Madepalli Lakshmana is an expert in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with more than twenty years of experience in the field of neurodegeneration research.
One major focus of Lakshmana’s research is to identify molecules and pathways responsible for enhanced Aβ generation and hyperphosphorylated tau in models of AD so that those molecules can be targeted for the therapeutic benefit of AD patients. Towards this goal, Lakshmana has identified RanBP9 in a large protein complex that includes LRP, APP, BACE1, and COPS5. By generating several lines of transgenic and knockout mouse models, he could demonstrate that each one of this protein complex plays a crucial role in the amyloidogenic processing of APP and Aβ generation.
After joining FIU in 2018, he has expanded his research interests to include other neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for which also the molecular basis for neurodegeneration is still elusive.
Research Interests
- Using small molecule modulators of CB1 and CB2 receptors to enhance AHN
- Autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP)
- Disease-modifying therapy for AD, ALS, and other neurological disorders
- AlphaLISA technology
- High throughput screening (HTS)
- Restoring synaptic integrity
See research publications and more on FIU Discovery.