Xiao-Jiang Li, PhD
Emory University
Title: Genetically modified animal models revealing species-dependent neuropathology in brain diseases
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019
Time: 4PM
Location: Herklotz Conference Center, Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Abstract: Using genetic modifications of different species (mouse, pig, and non-human primates) to model neurological disorders, we found species-dependent neuropathology. In particular, Huntington disease knock-in pigs show selective and overt neurodegeneration, which is seen in the brains of Huntington patients but not in Huntington disease mouse models. The species-dependent neuropathology provides important insights into the selective neurodegeneration in age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases and paves an avenue to identify therapeutic targets.