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Current Extramural Grant Awardee

Nicola J. Allen, PhD
Associate Professor
Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory
Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Allen studies how astrocytes regulate the formation, function and stability of neuronal connections called synapses. Astrocytes closely interact with neurons and synapses via thousands of fine processes, putting them in a position to regulate these connections. Synapses are essential points of information transfer within neuronal circuits and change throughout life. In the young brain trillions of synapses form, in the adult brain synapses are stabilized, and in the aging brain synapses become less functional and are eliminated. Further, in most neurological disorders, no matter the stage of life, synaptic dysfunction is a key component. This includes autism during youth, schizophrenia in adulthood and Alzheimer’s disease in aging. Allen is investigating if life stage-specific properties of synapses are being regulated by the astrocytes the neurons interact with, to identify new therapeutic targets for repairing synapses in the disorders where they are dysfunctional.

Dr. Salk’s research project funded by the Ruth K. Broad Foundation is entitled, “Targeting early astrocyte dysfunction to block Alzheimer’s disease progression”.

Application Deadlines

RFA now live for the Ann B. Bussel Research Award.  Letters of Intent are due by October 16, 2023.

RFAs now live for the Faculty Scholar, Human Brain Models Research, Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards at Duke. Applications are due February 1, 2024 for those awards.

New Student Award

Ellen Luken Student Awards enable selected Duke students to pursue prestigious and competitive extracurricular educational, career-building, and networking opportunities.

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New Grant

The Ruth K. Broad Foundation recently created a new grant to honor long-time director, Ann Bussel.

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