Cristoforo Scavone
The Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory employs a multifaceted array of experimental models of aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders in order to establish the molecular and biochemical changes that occur during aging and in disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. An area of focus is aimed at understanding adaptive cellular stress responses in neurons, and how they can be activated by behavioral and pharmacological interventions so as to protect the brain against injury and disease. Data obtained in these experimental models are integrated with data obtained in studies of both normal elderly humans and patients with neurodegenerative disorders to arrive at conclusions as to why neuronal dysfunction and degeneration occur in the disorders. Discoveries made in animal models in the laboratory are being translated into preclinical studies and clinical trials in human subjects.