Translational Neuroendocrinology

We study Huntington’s disease, the spectrum of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. These are all fatal neurodegenerative disorders without disease-modifying therapies.

Although research has previously focused on the well-known disturbances in motor function, emerging studies point to early non-motor features with altered emotional processing and metabolic dysfunction. The underlying hypothesis for our research program is that early changes in these disorders involve hypothalamic dysfunction and pathology. Our studies have shown pioneering data on hypothalamic pathology. We now aim to investigate this pathology in detail using advanced molecular and cellular technologies and to target important changes for therapeutic intervention.

Our research aims to unravel novel disease mechanisms of fatal neurodegenerative disorders and to target them for therapeutic intervention. We also investigate the early manifestations of these disorders as early clinical outcomes are critical in the development and evaluation of novel disease-modifying therapies. Finally, we aim to improve clinical care and participate in international clinical trials for Huntington’s disease.