Harvard University · GeneticsYankner Lab
Bruce A Yankner · Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Bruce Yankner's lab focuses on understanding how the REST transcription factor influences brain function and microglial health, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. They explore the mechanisms behind memory loss and neuroinflammation, aiming to develop new therapeutic strategies that could protect neurons and improve cognitive function in aging populations. Their research combines innovative mouse models, advanced molecular techniques, and drug discovery to offer insights that could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
REST transcription factorAlzheimer's diseasemicroglial functionneuroinflammationneural networksdrug discoverymemory losscognitive impairmentgene knockout
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of REST in neural network modulation in Alzheimer's disease.
AIM 02Understand how REST influences microglial function and neuroinflammation.
AIM 03Develop targeted gene knockout mouse models to explore REST's effects on neuroprotection.
AIM 04Test novel REST-activating drugs for preventing memory loss in Alzheimer's models.
AIM 05Define REST-regulated gene networks that contribute to aging and neuroprotection.
Skills the Lab Values
RNA sequencingChIP-seqmouse modelscell culture techniquesgenetic engineeringimmunohistochemistrydrug screeningbioinformaticsWestern blot
Output against the department
Publications112bottom 35% of dept.169th of 259
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations34ktop 18% of dept.46th of 259
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.