Jacob Raber,
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Affiliation(s):
OHSU; OSU
Lab URL:
ORCID URL:
Areas of Interest:
neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease
Biography & Research:
The principal research theme in the lab is devoted to the characterization of the detrimental effects of genetic and environmental factors on the function of the hippocampus and amygdala and to develop treatments to antagonize these effects. We focus on the role of the hippocampus and cortex in learning and memory and the role of the amygdala in learning and memory and the regulation of anxiety. For the genetic factor, we particularly study the isoform-dependent effects of apoE. The three major human apoE isoforms (apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4) differ in their risk to develop cognitive impairments with age and following environmental challenges. As environmental factors, we focus on cognitive impairments due to exposure of the brain to radiation, high fat diet, second-hand smoke, environmental stress, or methamphetamine. We are particularly interested how these genetic and environmental factors might predispose the brain to cognitive impairments later in life.
Based on what we learn in the mouse models, tests and treatment strategies are developed to improve brain function in humans suffering from these conditions and to improve earlier detection of these conditions.
