Wrabetz Research Overview

The Wrabetz Laboratory is interested in the molecular genetics of myelination, studied primarily in transgenic mice. They have focused on the pathogenesis of inherited demyelinating neuropathies, and have developed and characterized multiple mouse models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathies. By introducing authentic CMT mutations from patients into these mice, they are revealing the mechanisms of disease, potential avenues of therapy and the opportunity to test resulting medicines in preclinical trials for CMT. Dr. Wrabetz's laboratory is now translating this experience into the generation of new mouse models of Krabbe disease that carry authentic GalC mutations found in patients with diverse clinical phenotypes. These animal models will provide insight into the effect of different mutations on the function of the galactosylceramidase protein and on the pathogenesis of the disease. Dr. Wrabetz's work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health; Telethon, Italy; the European Community, the Italian and Great Britain Multiple Sclerosis Societies, the Mariani Foundation, the Cariplo Foundation, SUNY Brain Network of Excellence, and the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association.

Faculty and Staff

Dr. Lawrence Wrabetz

Founding Director

Professor Emeritus

Lawrence Wrabetz M.D. is the Founding Director of the Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration and Professor in Neurology and Biochemistry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo.

Past Members

  • Nicolo' Musner, PhD Student
  • Franscesca Ornaghi, PhD Student
  • Neil Robertson, Undergraduate Student
  • Paola Saveri, Research Technician
  • Domenica Vizzuso, PhD Student
  • Sophie Belin, Postdoctoral Research Scientist
  • Mariapaola Sidoli, PhD Student
  • Jordan VerPlank, PhD Student
  • Chelsey Reed, PhD Student
  • Ghjuvan'Ghjacumu Shackleford, Postdoctoral Research Scientist
  • Joseph Abdul-Malak, Undergraduate student, Biomedical Sciences