NIH Director’s Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series

Sensing from within: how the immune system discriminates friend from foe

The Fitzgerald lab is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling the inflammatory response. We are interested in determining how the immune system discriminates between pathogens, resident microflora and host molecules to both protect the host from infection and avoid damaging inflammatory diseases. We employ multifaceted approaches including immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics to understand these mechanisms.

Cerebellar synaptic signaling as a metaphor for mentorship: how silence and speech get different deeds done

The cerebellum facilitates learned, coordinated movements and corrects errors. Signals to execute these functions are carried by the large neurons of the cerebellar nuclei, which form the major premotor projection from the cerebellum.

From genetics to therapeutics in Alzheimer’s: accelerating translation, increasing success

Dr. Mucke’s research focuses on conditions that cause cognitive deficits, behavioral abnormalities and other major neurological alterations, including aging-related dementias, epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders. He uses transgenic mouse models and neural cultures to dissect the pathogenic pathways that lead from genetic and environmental risk factors to neurological abnormalities at the molecular, cellular, network and behavioral level. Experimental models are also used to develop and evaluate novel treatment strategies.