Can Modulating Sleep Mitigate Neurodegeneration?
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Parhizkar will discuss the notion of sleep as a protective modulating agent of neurodegenerative tau pathology in animal models.
Neurodegeneration and Cell Death*
Date: October 18, 2026
Time: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Room: Coral 5
Track: Cross-Cutting Special Interest Group (SIG)
Session Description
This session will explore current advances in the basic and translational science of neurodegeneration and cell death. Faculty will review emerging insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive neurodegenerative processes and highlight how these discoveries are informing the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
The session will also examine the critical interface between basic and translational research, emphasizing the importance of effective collaboration among academic investigators, clinicians, and industry partners. By bridging these domains, the session aims to highlight pathways for accelerating the translation of mechanistic discoveries into meaningful clinical applications.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Summarize recent advances in basic research on the mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
- Evaluate translational research approaches that link mechanistic insights to therapeutic development.
- Analyze strategies to enhance collaboration and communication among basic scientists, clinicians, and industry partners.
Speakers
- (Chair) Albert (Gus) Davis, MD, PhD
- (Co-Chair) Bruno Benitez, MD
- (Speaker) Samira Parhizkar, PhD
- (Speaker) Xin Jiang, PhD
Mechanisms of Neuronal Toxicity in C9ORF72-associated ALS and FTD
Description
In this presentation, Dr. Jiang will provide mechanistic insights into C9ORF72-associated neurodegeneration, focusing on dissecting toxicity from repeat RNA and dipeptide repeats.