| Laboratory of Neurogenetics |
Andrew B. Singleton, Ph.D., Chief
Investigator |
| Mission |
| Since 1986, our lab has had a very simple philosophy: find the genes and gene mutations that cause or contribute to neurological disease. These discoveries allow us and others to transfer those genes and mutations into cells and mice in order to make a model which helps the field to better understand disease processes. As more is understood about the disease progression we can then use these models to test therapies. It is only by appreciating how a disease begins and progresses that scientists can make informed attempts at halting or reversing disease progression. |
| We have been a key laboratory in furthering the basic understanding of Alzheimer's disease progression and are now applying these techniques to a host of other diseases. These neurological diseases include the dementias, stroke and in particular a number of movement disorders (including Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, dystonia, and ataxia). In order to recapitulate the success we achieved in Alzheimer's disease, we are collecting DNA from families and individuals with a history of these diseases. We believe the outcome of this type of research will impact other researchers and of course ultimately the patients themselves. |
