My scientific career has revolved around the study of protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases with a special emphasis in the role of tau pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. For several years, my work has focused on the relevance of tau oligomers in the pathogenesis of AD. My studies yielded evidence that this pre-filamentous form of tau is a possible biomarker and target for the diagnosisand treatment of AD. My work in characterizing tau and tau oligomers not only challenged the traditional view of tau neurofibrillary tangles as responsible for neurodegeneration in AD, but also may lead to therapies that target tau oligomers to combat neurodegeneration.
Currently, my laboratory focuses in understanding the role of tau in AD/Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), with special emphasis in the mechanism(s) involved in tau aggregation and propagation and the contribution of vascular damage and neuroinflammation to synaptoxicity associated to tau aggregation.
Research:
- Tau Physiology and pathology in neurodegeneration
- Investigating the role of tau native interactors on tau amyloidogenic properties and disease pathogenesis
- Role of AMPK-related kinases in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and how modulation of its levels affects tau-induced pathology
- Formation of tau pore-like structures in neurodegenerative tauopathies
Therefore, the study of the physiological and pathological function of tau is key to understanding and treating these neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, the main focus of the Lasagna-Reeves Lab is to comprehensively elucidate the role that tau physiology plays in neurodegenerative tauopathies.
Our research focuses on the role protein tau plays in neurodegenerative diseases.
Research:
- Role of tau native interactors on tau amyloidogenic properties and disease pathogenesis
- Formation of tau pore-like structures in neurodegenerative tauopathies
- Role of tau in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (caa)
- Tbi and neurodegenerative tauopathies
Subject Area:
Expertise:
- Neurodegenerative Disorders Research
