Research

We study the role of new and mature neurons in memory formation, consolidation, extinction and retrieval in health and in Alzheimer's disease. We are interested in unraveling the profile and location of memory substrates, and how they change or get compromised in Alzheimer's disease. We use live calcium imaging, chemogenetics, optogenetics, spatial and temporal transcriptomics and epigenetics to elucidate these questions.  

We study the cross talk between neurons and glia in the entorhinal cortex and their counterparts in the dentate gyrus and other parts of the hippocampus. We examine the molecular basis of neuronal vulnerability in these areas, the development of Alzheimer's pathology and its effect on cognitive function.

In addition, our research examines factors that can accelerate or exacerbate the development of sporadic late onset Alzheimer's disease. That includes risk factors, such as PICALM, vascular factors, such as Caveolin-1 and conditions such as type-2-diabetes. We use mouse and human cell models to investigate these factors.

We are intrigued by the association between Down Syndrome and  Alzheimer's disease. Using gene editing and human cellular models of Down Syndrome and  Alzheimer's disease, we study the factors that are necessary and/or essential for these pathological conditions.