Translational Neurobiology Research
The mission of the Division of Translational Neurobiology is to discover, facilitate, and promote outstanding models of human disease for translational research. Specifically, we aim:
- To provide structures and resources to connect basic scientists with clinicians to foster new applied medicine projects.
- To advance unbiased longitudinal research approaches that incorporate comprehensive analyses of genetic, environmental (infectious, metabolic, toxicologic), and age-associated risk factors/comorbidities.
About our division
The Division of Translational Neurobiology seeks to establish a Departmental hub for translational neuroscience to support highly interdisciplinary preclinical studies and promote knowledge exchange between clinicians and basic scientists. Focusing on sensory neuropathies and neuroinflammatory disorders, we are developing a translational research pipeline that can be applied flexibly to other areas of neuropathological investigation with the potential to improve patient care through personalized medicine. Our immediate goals include developing several platforms for collaborative exchange between basic scientists and clinical faculty (e.g., trainee work-in-progress talks, multi-PI grant brainstorm sessions, and an annual retreat). In addition, through our various research resource platforms (e.g., biomarker-, model system-, and multi-omics databases; see below) we aim to expand opportunities for preclinical studies and facilitate the exchange of model systems between participating faculty. Longer-term goals (e.g., education, outreach) will be implemented through curriculum development and collaborations with other outreach programs.
Our faculty
Our faculty research interests range from neuroimmunology (in relation to AD, PD, ALS, epilepsy, MS), Glial cell biology and pathology in neurodegenerative diseases, Metabolic biology and dysfunction (in treatment target discovery in diabetic neuropathy), and sensory neuron biology and disease modeling (in diabetic neuropathy and Friedreich ataxia). Please feel free to contact individual faculty members to learn more about their research projects and how you can contribute!
Areas of research
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Freidreich ataxia
Please feel free to contact individual faculty members to learn more about these disorders and how you can contribute to better treatment strategies!
Publications
- Elizabeth M. Bradshaw, PhD
- Joriene C. De Nooij, PhD
- Wassim Elyaman, PhD
- Marta Olah, PhD
- Amy Rumora, PhD
Interested in joining our division?
We are always interested in recruiting talented undergraduate and graduate students, fellows, and new faculty members to nurture a distinctive and inclusive research culture that is creative and collaborative. Please reach out to individual faculty to hear more about these possibilities!
