Mapping Cellular Networks for Microbiome Contributions to Neurodegeneration

The gut microbiome is increasingly implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, with links to amyloid pathology, microglial activation, neurodegeneration, motor impairments and cognitive decline in animal models. However, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying how the gut microbiota influences core symptoms of neurodegenerative disease remain undefined. To address these gaps, my lab will investigate how genetic and environmental risk factors for neurodegeneration modify the gut microbiome, and how interactions between the gut microbiome and immune and nervous systems contribute to disease initiation and progression. The goal is to develop an integrated framework for interactions between the brain and periphery over time, toward identifying early mediators and biomarkers for neurodegenerative disease.