Unlocking the secrets of the brain
The Azrieli Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences brings together researchers from different disciplines to pave the way to breakthroughs in our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, mental health, the aging brain, and more.
Dr. Meital Oren-Suissa from the Department of Brain Sciences studies sex differences in brain development and maturation. She studies a brain cell receptor, known as DCC, whose signaling pathway helps ensure the proper maintenance of neural connections. In adulthood, and in females especially, inappropriate activity in this pathway leads to the self-destruction of dopamine-releasing neurons—increasing the risk for Parkinson’s disease.
Prof. Orly Reiner from the Department of Molecular Genetics, working with scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center, helped clarify the role of HNRNPU, a gene that helps safeguard the developing brain. Certain mutations in HNRNPU are associated with epilepsy (among other neurodevelopmental disorders), and the researchers, led by staff scientist Dr. Tamar Sapir, identified compounds capable of reversing brain tissue loss due to such mutations, in mouse models.