Overview and collaborations

In 1906, the pathology of progressive dementia was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer and scientists began to study Alzheimer’s disease in laboratories and clinics around the world. Over a century later, we still lack a clear understanding of the fundamental biology and underlying cause of this devastating disease.

The Grossman Center collaborates with other scientists to examine the molecules and proteins involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. While many studies focus only on the hallmark amyloid plaques and tau tangles that accompany disease progression, we are targeting additional molecules that may be the more crucial disease mechanisms. As we hone in on the structure and function of these molecules, we aim to uncover and block the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease. We are driven to bring our research findings into the clinical realm to develop and test disease treatments. Our core team includes the Ashe lab and Yuan lab, and we work with several research groups at the University of Minnesota and other institutions.

Building a network to strengthen brain connections

One of the greatest assets of the Grossman Center is the expansive network within the University and across the field with whom we work to advance Alzheimer’s disease research. Our center’s mission is driven by several innovative collaborations. These partnerships bridge multiple disciplines, integrating their tools and techniques in novel ways to study Alzheimer’s disease and develop treatments.

Next Generation of the Grossman Center

The Grossman Center With-Out-Walls = GWOW

While retaining our core group of scientists, we have added a cross-functional team of individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of those living with dementia, their families and caregivers.

View GWOW Team

Drug Development

In order to develop and test drugs, we are collaborating with Dr. Michael Walters and his team at the Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development (ITTD). The ITDD’s Lead and Probe Discovery Core (LPD) specializes in the optimization of key therapeutic compounds through a process of design, synthesis, purification, and assay. We are working with this team of expert medicinal chemists to develop compounds that will potentially prevent, treat, and stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. We are developing and testing aptamers—selective and potent disease pathway inhibitors—to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s pathology. This work is especially novel in its use of connected discovery and development; rather than initially screening individual inhibitors, we are using an approach that links the potency and selectivity found in one series of inhibitors and the brain-penetration demonstrated by another series of inhibitors. Current research is focusing on developing a therapeutic “probe”—a tool, or small molecule—that modulates the function of Caspase-2. New compounds are tested in our transgenic mouse models and these findings will pave the way for future clinical trials.

Building mouse models

The Alzheimer’s disease research field currently lacks an animal model that accurately and comprehensively mimics human disease pathology and progression; this is a major obstacle for the testing of therapies. In collaboration with Dr. Michael Koob’s laboratory, we are working to develop a mouse model that entirely mimics the disease as it occurs in humans. Dr. Koob’s lab uses a new method that allows for extremely accurate control over the expression of key molecules implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, this approach uses “recombinase-mediated bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-targeted embryonic stem cells,” a method invented by Dr. Michael Koob. By driving precise protein expression in mice, the disease—its oligomers, plaques, tangles, cell death, and cognitive decline—can be comprehensively studied. We are developing and characterizing several new mouse lines, and plan to ultimately create a single mouse model that develops all aspects of human disease progression. These mice are an invaluable tool in our pursuit of preventative drugs and a cure.

Drug Development

Building mouse models

Other UMN collaborators

Dezhi Liao

Brian Herman