This work directly led to the first applications of neural xenotransplantation in clinical trials for Parkinson's and Huntington's in 1995. His laboratory is also involved in several molecular and cellular studies to obtain neuroprotection and gene delivery in the central nervous system. Studies in this area include a search for small molecules that can modulate tau dysfunction. Elucidating the protein structural changes that are critical in neuro-degenerative disease, especially Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In addition, probes for in vivo detection of amyloid formation are being developed.
Research is conducted on two major problems.
The second focuses on the nature of the molecular determinants of neuronal growth and activity-dependent neurotransmitter release that may underlie learning and memory in the developing and adult brain. Neuropathological and immunocytochemical analyses of AD, normal aged human brain, and other primate brain tissues at the light and electron-microscopic levels have also been conducted. The goals of this work are to elucidate the pathogenesis of the progressive neuronal dysfunction and cell loss that occur in age-related brain degeneration and to describe the molecular changes that precede this process, particularly as regards altered processing of APP in AD and in trisomy 21. A wide range of techniques are employed in the laboratory, including molecular cloning and sequencing, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA transfection and expression studies, protein purification and sequencing, cell biological studies employing an extensive array of tissue culture cells, immunochemistry, and light and electron microscopy. Return to Top Return to Home Page Reisa Sperling, M.D., M.MSc.