Investigators and Program Directors
Anne Messer
Research Scientist, Wadsworth Center, Mammalian Genomics
Professor, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences
Ph.D., University of Oregon
Postdoctoral training, Harvard Medical School
E-mail:messer@wadsworth.org
Research Interests
My neurogenetics laboratory is involved in both genomics and gene therapy projects.
One major goal is to develop gene and antibody therapies for neurodegenerative diseases caused by abnormal protein accumulation. The method develops intrabodies that can specifically re-fold or retarget pathogenic proteins. A first-generation reagent appears to work against Huntington's Disease, and we have just started work characterizing an anti-synuclein intrabody for Parkinson's Disease. We are currently testing these using cell cultures, transgenic mice, and gene delivery vectors in mouse brain. Other Huntington's Disease research studies the involvement of DNA repair in the underlying mechanisms of repeat instability, and other genetic background effects on disease onset and progression.
We are also doing more basic studies on gene therapy vectors for pediatric brain diseases, using mutants that affect cerebellar development as models. This has implications for many disorders, ranging from hypothyroidism to Rett Syndrome, Batten Disease and autism.
Contact Information
E-mail:messer@wadsworth.org.