1 begin to display cerebellar signs characterized by motor incoordination or ataxia in early to mid adulthood. Unfortunately there is no treatment for this disease and patients eventually succumb from the complications of brainstem dysfunction.
Current Projects
Testing the transcriptional hypothesis in SCA1 pathogenesis:
One of the earliest features of this disease is change in the gene expression signature within neurons affected in this disease. We are elucidating the pattern of gene expression changes in the vulnerable Purkinje cell population and identifying the contribution of these alterations to pathology.
Testing the role of the vascular and angiogenic factor VEGF in SCA1 pathogenesis.
One of the genes that we have already found to be down-regulated is the neurotrophic and angiogenic factor VEGF. Importantly, we have discovered that genetic or pharmacologic replenishment of VEGF mitigates SCA1 pathogenesis. These results suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for this incurable disease and a possible cross-talk between the degenerating cerebellum and its microvasculature. We are pursuing mechanistic experiments to learn how low VEGF mediates SCA1 pathology. In addition, we are working actively towards testing the potential for VEGF as a therapy in human ataxic disorders.
Testing the role of ataxin-1 misfolding and clearance in disease pathogenesis.
Several studies suggest that ataxin-1 accumulates in neurons because of its inability to be cleared by the protein-misfolding chaperone pathway. We are testing different strategies to promote ataxin-1 clearance.
In addition to spinocerebellar ataxia, we are also studying genetic parkinsonian and dystonic syndromes.
For more information see the faculty profile of Puneet Opal, MD, PhD or visit the Opal Lab website .
View Dr. Opal's full list of publications at PubMed.
Email Puneet Opal, MD, PhD
Phone: 312-503-4699
Twitter: @PuneetOpal
Research Associates
Jessica Huang
Postdoctoral Fellows
Edamakanti Chandrakanth Reddy (Chandu), PhD Dilyan Dryanovski, PhD Yuan-shih (Jennifer) Hu, PhD Eitan Israeli, PhD
Graduate Students
Natalie Frederick Kevin Murnan
Technical Staff
Vicky Hwang
Undergraduate Student
Sean Bald In-Won Chang
Ozdinler Lab Dr. Ozdinler’s lab studies the cortical component of motor neuron circuitry degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other related disorders.
We are interested in the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are responsible for selective neuronal vulnerability and degeneration in motor neuron diseases. Our laboratory especially focuses on the corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN) which are unique in their ability to collect, integrate, translate and transmit cerebral cortex's input toward spinal cord targets. Their degeneration leads to numerous motor neuron diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic paraplegia and primary lateral sclerosis.
Investigation of CSMN require their visualization and cellular analysis. We therefore, generated reporter lines in which upper motor neurons are intrinsically labeled with eGFP expression. We also characterized progressive CSMN degeneration in various mouse models of motor neuron diseases and continue to generate reporter lines of disease models, in which the upper motor neurons express eGFP.
The overall goal in our investigation, is to develop effective treatment strategies for ALS and other related motor neuron diseases. We appreciate the complexity of the disease and try to focus the problem from three different angles. In one set of studies, we try to reveal the intrinsic factors that could contribute to CSMN vulnerability by investigating the expression profile of more than 40,000 genes and their splice variations at different stages of the disease. In another set of studies, we try to understand the role of non-neuronal cells on motor neuron vulnerability and degeneration, using a triple transgenic mouse model, in which the cells that initiate innate immunity are genetically labeled with fluorescence in an ALS mouse model. These studies will not only reveal the genes that show alternative splice variations, but also inform us on the canonical pathway and networks that are altered with respect to disease initiation and progression.
Even though the above mentioned studies, which use pure populations of neurons and cells isolated by FACS mediated approaches, will reveal the potential mechanisms that are important for CSMN vulnerability, it is important to develop therapeutic interventions. One of the approach we develop is the AAV-mediated gene delivery directly into the CSMN via retrograde transduction. Currently, we are trying to improve CSMN transduction upon direct cortex injection.
