The origins our research are rooted in questions regarding neuronal polarity. This is the not-so-simple question about how the axon and dendrites form their morphological, biochemical, and functionally discrete domains. The importance of neuronal polarity cannot be overstated as this is absolutely required to form a functioning nervous system, and loss of polarity or mislocalization of differentially distributed proteins cause or contribute to many forms of neurodegeneration. A notable review on neuronal polarity penned by my mentor and friend, Dr. Gary Banker, is here.
Through the years our research evolved to focus on microtubule-based organelle transport in healthy and diseased neurons. We have published several papers on axonal transport defects in cellular and animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Recently, we have shifted from rodent models to the culture human neurons generated from induced pluripotent stems cells or iPSCs. One particular interest is in the study of the rare disease - KIF1A Associated Neurological Disorder (KAND). Information about this disease can be found at KIF1A.org
