Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease

Diseases that affect the brain or other parts of the central nervous system raise fascinating questions in neuroscience and are among the most disabling and complex conditions plaguing humankind. As populations around the world are living longer, neurodegenerative disorders have been rising in prevalence at an unprecedented pace. Effective treatments for these conditions are lacking and urgently needed.

Jorge Palop standing at a lab bench looking at a computer screen with another scientist sitting in front of the computer
In the Palop lab, scientists aim to understand the neural processes underlying cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions.
Scientists in the Corces and Mucke Labs have developed a new computational approach for distinguishing cells in complex biological samples.
Scientists in the Corces and Mucke Labs have developed a new computational approach for distinguishing cells in complex biological samples.
A graduate student researcher working on an experiment at a lab bench.
As people live longer, neurodegenerative diseases are becoming more common—while effective treatments remain urgently needed.

Scientists at the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease maintain a strong focus on neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis. Because of intriguing overlaps between these conditions and other challenging brain diseases, they also study epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism and obsessive compulsive disorders.

The investigators are searching for common threads that will allow them to identify therapeutic interventions that might benefit multiple conditions. They are using unconventional approaches to identify such multifaceted solutions, while also leveraging capabilities in regenerative and personalized medicine.

Major Scientific Achievements

Three scientists going over their lab notes at a lab bench

Discovered Ways to Counteract Genetic Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

Gladstone scientists used disease models to identify molecular, cellular, and network mechanisms by which amyloid proteins and apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), the most important genetic risk factor for the disease, may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. They also identified drugs that can counteract the detrimental effects of amyloid-β and apoE4.
Identified New Functions of Tau and Ways to Block Its Adverse Effects on the Brain

Identified New Functions of Tau and Ways to Block Its Adverse Effects on the Brain

Investigators at Gladstone discovered that reducing brain levels of the protein tau prevents neural network dysfunction, cognitive decline, and behavioral abnormalities in models of diverse disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and epilepsy. Efforts to translate these discoveries into better treatments for these conditions are in progress, including the development of small-molecule tau reducers.
Revealed How Blood-Brain Barrier Disruptions and Abnormal Immune Responses Lead to Neurological Disease

Revealed How Blood-Brain Barrier Disruptions and Abnormal Immune Responses Lead to Neurological Disease

Gladstone researchers showed that leakage of blood proteins through the damaged blood-brain barrier triggers abnormal immune responses that may promote the degeneration of brain cells and their connections in Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. They also identified alterations in brain cells called glia that could promote memory loss and neurodegeneration, and developed new strategies to block the disease-promoting activities of these cells.
Demonstrated How Neuronal Dysfunctions Can Contribute to Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

Demonstrated How Neuronal Dysfunctions Can Contribute to Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

Investigators at Gladstone unraveled how alterations in the activity of specific types of neurons in the brain can cause memory loss, obsessive compulsive behaviors, or movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. They also developed investigational strategies to overcome these abnormal brain activities through the transplantation of molecularly engineered precursor cells, deep brain stimulation, and drug treatments.
Detected Subclinical Epileptic Activity and Discovered New Ways to Stop Seizures

Detected Subclinical Epileptic Activity and Discovered New Ways to Stop Seizures

Gladstone scientists demonstrated that hard-to-detect, non-convulsive epileptic activity is a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease and that it may promote cognitive decline. They have developed innovative approaches to prevent brain networks from becoming overactive, to stop seizures, and to protect against cognitive impairments. They are pursuing novel therapies to prevent and treat epileptic activity resulting from traumatic brain injury, stroke, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Our Investigators

Ryan Corces, PhD

Ryan Corces, PhD

Assistant Investigator, Gladstone Institutes

Yadong Huang, MD, PhD

Yadong Huang, MD, PhD

Associate Director, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease

Robert Mahley, MD, PhD

Robert Mahley, MD, PhD

President Emeritus and Senior Investigator

Lennart Mucke, MD

Lennart Mucke, MD

Director, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease

Ken Nakamura, MD, PhD

Ken Nakamura, MD, PhD

Senior Investigator, Gladstone Institutes

Jorge Palop, PhD

Jorge Palop, PhD

Associate Investigator, Gladstone Institutes

Jeanne Paz, PhD

Jeanne Paz, PhD

Senior Investigator, Gladstone Institutes

Seth Shipman, PhD

Seth Shipman, PhD

Associate Investigator, Gladstone Institutes

Andrew Yang, PhD

Andrew Yang, PhD

Assistant Investigator, Gladstone Institutes

Training Tomorrow’s Researchers

Training Tomorrow’s Researchers

Our training program has been recognized as one of the best in the field. Explore how we’re building the future of neurological disease research, one scientist at a time.

Explore our Award-Winning Training Program

Director’s Message

Gladstone Mucke

Lennart Mucke, MD

Director, Gladstone Institute of
Neurological Disease

We recognized early on that many brain disorders are multi-causal in nature and, therefore, will likely require a multi-pronged therapeutic approach. To meet this challenge, we assembled a highly interactive team of investigators with complementary areas of expertise who are tackling important unresolved problems in neuroscience in unorthodox ways and with unusual levels of creativity and courage.

We are on the cusp of several important advancements to better understand, prevent, treat, and—ultimately—cure some of the most devastating diseases.

Our goal is to discover the most impactful disease mechanisms and translate basic scientific discoveries into better treatments for patients. We are on the cusp of several important advancements to better understand, prevent, treat, and—ultimately—cure some of the most devastating diseases affecting the central nervous system.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

We are on the cusp of several important advancements to better understand, prevent, treat, and—ultimately—cure some of the most devastating diseases.

Gladstone Mucke

Lennart Mucke, MD

Director, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease

Read the Director’s Message

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