Virginia Commonwealth University · PharmacologyThe Memory Nexus
Andrew Anthony George · Richmond, Virginia
Research Focus
Dr. Andrew Anthony George's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding how specific interactions in the brain lead to the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research primarily investigates the role of cholinergic neurons and a toxic form of amyloid-beta protein (oA42) that is implicated in neuron degeneration. By exploring these molecular mechanisms, the lab aims to develop targeted treatments that can prevent or reverse cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
Alzheimer's Diseasecholinergic neuronsamyloid-betapotassium channelsneuron dysfunctionmemory impairmentdrug discoveryanimal modelsRNA sequencing
Research Aims
5AIM 01Determine how oA42 alters potassium channel function in cholinergic neurons.
AIM 02Investigate the effect of 72-nAChRs on electrophysiological properties of cholinergic neurons.
AIM 03Assess the role of specific potassium channels in neuron hyperexcitability due to oA42.
AIM 04Evaluate the impact of targeted gene knockdown on memory deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
AIM 05Identify novel drug targets to protect cholinergic neurons from dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.
Skills the Lab Values
patch-clamp electrophysiologyRNA sequencingmouse modelsgenetic engineeringbehavioral assayspharmacology techniquesimmunohistochemistrybioinformaticsdata analysis