Emerging Approaches to Enhance Neuronal Resistance Against Neurodegeneration*
Date: October 19, 2026
Time: 10:15 am to 11:45 am
Room: Pacific Jewel Ballroom
Track: Plenary
Session Description
Age-related neurodegenerative diseases—including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and frontotemporal dementia—are traditionally viewed through pathogenic mechanisms such as protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. An equally important but less explored dimension is neuronal resilience: the factors that enable certain neurons to resist or delay degeneration despite similar pathological exposure.
This session will bring together experts to highlight emerging approaches to studying neuronal resilience. Presentations will examine genetic, molecular, metabolic, and circuit-level determinants of neuronal vulnerability, and explore therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing resilience rather than solely targeting pathology. The session aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and identify future directions for resilience-based therapeutic development.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe tools for unbiased assessment of neuronal resilience in neurodegeneration.
- Explain approaches to identify biological pathways and mechanisms through unbiased analyses.
- Identify model systems used to investigate mechanisms of neuronal resilience.
Speakers
- (Chair) Vikram Shakkottai, MD, PhD, FANA
- (Co-Chair) Mark S. Wainwright, MD, PhD, FANA
- (Speaker) Martin Kampmann, PhD
- (Speaker) Inma Cobos, MD, PhD
- (Speaker) Viviana Gradinaru, PhD
- (Awardee) Jorge Llibre-Guerra, MD
- (Awardee) Charles Windon, MD
Using CRISPR-based Functional Genomics in Human Neurons and Glia to Understand Resilience in Tauopathy
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Kampmann will discuss selective vulnerability and resilience of specific neuronal populations as a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. We use unbiased CRISPR screens to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms, in particular Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. A mechanistic understanding of endogenous mechanisms of resilience could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
Identifying Molecular Signatures and the Functional Relevance of Resilience Factors in Alzheimer's Disease
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Cobos will identify molecular signatures of vulnerability and resilience in Alzheimer’s disease using single cell multiomics profiling of the human neocortex. While Layer 1 inhibitory and Layer 2/3 excitatory neurons are depleted early, Layer 4 neurons remain preserved even in advanced stages, despite sharing similar microenvironments. Identifying these resilient subtypes and their protective mechanisms offers vital insights for strategies aimed at slowing disease progression.
Understanding Defense Mechanisms and Transport Across the BBB and Move Towards Targeted, Noninvasive Study and Repair of the Brain
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Gradinaru will discuss how the brain is protected by the selective blood–brain barrier (BBB), which restricts access from circulating agents. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing BBB transport could enable precise delivery to specific brain regions—and help anticipate how future pathogens might exploit this gateway.
This talk presents a decade-long effort to develop a platform for mapping the molecular rules that govern movement from the bloodstream into the brain. The goal is to enable rational, noninvasive.
Awardee Remarks