Identification of compounds that support CSMN survival is an important component of pre-clinical testing. We develop both in vitro and in vivo compound screening and verification platforms that inform us on the efficiency of compounds for the improvement of CSMN survival.
In summary, we generate new tools and reagents to study the biology of CSMN and to investigate both the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to their vulnerability and progressive degeneration. We develop compound screening and verification platforms to test their potency on CSMN and develop AAV-mediated gene delivery approaches. Our research will help understand the cellular basis of CSMN degeneration and will help develop novel therapeutic approaches.
For more information see the faculty profile of Pembe Hande Ozdinler, PhD or the Ozdinler Lab website .
Visit the Les Turner ALS Center
View Dr. Ozdinler's full list of publications at PubMed.
Email Hande Ozdinler, PhD
Phone: 312-503-2774
Twitter: @DrOzdinler
Pioro Lab Dr. Pioro's lab studies adult neurologic patients with motor neuron diseases (MNDs), particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Dr. Pioro's research focuses on characterizing the MRI abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord of PALS as well as identifying the underlying molecular correlates of the imaging changes in CNS tissue and induced pluripotent stem cells derived from these patients.
For lab information and more, visit Dr. Pioro's faculty profile.
Popko Lab Dr. Popko lab aims to uncover fundamental aspects of myelinating glial cell development and the myelination process, as well as the detailed function of the myelin sheath.
The Popko laboratory has a long-standing interest in the myelin sheath. Myelin is the multilayered membrane structure that surrounds most axons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This extension of the myelinating glial cells’ plasma membrane promotes the very rapid nerve conduction velocities that are required in higher vertebrates, and it provides critical trophic support to the axons. Myelin is produced by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.
Our research interests include studies designed to uncover fundamental aspects of myelinating glial cell development, the myelination process, as well as the detailed function of the myelin sheath. We also devote considerable effort to gaining a better understanding of the neurological disorders that disrupt the myelination process during development and the maintenance of the myelin sheath in adults. In addition, we are particularly interested in developing therapeutic approaches to protect the myelinating cells from cytotoxic insult and to enhance the remyelination of demyelinated axons.
For lab information and more, visit Dr. Popko's faculty profile or the Popko Lab website .
Reid Lab Dr. Reid's lab aims to improve understanding of the relationship between the sleep and circadian systems and health and safety.
Current research areas include understanding the basis and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders, the effects of sleep loss on performance and safety, and the relationship between sleep and risk for metabolic and cardiovascular disease.
Visit Dr. Reid's faculty profile to learn more.
Savas Lab The Savas lab aims to accelerate our understanding of the proteins and proteomes responsible for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
We use biochemistry with discovery-based mass spectrometry to identify the protein perturbations which drive synaptopathies and proteinopathies. Groups of perturbed proteins serve as pathway beacons which we subsequently characterizes in hopes of finding new pathogenic mechanisms and potential future therapeutic targets.
For more information view the faculty profile of Jeffrey Savas, PhD or the Savas Lab website .
Please see Dr. Savas's publications on PubMed .
Jeffrey Savas, PhD Assistant Professor in Neurology 312-503-3089
Slutzky Lab Dr. Slutzky’s lab investigates methods of assisting people with neurologic disorders through brain-machine interfaces.
The goal of our research is to help people with neurologic disorders, especially those who are severely paralyzed from stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or ALS. Our research centers around using neural prosthetics, i.e., human machine interfaces, to help restore or replace function of the injured nervous system. We have developed a myoelectric interface for neurorehabilitation training (MINT) to help people with stroke regain function in their arms. The MINT uses electrical muscle signals to control a cursor in customized video games. This enables them to improve coordination between the muscles. Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) offer the capability to “decode” brain signals and use them to control computer cursors, prosthetic limbs, or haptic feedback devices. We are investigating the possibility of using BMIs to help rehabilitate brain function by driving plasticity. We study this in humans with traumatic brain injury. In addition, we are investigating the potential to decode a person’s intended speech directly from his or her brain and using this to restore communication to people who have lost it due to severe paralysis. We also use this powerful paradigm to study the underlying relationship between different types of brain signals, for example, the relationship between field potentials (summed from many neurons in the network) and action potentials of individual neurons.
