The Perlson Laboratory

for Molecular Neurodegeneration

Studying mechanisms of axon and NMJ maintenance

in health and disease

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Research Interests

The goal of the Perlson lab is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration in ALS. In particular, we focus on understanding the interplay between axonal transport and local protein synthesis events, in axons and neuromuscular junction degeneration/regeneration process. We take a fresh approach to this challenge combining advanced microscopy, Tg mice models, human iPSC, and a unique Lab-on-a-Chip that mimics the motor unit. This platform enables the growth of neurons and muscle on a silicon chip and provides a powerful tool for studying new neuromuscular junction biology.

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Recent Publications

Axonal TDP-43 condensates drive neuromuscular junction disruption through inhibition of local synthesis of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins

Nat Commun | 2021

In this work, we identify how TDP-43 mislocalization and condensates contribute to NMJ disruption in ALS. We found that TDP-43 mislocalization to axons and NMJ generates a gain of function that contributes to neurodegeneration by inhibiting local protein synthesis of nuclear-encoded mitochondria genes.