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MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY AND GENETICS LAB
Genetics of Recurrent Early-Onset Depression (GenRED)
Supported by research project grant MH60866 and Independent Scientist Award MH00540 to Dr. Zubenko.
Genetics of Successful Aging (GenSA)
Supported by research project grant MH43261 and Independent Scientist Award MH00540 to Dr. Zubenko.
Behavioral Complications of Alzheimer's Disease
This research project supports our pioneering studies of the biological substrates of depression in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a common source of excess morbidity and mortality. Clinicopathologic studies continue to support the role of degeneration of the brainstem aminergic nuclei in the pathogenesis of clinical depression in AD and related disorders. Preliminary evidence suggests that apoptotic events and certain AD risk loci contribute to the degeneration of these nuclei in AD. These efforts have been extended through a multi-site collaboration of four NIA-funded ADCs/ADRCs (UCLA, Mt. Sinai, Indiana, Baylor) as well as the NIMH Geriatric Psychiatry Branch. Supported by research project grant MH/AG47346 and Independent Scientist Award MH00540 to Dr. Zubenko.
Biological Markers of Alzheimer's Disease
The central goal of this research project is to identify biological and environmental risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) through the longitudinal follow-up of a large cohort of individuals who are at risk for developing this disorder. To our knowledge, it is the only such prospective study of incident cases of AD that emerge from a cohort of initially-asymptomatic individuals. The corresponding library of transformed cell lines will facilitate the evaluation of candidate susceptibility genes. At the end of 7.5 years of follow-up, age, increased platelet membrane fluidity (PMF), and inheritance of the APOE4 allele emerged as independent risk factors for AD. Continuation of this longitudinal study is underway, along with studies of the molecular basis of increased PMF in AD and further genetic studies of this condition and successful aging. Supported by research project grant MH43261 and Independent Scientist Award MH00540 to Dr. Zubenko.
Clinical/Epidemiological Studies of Memory and Behavioral Disorders in Late Life
These studies are devoted to characterizing the natural history, symptomatic presentation, treatment response, and long term outcomes of elderly individuals who develop memory/cognitive impairment and behavioral disorders that impair their functioning. We have characterized approximately 1,000 such patients who have been evaluated and treated on the Geriatric Inpatient Units at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Supported by Independent Scientist Award MH00540 to Dr. Zubenko.
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