Jaime Grutzendler, MD
Dr. Harry M. Zimmerman and Dr. Nicholas and Viola Spinelli Professor of Neurology and NeuroscienceCards
About
Research
Overview
- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s are the result of complex and multicellular age-related cellular processes that disrupt normal cellular functions and neuroglial interactions. This eventually results in disruption of intercellular communication, loss of synapses and cell death. We are interested in various components of neurodegeneration including: 1) axonal disruption in Alzheimer’s disease; 2) age-related myelin degeneration; 3) neuroprotective roles of glial cells during amyloid deposition; 4) mechanisms of cell death and corpse removal by glial cells; 5) mechanism of disruption of gliovascular interactions.
- Development of methods for intravital imaging and targeted cellular manipulation: In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of neurodegenerative processes, we develop and implement a variety of methodologies for high-resolution in vivo optical brain imaging and novel methods for cell-specific labeling and manipulation. Examples of techniques that we have developed include: 1) spectral confocal reflectance microscopy (SCoRe) for high-resolution intravital label-free imaging of myelinated axons; 2) Two photon targeted chemical-apoptotic ablation (2Phatal) of cells in vivo to understand the dynamics of glial interactions with dying cells; 3) discovery of small fluorescent molecules for cell specific labeling during intravital imaging.
- Translational neuroscience: we have active efforts at developing neurotherapeutics within the field of neurodegeneration and nervous system injury. One goal is the development of treatments with cellular specificity. We have and ongoing program involving collaboration with chemists for the development of small molecules with unique properties of crossing the blood brain barrier and entering specific neural cell types to delivering therapeutic cargos. In addition, we are exploring the use of novel biologicals (antibodies and antisense oligos). We aim to apply these therapeutic agents in preclinical studies to target some of the pathological features of degeneration (axonal, myelin, microglia and vascular) that we have uncovered.
Medical Research Interests
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
Clinical Care
Overview
Jaime Grutzendler, MD, works with patients in the Adler Memory Clinic at Yale, where he combines innovative therapies with his specialized expertise in dealing with dementia, and connects families to support groups and services. “In some ways, you are treating the family,” he says. The clinic works closely with the Yale Medicine Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Program, an outpatient consultative service with a national reputation.
Dr. Grutzendler cares for patients with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal and vascular dementia, as well as behavioral and neurodegenerative disorders. He and his colleagues have access to innovative therapies—sometimes before they hit the market. “Scientists have been learning more about the role of genes in Alzheimer’s, and the Adler Memory Clinic utilizes genetic testing for some patients, he says.
A native of Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Grutzendler is working toward improving care for patients through the Grutzendler Lab at Yale, where he works with researchers to understand brain function and the cellular basis of neurological diseases. In addition, he directs the Center for Experimental Neuroimaging at Yale, fostering interactions among Yale investigators who study the physiology and pathology of the central and peripheral nervous systems to better understand and treat a variety of neurological conditions.
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
Alzheimer's Disease
Learn More on Yale MedicineDementia
Learn More on Yale MedicinePsychological Assessment of Children
Learn More on Yale Medicine
Board Certifications
Neurology
- Certification Organization
- AB of Psychiatry & Neurology
- Latest Certification Date
- 2015
- Original Certification Date
- 2003
Yale Medicine News
News & Links
News
- October 02, 2024
Katz Lab Awarded NIH Grant to Study Role of BOK Protein in Cell Death Pathway
- July 11, 2024Source: Yale Ventures
11 Yale Projects Receive Awards from the Colton Center for Autoimmunity
- March 20, 2023
Jain Receives AHA Career Development Award
- November 29, 2022Source: YaleNews
Swelling Along Brain’s Axons May Be True Culprit in Alzheimer’s Disease