As I am in the very early stages of the MST program, I have yet to select a thesis laboratory or complete my laboratory rotations. However, I have identified several laboratories whose research interests parallel my own, i.e., studying the mechanisms behind and understanding the onset of neurodegeneration. One such laboratory with whom I completed a rotation this summer is embarking on a very exciting new direction in the study of neurodegenerative diseases as a function of early determination in neural stem cells rather than being an age related phenomenon. Dr. Mehler's studies are aimed at identifying which stage of development is instrumental for the commitment to the brain cell population that will undergo cell death later in life. These studies and the means for answering such revolutionary questions will encompass the latest in dissociated cell culture, molecular biology, and genetic analysis in order to identify the origins of diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinson and Huntingtons diseases. Should these experiments prove fruitful this would provide a novel approach to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and open the gates to new treatments and screening for individuals early in life even before the onset of disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NS044583-01
Application #
6547056
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (29))
Program Officer
Sheehy, Paul A
Project Start
2002-08-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-08-01
Budget End
2003-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$42,086
Indirect Cost
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009095365
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461
Rensing, Nicholas; Ouyang, Yannan; Yang, Xiao-Feng et al. (2005) In vivo imaging of dendritic spines during electrographic seizures. Ann Neurol 58:888-98