LAFERLA LAB
The goal of my lab is to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms
underlying brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Research & Goals
Alzheimer’s | 21st Century Plague
Goal
The LaFerla lab aims make our memories last a lifetime by studying animal models and affected human subjects to understand the causes and processes of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
Innovation
Research
Frank M. LaFerla, PhD
Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng Dean and Distinguished Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior, UCI School of Biological Sciences
Frank M. LaFerla, Ph.D., is the Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng dean of the UCI School of Biological Sciences and a Distingusihed Professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior. He joined UCI in 1995 as an assistant professor and later served as chair of Neurobiology and Behavior from 2010 to 2013 and the director of the UCI Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) from 2009 – 2018.
Latest News
The UCI BioSci 2023 Dean’s Report showcases the growth, teaching and research advancements made at the school during the last academic year. This year’s Dean’s Report is focused on our home state of California. We hope to call attention to some of the work being done by faculty at the School of Biological Sciences that has a direct impact on the state’s residents and ecosystems, from climate change to diabetes research and much more.
New Genetically Engineered Mouse Models Could Boost Alzheimer’s Drug Research
UCI researchers, lead by Biological Sciences School Dean Frank LaFerla and Professor Andrea Tenner, have received an $11.4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to create several humanized mouse models to more accurately mimic human Alzheimer’s conditions.
Making Memories Last
UCI MIND hosts one of the field’s most influential annual Alzheimer’s disease research conferences featuring speakers and presentations showcasing the latest breakthroughs. Center director Frank LaFerla discusses the 2011 conference and exciting research and treatment efforts for the disease.