[Cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration].

Our daily life is controlled and managed by the highly coordinated nerve cells in the brain. Information travels between nerve cells through cell-cell contacts, called synapses. The formation of a functional synapse is essential for both neuronal activity and survival. Disruption of normal synapse formation provokes cell death, a root cause for many diseases of the nervous system. Dr. Zhang’s research aims at understanding how synaptic function is regulated and maintained under normal conditions and what causes disrupted synapses and neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases. His laboratory focuses on investigating the molecular function of the genes and molecules involved in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and in regulating synaptic function.The knowledge gained from Dr. Zhang’s research will be helpful in better understanding neurodegenerative diseases, and ultimately, designing better treatments.