Postdoctoral Associates in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Multiple NIH-grant funded openings are available for postdoctoral scientists to study the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

First project aims to define the role of BACH-1 in the AD (RF1AG077396).  BACH1 is transcriptional factor that represses Nrf2, a transcriptional factor that induces multiple neuroprotective pathways.  We found that pharmacological and genetic repression of BACH1 attenuates AD-related neuropathology and neurodegeneration in transgenic mouse model of AD.  We are currently defining how inhibition of BACH1 leads to neuroprotection in AD models.

Second project, working in collaboration with Dr. Michael Farrar (Center for Immunology, UofM), aims to study the role of regulatory T (Treg) cells in AD (R01AG078731).  While CNS inflammation, particularly microglial activation, is a key component of AD pathogenesis, peripheral adoptive immunity, largely mediated by T-cells, is emerging as a significant pathologic component in AD.  Among the T cells, Tregs functions to attenuate too much inflammatory activation via suppression of effector T-cells and microglia. Initial human studies indicate to reduced Treg function in AD and in mouse models of AD.  In this project, we will characterize molecular features of Treg and effector T cells in AD and whether distinct subsets of Tregs can modulate AD pathology in vivo. 

The projects will utilize mouse genetics, immunological/cell biological/biochemical approaches, genomic analysis (RNAseq, snRNAseq, Spatial transcriptomics), high-content immunohistochemical analysis, quantitative neuropathology, and  behavioral analysis.  

The laboratory is funded by multiple grants from Federal/Private sources and involve extensive national/international collaborations with a diverse group of investigators.  The laboratory is located within the Wallin Medical Biosciences Building at University of Minnesota, housing the Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and Center for Immunology.  Candidate will join a highly collaborative, vibrant, and supportive laboratory environment currently consisting of multiple postdoctoral fellows, students and supporting staff.  Candidates must have a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree with strong background in relevant Biomedical Sciences. Fluency in English is also essential.  We will prioritize individuals who have background or interest in the following approaches: quantitative analysis of neuropathology and neurodegeneration, neuroimmunology, studies of protein quality control, and/or single cell/spatial transcriptomics.  

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