For more information see the faculty profile of Marc W. Slutzky, MD, PhD or the Slutzky Lab website .
Email Marc W. Slutzky, MD, PhD
Phone: 312-503-4653
Twitter: @SlutzkyLab
Sorond Lab Dr. Sorond’s lab studies the neurovascular mechanisms responsible for acute and chronic brain injury.
Our research program is directed at understanding neurovascular function in health and disease. Specifically, we have been studying the association between cerebral blood flow regulation, structural changes in the brain and the clinical outcomes of acute and chronic cerebrovascular injury. In acute neurovascular disorders, we have validated several novel indices of cerebral blood flow regulation which can now be used to predict the development of vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage and hematoma expansion in patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The availability of these early non-invasive biomarkers will have a significant impact on early interventions to improve outcome in patients with subarachnoid and intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Similarly, in chronic neurovascular disorders associated with aging and neurodegeneration, we have been examining the contribution of vascular disease to mobility impairment and cognitive decline. We have shown that our non-invasive biomarkers of vascular function are strongly associated with cerebral small vessel disease as well as motor and cognitive impairment. Our goal is to expand these studies to include other neurological disorders such as stroke, pre-eclampsia, traumatic brain injury and dementia. Having non-invasive, real-time measure of neurovascular function which can predict clinical outcome in the early phases of brain injury will have significant implications on clinical trials and therapeutic targets designed for the treatment and prevention of these various acute and chronic neurovascular injuries.
For more information, view the faculty profile of Farzaneh A Sorond, MD, PhD . Visit her lab website here .
Twitter: @SorondLab
View Dr. Sorond's full list of publications at PubMed .
Vassar Lab Dr. Vassar’s lab is studying the role of Ab and BACE1 in normal biological processes and in disease mechanisms of relevance to Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. The progressive degeneration of neurons in regions of the brain important for cognition causes the dementia that slowly robs AD patients of their memories, personalities and eventually their lives.
AD pathology is characterized by two microscopic brain lesions:
- Amyloid plaques: Extracellular deposits of the beta-amyloid peptide (Ab), and the longer 42 amino acid form, Ab42, which is strongly associated with autosomal dominant forms of familial AD
- Neurofibrillary tangles
Ab is generated from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by endoproteolysis from two proteases called the b- and g-secretases. The b-secretase, a novel aspartic protease termed BACE1, was initially cloned and characterized by our group (Vassar, et al., 1999). BACE1 is required for the generation of all forms of Ab, including Ab42, and therefore is a prime drug target for the treatment of AD.
Our ongoing research focuses on the role of Ab and BACE1 in normal biological processes and in disease mechanisms of relevance to AD, including:
- The functions of BACE1 and the homologue, BACE2 and the cell biology of Ab in neurons
- The role of inflammation in AD pathophysiology
- Novel transgenic and knockout mouse models of AD
- Molecular changes that may occur during brain aging leading to neurodegeneration
For lab information and more, visit the Vassar Lab website or see Dr. Vassar's faculty profile .
See Dr. Vassar's publications on PubMed .
Email Dr. Robert Vassar
Phone: 312-503-3361
Wong Lab Super-resolution live microscopy: Identifying new organelle dynamics underlying neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases have been linked to the misregulation of multiple organelles including mitochondria and lysosomes, which are key for cellular and neuronal function. Moreover, organelles are highly dynamic and investigating their regulation in real-time is crucial for advancing our understanding of cell biology, cellular neuroscience, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. We recently identified mitochondria-lysosome contact sites as important regulators for mitochondrial and lysosomal network dynamics, which are implicated in multiple neurological diseases including Parkinson's and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Our ongoing research seeks to:
- Use super-resolution live cell microscopy to identify new cellular pathways
- Investigate how mitochondria-lysosome contact sites drive cellular & neuronal homeostasis and human disease pathogenesis
- Explore the roles and regulation of inter-organelle membrane contact sites
- Elucidate how organelle dynamics contribute to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, ALS & Alzheimer’s disease
For more information, visit the Yvette Wong Lab website or Yvette Wong's faculty profile .
