Research :: Researcher Bios

Researchers Currently Funded by DSRTF

Dr. William Mobley, M.D., PhD.
Stanford University
Synaptic Maintenance in Down Syndrome

Studies of mouse models of Down syndrome show that neurons involved in attention, memory and cognition begin to degenerate within the first few months of life due to abnormal transport and signaling of certain protein (NGF). Further study will identify the gene(s) responsible and will explore drug therapies to prevent improper signaling.

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Dr. Craig Garner, PhD.
Stanford University
Synaptic Development in Down Syndrome

There are abnormalities in the development of synapses in the mouse models of Down syndrome. Further work explores the effect of gene expression on synapse development and hopes to determine the impact of a small subset of neurons that may play a regulatory role.

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Dr. Robert Malenka, M.D., Ph.D.
Stanford University
Synaptic Function in Down Syndrome

The signaling function of synapses is impaired in mouse models of Down syndrome. This study characterizes the changes in synaptic transmission and identifies the proteins that contribute to the dysfunction.

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Dr. Lucia Jacobs, Ph.D.
U. C. Berkeley
Behavioral Studies

This project will study behavioral phenotypes of mouse models of Down syndrome, focusing first on learning and memory tasks, to identify how changes in synaptic structure and function compromise performance.

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Dr. Daniel Madison, Ph.D.
Stanford University
Neurotransmission in DS

This project is utilizes an electrophysical an molecular genetic approach to understanding the molecular mechanics underlying normal and abnormal neurotransmission in mouse models of DS.

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Dr. Emmanuel Mignot
Stanford University
Sleep Studies

This project will identify abnormal sleep patterns in DS and how disrupted sleep affects learning and memory.