Research Units
The BRAIV Lab is dedicated to understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive brain aging and neurodegenerative disease, with a particular focus on the neurovascular unit and white matter integrity. Our research integrates neuroscience, vascular biology, glial biology, and advanced imaging to uncover how age-related changes in the brain contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disorders.
We aim to bridge fundamental discoveries with translational approaches that can inform therapeutic strategies for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other age-associated neurodegenerative disorders.
Research Focus Areas
White Matter Degeneration and Repair
We investigate mechanisms underlying white matter vulnerability in aging and disease, with emphasis on oligodendrocyte lineage cells, myelin integrity, and remyelination processes.
Microglial Biology and Neuroinflammation
Our work explores how microglia contribute to neuroinflammation, synaptic remodeling, iron dysregulation, and neurodegeneration, particularly in aging brains.
Ferroptosis and Iron-Mediated Neurodegeneration
We study iron overload and lipid peroxidation–driven cell death pathways (ferroptosis) and their role in microglial dysfunction and white matter injury.
Neurovascular Dysfunction in Brain Aging
We examine the breakdown of neurovascular integrity and blood–brain barrier dysfunction as key contributors to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease progression.
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Our research focuses on identifying early cellular and molecular changes that precede and drive Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment.
Methodological Approaches
The BRAIV Lab uses a multidisciplinary toolkit that includes:
Translational Vision
A central goal of our research is to translate mechanistic insights into actionable strategies for preventing or slowing brain aging and neurodegenerative disease progression. By identifying key molecular drivers of white matter injury and neurovascular dysfunction, we aim to contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.
Collaborative Approach
The BRAIV Lab actively collaborates with interdisciplinary researchers across neuroscience, neurology, vascular biology, imaging science, and computational biology. We strongly value open scientific exchange and global collaboration to accelerate discoveries in brain aging research.