View Dr. Wong's full list of publications in PubMed .
Email Yvette Wong, PhD
Zee Lab Dr. Zee’s lab conducts basic, translational and clinical research linking circadian rhythms and sleep to health outcomes and developing innovative treatments for sleep and circadian disorders.
The Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Research Program has a large research portfolio and a history of successful NIH funding of cutting-edge translational research and clinical trials in the area of sleep and circadian medicine. Research projects include basic studies on mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms regulation as well as translational and patient oriented studies on the role of sleep and circadian rhythms on neurocognitive function, cardio-metabolic health, neurodegeneration and other neurological disorders. The program also has extensive history collaborating with institutions throughout the country on large-multi site, multi-year studies and trials.
Currently, faculty are Principal Investigators or collaborators on studies to understand the mechanisms linking sleep quality, circadian alignment with neurocognitive impairment, mood, cardiovascular and metabolic risk in populations at risk for sleep and circadian disorders.
For more information, see the faculty profile of Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD or visit the Center for Sleep & Circadian website .
For publication information, see PubMed .
Email Phyllis C. Zee, MD, PhD
Phone: 312-503-4409
Twitter: @PhyllisZee
Zelano Lab Dr. Zelano’s lab studies neural oscillations in the human olfactory system, their connection to the respiratory cycle, and their propagation to downstream limbic areas involved in emotion and memory processing.
The respiratory rhythm is inherently linked to olfaction; it is not possible to encounter an odor without first inhaling through the nose. Thus respiration imposes a natural rhythm of stimulus sampling in the olfactory system. In the mammalian olfactory bulb, local field potentials oscillate in phase with breathing, regulating cortical excitability, synchronizing activity within cell assemblies and coordinating network interactions, thus shaping olfactory sensory coding, memory and behavior. Due to timing constraints with neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and anatomical constraints with surface EEG recordings, very little is known about respiratory oscillations in the human olfactory system. We use invasive EEG methods (iEEG) to examine how the respiratory rhythm is represented in the human olfactory system, and how this representation changes during different attentional states, and in the presence of odor. We are also interested in the propagation of respiratory oscillations from olfactory cortex to other nearby limbic areas such as the amygdala and the hippocampus, and how these limbic respiratory-linked oscillations impact cognitive functions. We are currently developing fMRI and surface EEG protocols for studying human respiratory oscillations originating in olfactory brain regions that don’t require iEEG methods.
Another goal of the lab is to understand the neural correlates of olfactory attentional mechanisms. The olfactory system is anatomically unique in that it has no pre-cortical thalamic relay. Rather, the olfactory system has a very small contingent of fibers projecting to the mediodorsal thalamic downstream from primary olfactory cortex. While this small contingent likely plays a role in olfactory attention, the unique anatomical organization of the olfactory thalamic relay suggests that olfactory attentional mechanisms may differ from other modalities. We use psychophysics, fMRI and iEEG methods to examine attentional mechanisms such as selective attention and predictive coding within the olfactory system.
For lab information and more, visit Dr. Zelano's faculty profile or the Zelano Lab website .
View Christina Zelano's full publication listing on PubMed .
Christina M Zelano, PhD Assistant Professor in Neurology 312-503-7244
Follow Neurology on Instagram Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
Innovative, collaborative research.
The Department of Neuroscience at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is devoted to outstanding research and committed to excellence in education. Our faculty participate in teaching medical and graduate students and are proud of their contribution to this important enterprise.
Learn About Us
Our research spans the full spectrum of investigation into neural function and dysfunction, bridging the levels of genes, molecules, dendrites, axons, cell types, circuits, systems and behavior.
In addition to directing their own independent research programs, our faculty are responsible for supervising the research training of postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
"Mapping the landscape of social behavior" | Ugne Klibaite, Ph.D
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Add to Calendar
Neuroscience Seminar Series | Linda Wilbrecht, Ph.D
Recent Publications
μ-Opioid Receptor Modulation of the Glutamatergic/GABAergic Midbrain Inputs to the Mouse Dorsal Hippocampus.
