Our Mission

Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration Faculty: (front) Langan, Feltri, Paez; (back) Wrabetz, Park, Beirowski

Basic Science

Mission

To develop a multi-disciplinary approach to understand how myelin is formed, how axons and myelin are damaged in disease, and how they may be repaired.

Objectives

  • To study myelin formation as a source for strategies of myelin repair
  • To study consequences of myelin damage—common to all diseases of myelin—such as inflammation or neurodegeneration
  • To provide better cellular and animal models for identifying mechanisms of disease
  • To exploit models to perform preclinical studies of therapies
  • To translate the research of HJKRI into prognostic, diagnostic and treatment application

Clinical Science

Mission

To provide better diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic options for Krabbe Leukodystrophy patients.

Objectives

  • To develop initiatives to maximize the success of the Newborn Screening program for Krabbe Disease
  • To increase understanding of various types of Krabbe Disease, determine which biochemical, genetic, and neurodiagnostic tests predict phenotype
  • To educate physicians about Krabbe Disease and Newborn Screening
  • To develop natural history studies, clinical evaluation and treatment protocols for Krabbe