University of Pennsylvania · NeuroscienceFrontotemporal Dementia Research Unit
David John Irwin · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. David Irwin's research lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a serious condition that affects younger individuals and leads to significant changes in behavior, personality, and cognitive function. The lab investigates how glial cells and iron accumulation contribute to neurodegeneration in different types of FTD, particularly those influenced by tau or TDP-43 proteins. By analyzing human brain tissue and integrating advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to uncover patterns that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for FTD.
frontotemporal dementianeuroinflammationtauopathyTDP-43 pathologyiron accumulationneurodegenerationgliosisbrain imaginghuman brain tissueclinical data
Research Aims
5AIM 01Study the role of glial activation in frontotemporal dementia.
AIM 02Investigate patterns of iron accumulation related to neurodegeneration.
AIM 03Model disease progression in FTD using human brain tissue samples.
AIM 04Integrate imaging data with clinical assessments to enhance diagnosis.
AIM 05Develop imaging biomarkers specific to tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Skills the Lab Values
histopathologyimmunofluorescenceMRI imagingdata modelingcell culturestatistical analysisdigital histologymultiplexed imagingcognitive assessmentnetwork science
Output against the department
Publications676top 7% of dept.50th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations26ktop 15% of dept.99th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.