Kim HR, Dey S, Sekerkova G, Martina M.
J Neurosci. 2024 Oct 23;44(43):e0653242024. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0653-24.2024.
Hand-Jaw Coordination as Mice Handle Food Is Organized around Intrinsic Structure-Function Relationships.
Barrett JM, Martin ME, Gao M, Druzinsky RE, Miri A, Shepherd GMG.
J Neurosci. 2024 Oct 16;44(42):e0856242024. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0856-24.2024.
α-Synuclein pathology disrupts mitochondrial function in dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons at-risk in Parkinson's disease.
Geibl FF, Henrich MT, Xie Z, Zampese E, Ueda J, Tkatch T, Wokosin DL, Nasiri E, Grotmann CA, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Chandel NS, Oertel WH, Surmeier DJ.
Mol Neurodegener. 2024 Oct 8;19(1):69. doi: 10.1186/s13024-024-00756-2.
Persistent inward currents in human motoneurons: emerging evidence and future directions.
Mesquita RNO, Taylor JL, Heckman CJ , Trajano GS, Blazevich AJ.
J Neurophysiol. 2024 Oct 1;132(4):1278-1301. doi: 10.1152/jn.00204.2024. Epub 2024 Aug 28.
Research Priorities on the Role of α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis.
Burré J, Edwards RH, Halliday G, Lang AE, Lashuel HA, Melki R, Murayama S, Outeiro TF, Papa SM, Stefanis L, Woerman AL, Surmeier DJ , Kalia LV, Takahashi R; MDS Scientific Issues Committee.
Mov Disord. 2024 Oct;39(10):1663-1678. doi: 10.1002/mds.29897. Epub 2024 Jun 30.
Acetyl-DL-leucine in two individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder improves symptoms, reverses loss of striatal dopamine-transporter binding and stabilizes pathological metabolic brain pattern-case reports.
Oertel WH, Janzen A, Henrich MT, Geibl FF, Sittig E, Meles SK, Carli G, Leenders K, Booij J, Surmeier DJ , Timmermann L, Strupp M.
Nat Commun. 2024 Sep 2;15(1):7619. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-51502-7.
Body mass index associated with respiration predicts motion in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans.
Huang S, Vigotsky AD, Apkarian AV , Huang L.
Hum Brain Mapp. 2024 Sep;45(13):e70015. doi: 10.1002/hbm.70015.
Voluntary co-contraction of ankle muscles alters motor unit discharge characteristics and reduces estimates of persistent inward currents.
Gomes MM, Jenz ST, Beauchamp JA, Negro F, Heckman CJ , Pearcey GEP.
J Physiol. 2024 Sep;602(17):4237-4250. doi: 10.1113/JP286539. Epub 2024 Aug 19.
Multiple layers of diversity govern the cell type specificity of GABAergic input received by mouse subicular pyramidal neurons.
Borjas NC, Anstötz M, Maccaferri G.
J Physiol. 2024 Sep;602(17):4195-4213. doi: 10.1113/JP286679. Epub 2024 Aug 14.
Prognostic value of preoperative mechanical hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain qualities for postoperative pain after total knee replacement.
Vigotsky AD, Cong O, Pinto CB, Barroso J, Perez J, Petersen KK, Arendt-Nielsen L, Hardt KD, Manning D, Apkarian AV , Branco P.
Eur J Pain. 2024 Sep;28(8):1387-1401. doi: 10.1002/ejp.2295. Epub 2024 Jun 8.
Basic Science Administration
Our department is supported by the Basic Science Administration group. The team provides assistance related to research and financial administration, professional affairs, facilities and communications.
VISIT BASIC SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION SITE
Starzl Academy
Physician-Scientist Training & Resources
We offer a wide range of resources, mentorship opportunities and formal training programs to help our residents and fellows excel as physician-scientists. Explore all of the resources and hear from housestaff who are making research a major part of their career development plans.
