Translational Research
About Our Translational Science Programs
Translational research combines basic science and clinical expertise to develop new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. Brain imaging is among the most promising tools for sensitively detecting pathologic processes non-invasively and aiding the differential diagnosis of dementing diseases. Among the first to apply neuroimaging to Alzheimer’s diagnosis, NYU investigators are now forging new paths toward earlier diagnosis by mapping structural and metabolic brain changes using both PET and MRI technologies to distinguish MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) from normal aging. |  |
In addition, coupling neuroimaging with measurements of disease biomarkers and adding sensitive psychometric techniques for detecting early cognitive decline is making early diagnosis even more precise and has put within reach the goal of identifying individuals at risk for cognitive decline who are still clinically normal.
Genomics, a technology that allows for the expression of hundreds of genes to be studied within even a single diseased brain or blood cell from a patient with dementia, is providing exciting clues to underlying causes of dementing disorders and will soon help to guide drug discovery. Similar technologies are being developed at NYU to assess microRNAs, minute forms of RNA molecules that control genes, some of which are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Animal modeling of dementing diseases is an especially key area of focus in translational science within our CoE and will be increasingly used to assess therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse the disease process. NYU investigators have created mouse models that replicate the pathology of AD. Past NYU studies using translational models have identified cholesterol-lowering drugs as potential AD therapies, and these are now undergoing clinical trials.
Center of Excellence on Brain Aging Translational Science Efforts
Centers and Programs
Silberstein Alzheimer's Institute
Other NYU Centers and Programs
Nathan Kline Institute
Investigators
- Bekker, Alex
- Boutajangout, Allal
- Brys, Miroslaw
- Chao, Moses
- Clelland, James
- Convit, Antonio
- de Leon, Mony
- De Santi, Susan
- Di Rocco, Alessandro
- Frangione, Blas
- Ghiso, Jorge
- Glodzik, Lidia
- Haile, Michael
- Helpern, Joseph
- Levy, Efrat
- Li, Yi
- Mathews, Paul
- Mosconi, Lisa
- Pankiewicz, Joanna
- Pirraglia, Elizabeth
- Prichep, Leslie
- Rostagno, Agueda
- Rusinek, Henry
- Sadowski, Martin
- Sigurdsson, Einar
- Tsui, W.H.
- Wilson, Donald
- Wisniewski, Thomas
