The group Molecular Neurobiology led by PD Dr. Luo focuses on understanding the mechanisms of neuron loss and dysmyelination in neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease, and exploring the potential for future therapeutic targets. We take a multi-systemic approach including pathophysiological analyses and state-of-the-art molecular biological techniques both in an in vivo mouse model of NPC1 and in vitro cell culture systems to investigate how the defective cholesterol metabolism induces neurodegeneration in NPC1 disease. 

Current research projects include:

• Investigating the relationship between group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1/5) and internalization of AMPA receptors in NPC1 neurons and the treatment of DHPG and β-CD for NPC1 disease.
• Finding altered spine morphology in NPC1 cortical pyramidal neurons.
• Discovering how interrupted translocation of p57Kip2 affects myelin formation in NPC1 disease.
• Evaluating the functional roles of miRNA in NPC1 disease