Davis Lab

Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by motor impairment, dementia, and psychosis. A shared hallmark of these diseases is the accumulation of insoluble aggregates of the protein alpha-synuclein (aSyn) into structures known as Lewy bodies.

Mechanisms of alpha-synuclein aggregation
Although aSyn is a naturally abundant brain protein involved in synaptic function, certain aggregated forms are toxic and contribute to neuronal dysfunction and injury. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive aSyn aggregation remain poorly understood, and no disease-modifying therapies currently exist for these disorders, collectively known as synucleinopathies.

Experimental models and research approach
We use a combination of in vitro, cell culture, and in vivo model systems to investigate the mechanisms underlying pathological aSyn aggregation and neurodegeneration. These models help us explore how specific forms of aSyn contribute to disease progression.

Research goals
Our primary goal is to deepen understanding of the basic pathophysiological processes involved in protein aggregation and neurodegeneration in synucleinopathies. This knowledge will support the development of improved diagnostic tools and pave the way for effective disease-modifying treatments.

Principal investigator

Our team

Recent publications

• REV-ERB-alpha and -beta coordinately regulate astrocyte reactivity and proteostatic function
  February 2, 2026
  REV-ERB-alpha and -beta coordinately regulate astrocyte reactivity and proteostatic functionNadarajah, C. J., Li, M. Y., Quillin, E. I., Boyer, K., Dimitry, J. M., Chen, Y., King, M. W., Saliu, I. O., Lee, J., Sheehan, P. W., Davis, A. A., Lazar, M. A., Zhao, G. & Musiek, E. S., Feb 3 2026, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 123, 5, e2511093123.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• The North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy study: protocol for a multi-site, longitudinal, observational study of idiopathic/isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
  December 31, 2025
  The North American Prodromal Synucleinopathy study: protocol for a multi-site, longitudinal, observational study of idiopathic/isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorderNAPS Consortium for RBD, 2026, In: SLEEP Advances. 7, 1, zpag007.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• The Prodromal Synucleinopathy Rating Scale: An Assessment in Patients With REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
  December 31, 2025
  The Prodromal Synucleinopathy Rating Scale: An Assessment in Patients With REM Sleep Behavior Disorderfor the NAPS Consortium, Jan 2026, In: Neurology. 107, 1, p. 1-12 12 p., e218176.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Automated Imaging Differentiation for Parkinsonism
  May 11, 2025
  Automated Imaging Differentiation for ParkinsonismAIDP Study Group, May 12 2025, In: JAMA Neurology. 82, 5, p. 495-505 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• HTRA1 disaggregates α-synuclein amyloid fibrils and converts them into non-toxic and seeding incompetent species
  November 30, 2024
  HTRA1 disaggregates α-synuclein amyloid fibrils and converts them into non-toxic and seeding incompetent speciesChen, S., Puri, A., Bell, B., Fritsche, J., Palacios, H. H., Balch, M., Sprunger, M. L., Howard, M. K., Ryan, J. J., Haines, J. N., Patti, G. J., Davis, G. & Jackrel, M. E., Dec 2024, In: Nature communications. 15, 1, 2436.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review