Mechanisms and Consequences of Locus Coeruleus Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease
Tay Gavin Erickson Lecture Series
Dr. David Weinshenker; Emory University
Mechanisms and Consequences of Locus Coeruleus Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease
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The locus coeruleus (LC), the main source of norepinephrine (NE) in the central nervous system, is one of the first brain regions to accumulate pathology in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease and undergoes catastrophic degeneration as disease progresses. Early LC-NE dysfunction is coincident with neuropsychiatric symptoms, while later LC degeneration predicts and exacerbates cognitive impairment. This talk will present evidence that (1) establishes causal relationships between AD-like pathology in the LC, LC-NE dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and (2) validates LC-based approaches for the treatment of AD.
About Dr. Weinshenker
Dr. David Weinshenker received his Ph.D. in Genetics in 1997 from the University of Washington, where he trained under Dr. James H. Thomas and studied voltage-gated potassium channel mutations in C. elegans. He completed his postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Richard D. Palmiter, also at the University of Washington, where he gained expertise in transgenic and knockout mouse technology, molecular biology, and catecholamine neurobiology and neurochemistry.
Dr. Weinshenker joined the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University in 2002 as an Assistant Professor, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2008, and became a full Professor in 2013. His research program focuses on the role of the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system in behavior and neurochemistry, using genetically engineered rodent models. His work explores a range of conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, affective disorders, and drug addiction.
He has maintained continuous NIH funding since 2005 and has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles. In addition to his research, Dr. Weinshenker serves as Assistant Dean and Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Education, Scientific Director of the Rodent Behavioral Core, Director of the Research Education Component for the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and Co-Principal Investigator of the Alzheimer’s Disease Big Data to Biology T32 Training Program.