Diseases associated with aging and development are already a leading cause of death and disability, and their prevalence is rising fast.
By 2050, the number of Alzheimer’s patients age 65 and older may nearly triple from 5 million to 13.8 million. Our researchers are discovering the etiological pathways as well as small-molecule and stem cell-based treatments to address the clinical unmet need of patients.
Translating basic science discoveries into new treatments
Our mission is to translate discoveries from basic molecular research and apply a systems approach to generate breakthrough therapies for devastating neurologic and cardiac diseases.
Programs
Degenerative Diseases Program
Every degenerative disease is associated with misfolded proteins. Studying these proteins provides new clues to protecting our health.
Human Genetics Program
We are discovering the genetic roots of human disorders and translating that knowledge for patient well-being and potential treatments.
Development, Aging and Regeneration Program
By building, analyzing and probing models of disease, we can pursue innovative treatment strategies for challenging health conditions.
Latest news
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Using stem cells to study the biochemistry of learning
A method for studying human neurons could help researchers develop approaches for treating Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and other neurological diseases -
Jerold Chun receives a very special Alzheimer’s grant
The $250,000 award will help Chun's lab explore how ancient viruses in our genome could promote Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. -
Randal Kaufman included in $12 million initiative to improve hemophilia treatment
The new project will help researchers better understanding why current gene therapy treatments aren't working. -
San Diego Nathan Shock Center announces pilot grant awardees
The list of six recipients includes Chiara Nicoletti, a postdoctoral fellow at Sanford Burnham Prebys working in the lab of Pier Lorenzo Puri, M.D. -
How Sanford Burnham Prebys is helping map the brain
As a principal investigator in the NIH's BRAIN/BICCN Initiative, Jerold Chun, M.D., Ph.D. and his team are part of a global collaboration to demystify the human brain to help better treat its diseases and disorders. -
Enzyme therapy helps rebuild teeth
Study in mice suggests a new approach to treating periodontal disease. -
Graduate student awarded American Heart Association Fellowship
The heart is the core of life, and for Ph.D. graduate student Katja Birker, it’s the foundation for the beginning of a career. -
Marathon tradition continues for Sanford Burnham Prebys scientist despite pandemic
Jerold Chun is one of only two people to run the Honolulu Marathon every year since 1973. -
What scientists are learning about COVID-19 and the brain
To learn what scientists know so far about COVID-19 and its effect on the brain, we caught up with Anne Bang, Ph.D., director of Cell Biology at Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics. -
New insights into Alzheimer’s disease
Sanford Burnham Prebys scientist publishes two papers that bring us one step closer to understanding—and potentially treating—the devastating condition. -
Top San Diego researchers receive $5 million to study cellular aging
Professors Peter Adams, Ph.D., and Malene Hansen, Ph.D., of Sanford Burnham Prebys will lead key research and development cores. -
Rett Syndrome Foundation funds a potential cure
The research may lead to a major step toward a cure.
Publications
Nuclear Pore Complexes Are Key Regulators of Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Function.
Raices M, D'Angelo MA
Neuron 2019 May 8 ;102(3):509-511
Disulfiram (Antabuse) Activates ROS-Dependent ER Stress and Apoptosis in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Shah O'Brien P, Xi Y, Miller JR, Brownell AL, Zeng Q, Yoo GH, Garshott DM, O'Brien MB, Galinato AE, Cai P, Narula N, Callaghan MU, Kaufman RJ, Fribley AM
J Clin Med 2019 May 6 ;8(5)
Deficient Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondrial Phosphatidylserine Transfer Causes Liver Disease.
Hernández-Alvarez MI, Sebastián D, Vives S, Ivanova S, Bartoccioni P, Kakimoto P, Plana N, Veiga SR, Hernández V, Vasconcelos N, Peddinti G, Adrover A, Jové M, Pamplona R, Gordaliza-Alaguero I, Calvo E, Cabré N, Castro R, Kuzmanic A, Boutant M, Sala D, Hyotylainen T, Orešič M, Fort J, Errasti-Murugarren E, Rodrígues CMP, Orozco M, Joven J, Cantó C, Palacin M, Fernández-Veledo S, Vendrell J, Zorzano A
Cell 2019 May 2 ;177(4):881-895.e17
A tetravalent TREM2 agonistic antibody reduced amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Zhao P, Xu Y, Jiang L, Fan X, Li L, Li X, Arase H, Zhao Y, Cao W, Zheng H, Xu H, Tong Q, Zhang N, An Z
Sci Transl Med 2022 Sep 7 ;14(661):eabq0095
Novel Antagonist of the Type 2 Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor (LPA2), UCM-14216, Ameliorates Spinal Cord Injury in Mice.
Khiar-Fernández N, Zian D, Vázquez-Villa H, Martínez RF, Escobar-Peña A, Foronda-Sainz R, Ray M, Puigdomenech-Poch M, Cincilla G, Sánchez-Martínez M, Kihara Y, Chun J, López-Vales R, López-Rodríguez ML, Ortega-Gutiérrez S
J Med Chem 2022 Aug 25 ;65(16):10956-10974
Single-Nucleus RNA-seq of Normal-Appearing Brain Regions in Relapsing-Remitting vs. Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for the Efficacy of Fingolimod.
Kihara Y, Zhu Y, Jonnalagadda D, Romanow W, Palmer C, Siddoway B, Rivera R, Dutta R, Trapp BD, Chun J
Front Cell Neurosci 2022 ;16:918041
The Two Sides of Siponimod: Evidence for Brain and Immune Mechanisms in Multiple Sclerosis.
Cohan SL, Benedict RHB, Cree BAC, DeLuca J, Hua LH, Chun J
CNS Drugs 2022 Jul ;36(7):703-719
LILRB2-mediated TREM2 signaling inhibition suppresses microglia functions.
Zhao P, Xu Y, Jiang LL, Fan X, Ku Z, Li L, Liu X, Deng M, Arase H, Zhu JJ, Huang TY, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Xu H, Tong Q, Zhang N, An Z
Mol Neurodegener 2022 Jun 18 ;17(1):44
Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 3 Suppress Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Production and Thrombosis During Sepsis.
Pei S, Xu C, Pei J, Bai R, Peng R, Li T, Zhang J, Cong X, Chun J, Wang F, Chen X
Front Immunol 2022 ;13:844781