Dr. Asa Abeliovich, aa900@columbia.edu
The study of the molecular basis of midbrain dopamine neuron function and survival. Midbrain dopamine neurons are thought to play key roles in learned and addictive behaviors and degeneration of these neurons underlies Parkinson disease.
Dr. Robert E. Burke, rb43@columbia.edu
Studies of mechanisms of programmed cell death in models of neurodegeneration related to disorders of the basal ganglia, especially parkinsonism. Studies are conducted both in vivo and in vitro, utilizing immunohistochemistry, quantitative morphologic analysis, in situ hybridization, differential display, receptor autoradiography, and enzyme assays.
Dr. William Dauer, kd2165@columbia.edu
Research focuses on creating and characterizing genetic mouse models of basal ganglia disease, generated through the use of gene targeting. The present emphasis is on the characterizing DYT1 and alpha-synuclein mutants, using anatomic, biochemical and behavioral approaches. Additionally, the laboratory is also involved in strategies that allow region and temporal-specific expression of pathogenic protein in the nervous system.
Dr. Serge Przedborski, sp30@columbia.edu
Study of toxin-induced damage to neurotransmitter systems pertinent to movement disorders such as Parkinson disease and Huntington disease. Modes of cell death and free radical-induced toxicity are also investigated. SOD1 mutant transgenic mice serve as a model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods include transgenic mice, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, quantitative morphology, receptor binding, HPLC, classical histology.
Dr. David Sulzer, ds43@columbia.edu
Study of dopamine synaptic plasticity and its pharmacological manipulation by drugs used for treatment of Parkinson disease and schizophrenia, as well as modulation by intrinsic synaptic proteins. Investigations also include mechanisms of addictive-drugs associated with dopamine systems and cell culture models of catecholamine neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Methods include electrophysiology, electrochemistry, HPLC, quantitative microscopy, molecular biology and neuronal cell culture.