Research
Centers
Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)
Advancing global research and prevention for familial Alzheimer’s disease
An international research initiative focused on understanding and preventing dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (DIAD). DIAN conducts long-term observational studies and clinical trials to identify biomarkers, track disease progression and evaluate potential therapies. Through its trials unit (DIAN-TU), the program leads pioneering prevention studies targeting individuals with genetic mutations linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s. DIAN also supports families through genetic counseling, education and opportunities to participate in research that may benefit future generations
Hope Center for Neurological Disorders
Advancing collaborative research for brain health
Dedicated to improving lives through interdisciplinary research focused on neurodegeneration and neural repair. By fostering collaboration among scientists, the center promotes innovative approaches to understanding brain disorders and translating discoveries into treatments. Its resources include specialized research groups, core facilities and educational programs designed to accelerate breakthroughs in neurological health.
Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center
Advancing research to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease
Committed to improving diagnosis, care and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease through cutting-edge research and education. The center supports scientists, clinicians and the public by fostering collaboration and providing resources for studies on clinical, genetic and neuropathological aspects of Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Its long-term goal is to develop effective treatments and preventive strategies for dementia.
Knight ADRC Clinical Trials Unit
Accelerating research and equity in Alzheimer’s treatment
Leading global efforts to develop and test promising therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In collaboration with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation and over 100 research partners, the unit conducts clinical trials aimed at reducing disease progression, improving patient outcomes and increasing diversity in research participation. With more than 35 years of experience and over 5,400 participants, the center is committed to advancing science and ensuring equitable access to innovative treatments.
Labs
Balls-Berry Lab
Joyce Balls-Berry, PhD
Focused on advancing health equity by integrating community engagement into research and education. The lab collaborates with diverse populations to address health disparities, improve access to care and promote culturally responsive interventions. Its mission includes fostering partnerships between researchers and communities, developing inclusive research practices and training future leaders in health equity science.
Bateman Lab
Randall Bateman, MD
Focused on understanding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders through advanced biomarker research and clinical studies. The lab specializes in developing and validating fluid biomarkers, conducting longitudinal studies and applying innovative techniques such as stable isotope labeling kinetics to measure protein dynamics. Its mission is to accelerate early diagnosis, improve therapeutic strategies and contribute to global efforts in Alzheimer’s research through collaboration and education.
Belloy Lab
Michael Belloy, PhD
Investigating the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease using a multi-modal approach that integrates genomics, imaging and clinical data to identify risk variants and inform drug development.
Fluid Biomarker Core
Suzanne E. Schindler, MD, PhD
The Fluid Biomarker Core has studied Alzheimer disease from multiple angles for more than 20 years. Currently the lab focuses on fluid biomarkers of disease with a particular interest in identifying individuals with preclinical and early stage AD. Our laboratory uses enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), bead-based immunoassays, single-molecule counting systems and automated immunoassays to study protein biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma.
Gallardo Lab
Gilbert Gallardo, PhD
Investigates how reactive astrocytes and neuroinflammation contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Using biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular inflammation models and mouse studies, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms of astrocyte-driven neurotoxicity and develop therapies that target these pathways to reduce brain inflammation.
Holtzman Lab
David Holtzman, MD
Leading research into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Through studies on proteins like apoE and tau, and factors such as sleep, immune response and neuronal activity, the lab aims to uncover pathways that drive disease progression and identify targets for therapy.
Kress Lab
Geraldine Kress, PhD
Studing how the circadian system affects cognitive function during aging and Alzheimer’s disease. By investigating changes in brain physiology and behavior, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that drive disease progression and identify strategies to improve outcomes and promote healthy aging.
Morris Lab
John Carl Morris, MD
Focused on Alzheimer’s disease and age-related neurological disorders. Led by John Morris, the lab works to improve early diagnosis, explore inherited dementia phenotypes and identify preclinical stages using biomarkers and neuroimaging.
Musiek Lab
Erik S. Musiek, MD, PhD
Studies how circadian rhythms influence neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. By examining molecular mechanisms that regulate inflammation, oxidative stress and protein aggregation, the lab aims to uncover how the circadian clock impacts brain health and identify new therapeutic targets.
Pottier Lab
Cyril P. Pottier, PhD
Investigating genetic drivers and biomarkers of early-onset dementias, including young-onset Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, using multi-omics approaches to uncover therapeutic targets and modifiers.
Zhao Lab
Guoyan Zhao, PhD
Department of Genetics
Exploring transcriptional regulation in the nervous system using computational and experimental methods to understand mechanisms behind chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Lewy body disorders.