Research

Main Ongoing

Projects

Zimmer ER et al. 2017, Nat Neurosci

Astrocytes in neurodegeneration

Astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells, are key players in controlling brain synapses and homeostasis. Recent evidence indicate they also contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. We are interested in understanding the specific role of these cells in neurodegeneration. To study astrocytes in health and disease our lab combines in vivo and in vitro techniques associated to computational and imaging data in mammals and humans.

Astrocytes in neurodegeneration

Astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells, are key players in controlling brain synapses and homeostasis. Recent evidence indicate they also contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. We are interested in understanding the specific role of these cells in neurodegeneration. To study astrocytes in health and disease our lab combines in vivo and in vitro techniques associated to computational and imaging data in mammals and humans.

Zimmer ER et al. 2017, Nat Neurosci

Brain networks in neurodegeneration

Brain imaging techniques are highly suited to understand how the brain works. It is thought that a high complex network that allows cells to communicate is needed for brain proper functioning. We are interested in evaluating brain changes in neurodegenerative disorders at the network level. For doing that, we build brain networks by deriving functional information from positron emission tomography (PET) imaging . We believe that these changes occur early in the neurodegenerative process, before the identification of pathological features or symptoms.

Bellaver B et al 2019, Brain Behav Immun

Brain networks in neurodegeneration

Brain imaging techniques are highly suited to understand how the brain works. It is thought that a high complex network that allows cells to communicate is needed for brain proper functioning. We are interested in evaluating brain changes in neurodegenerative disorders at the network level. For doing that, we build brain networks by deriving functional information from positron emission tomography (PET) imaging . We believe that these changes occur early in the neurodegenerative process, before the identification of pathological features or symptoms.

Zimmer ER., et al. 2017

Povala G, unpublished data

Brain pathology pattern recognition

The recent advancements in the use of imaging techniques and fluid biomarkers in neurodegenerative disorders research reconceptualize the way we see these disorders. We are developing new algorithms to integrate neuroimaging with fluid biomarkers, genetics and omics data. By using innovative machine learning and deep learning algorithms, we hope to identify a disease signature that predicts pathology before the onset of symptoms.

Brain pathology pattern recognition

The recent advancements in the use of imaging techniques and fluid biomarkers in neurodegenerative disorders research reconceptualize the way we see these disorders. We are developing new algorithms to integrate neuroimaging with fluid biomarkers, genetics and omics data. By using innovative machine learning and deep learning algorithms, we hope to identify a disease signature that predicts pathology before the onset of symptoms.
Povala G, unpublished data

Mammalian brain biology initiative

Recent refinements in clinical studies should be translated back to animal research. The Mammalian Brain Biology Initiative (MABBI) aims to collect imaging, fluid and brain tissue data to evaluate age-dependent neurodegeneration in mammals and compare to human findings. We are interested in understanding why humans are so vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Zimmer ER et al 2014, J Cereb Blood Flow Metab

Mammalian brain biology initiative

Recent refinements in clinical studies should be translated back to animal research. The Mammalian Brain Biology Initiative (MABBI) aims to collect imaging, fluid and brain tissue data to evaluate age-dependent neurodegeneration in mammals and compare to human findings. We are interested in understanding why humans are so vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Zimmer ER et al 2014, J Cereb Blood Flow Metab
Ferrari JP, unpublished data

Modifiable risk factors in neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders modifiable risk factors include exercise, education, social engagement, cognitive stimulation, obesity and diet. Our lab is interested in understanding the precise mechanisms behind modifiable risk factors. For doing that, we back translate human lifestyle risk factos to rodent models. Our theory is that by tackling modificilable risk factors we might avoid neurodegeneration.

Modifiable risk factors in neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders modifiable risk factors include exercise, education, social engagement, cognitive stimulation, obesity and diet. Our lab is interested in understanding the precise mechanisms behind modifiable risk factors. For doing that, we back translate human lifestyle risk factos to rodent models. Our theory is that by tackling modificilable risk factors we might avoid neurodegeneration.
Ferrari JP, unpublished data