Visit the Starzl Academy Site
Follow Neuroscience on Twitter
World-renowned research and care for Alzheimer's and related diseases
The mission of the Mesulam Center is to conduct cutting-edge research on the devastating neurodegenerative disorders that cause dementia. Through this research we seek to better understand the underlying biological mechanisms of dementias so that we may identify novel therapeutic targets for the amelioration of disease. Our mission is also to clarify the neural organization of behavior and cognition in the human brain and to offer our patients and their families personalized care that addresses the symptoms as well as the underlying disease.”
— Robert Vassar, PhD, Director
Get Care & Support
Support groups and clinic information
Join a Study
Browse our active research studies
For Scientists
Access data, grants & resources
For Students
Explore our training programs
At the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, we work to investigate the causes and clinical characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases, ensure that our patients are the beneficiaries of the latest advances and explore the neural foundations of behavior and cognition in health and disease. Areas of clinical emphasis include the following conditions:
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Primary Progressive Aphasia
- Frontotemporal Degeneration
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
Visit Northwestern Medicine's Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic
Community Engagement
The Mesulam Center has a long history of working with diverse and traditionally underrepresented minority communities to raise dementia awareness and engage in mutually beneficial partnerships.
Alzheimer Day
Save the Date: May 15, 2025
The 31st Annual Alzheimer Day will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025. More information will be shared on our website soon.
To view the most up-to-date event inforamtion, in addition to videos and abstracts from the 30th Annual Alzheimer Day event, you can follow the link below.
Learn more about Alzheimer Day
Follow Mesulam Center on Facebook Twitter
Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences
Interdisciplinary biological sciences graduate program.
- About Our Students
- Student Research
- Departments
- Directions and Transportation
- Other Life Sciences Programs & Resources
- Prospective Students
- Current Students
- IBIS Student Organization
- Graduate Students
- Student Awards
- Student Publications
- Faculty Awards
- Fall Retreat
- Thesis Talks
- Bioprofessionals Program
- Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Biophysics
- Cell & Molecular Biology
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology
- Genetics, Genomics, and Quantitative Biology
Neuroscience
- Synthetic & Chemical Biology
- Training Programs
- Research Facilities
- Demographics
- Initiatives
- News and Events
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Research Home
Go to the Faculty List
Research in Neuroscience ranges from molecular and developmental to cellular and systems neuroscience. Neuroscience labs use a wide variety of approaches such as genetics, molecular biology, electrophysiology, imaging, and computational and behavioral analyses to answer fundamental questions about how the brain processes information and uses it to guide behavior. Areas of particular research strength include sleep and circadian rhythms, neuroendocrinology, sensory and motor systems, learning and memory, and neurodegenerative disease. The training in this concentration is broad and consists of interdisciplinary education through research, specialized courses in advanced topics, and integration of several disciplines, and often involves collaborative efforts between preceptors from various fields. Depending on the specific research area, outstanding students may be nominated for support by the Training Grant in Sleep Research.
Faculty List
Thomas Bozza, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Molecular genetics and physiology of olfaction
Daniel A. Dombeck, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Optical dissection of the neuronal circuits underlying mammalian navigation
Marco Gallio, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Processing of temperature stimuli in the brain
William L. Klein, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease
Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Synaptic and circuit development in the basal ganglia
Hojoon Lee, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Neurobiology of taste
Thomas J. Meade, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Bioinorganic coordination chemistry, biological molecular imaging, transcription factor inhibitors, and electronic biosensors
Andrew Miri, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Neural mechanisms of motor system function
Chad A. Mirkin, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Developing methods for controlling the architecture of molecules and materials on the 1 - 100 nm length scale
Richard I. Morimoto, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Cell stress responses, molecular chaperones, and protein conformational disease
Christian P. Petersen, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Molecular and cellular basis of regeneration
Tiffany Schmidt, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Understanding visual circuits using electrophysiology, behavior, and anatomy in mouse models
Reza Vafabakhsh, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Development of methods for quantitative hierarchical characterization of synaptic players at different length scales
Yue Yang, PhD Email: [email protected] Research Interests: Epigenetic programming of neural circuits
IMAGES
VIDEO