Summary
Certain proteins can form heritable aggregates termed prions or prion-like. We have studied yeast prions extensively to elucidate the factors that influence prion appearance and inheritance and to identify new prions. We are now using our expertise with yeast prions to focus on the genesis and toxicity of human prion-like disease aggregates including aggregates of Abeta, α- synuclein, TDP-43, and huntingtin that are respectively associated with Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/ frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Huntington's diseases.
Education
- B.A., Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- M.S. Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Ph.D. Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY