Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation

Using a new human brain tissue model, this study intends to understand the ways in which brain electrical signaling becomes disrupted in individuals who are pre-disposed to familial prion diseases and when nerve cells are subjected to toxic human prions. The investigators will then use the new model to determine whether putative anti-prion compounds can reverse or prevent prion-induced changes in brain electrical signaling in human brain cells.  Ultimately, the investigators aim to identify new pathway targets for therapeutic intervention in human disease.

Dr. Foliaki is the recipient of:

• The CJD Foundation Grant, contributed by the Families of the CJD Foundation
• The Ricki/Rivka Angelus Memorial Grant, contributed by Debbie Callif
• The Eugene A. Riedel Memorial Grant, contributed by Jacqueline Riedel
• The Sandra Shultz Memorial Grant, contributed by Patrick Gleeson and Kelly Gleeson-Piacentini
• The Strides for CJD Grant, contributed by the Families of the CJD Foundation