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Photo of Aponte Confesi, Luis Alberto

Luis Alberto Aponte Confesi

Graduate Student (MSTP & GPN)

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology

Contact

Building & Room:

COMRB 6048

Office Phone:

312-996-9530

Advisor Heading link

Orly Lazarov, PhD

Project Heading link

Mentor: Orly Lazarov, PhD and Ciro Ramos-Eztebanez. MD, PhD

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognition. The process of adult hippocampal neurogenesis is integral for the process of memory formation in the hippocampus and has been shown to be impaired in patients with AD. Our research focuses on elucidating the role of PICALM, one of the top three risk factor genes for the development of late onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD), in regulating the process of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in LOAD. In order to study this, we will use vascular permeability assays alongside magnetic resonance imaging, and cranial window imaging in AD animal models to better understand how PICALM affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This project will help elucidate novel information of how PICALM regulates development of LOAD.