ZIFF LABORATORY

        My interests are concerned with the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). While specific genes and pathways that play a role in AD pathogenesis have been identified, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration are largely unknown. I focus on studying the presence and function of gamma-secretase, an enzyme at the heart of AD, at synapses and how this protease, together with membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) may be involved in the maintenance of synaptic architecture and function. A greater understanding of the synaptic role of g-secretase may elucidate the mechanism of physiologic synapse regulation and early AD pathogenesis.