Academic Appointments
- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology

Email: ak139@cumc.columbia.edu
We study the regulation of competitive processes that lead to the structural and functional stability of the central nervous system and at the same time allow structural and functional plasticity necessary for learning and memory. We focus our research on the mesencephalic dopaminergic system and the spinal motor neuron system. Our work is of relevance to two prominent, progressive neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson’s Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Departments and Divisions
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology
Research Interests
- The mesencephalic dopaminergic system and the spinal motor neuron system
NIH Grants
WINGS OVER WALL STREET - ALS RESEARCH CENTER AT CUMC (Private)
Jul 1 2006 - Jan 31 2013
DOES GRADED EXPRESSION OF SHH BY DOPAMINERGIC NEURONS OF THE MESENCEPHALON INFLUENCE THE MAINTENANCE AND DIFFERENTIATION (NY State Gov)
Jan 1 2009 - Jun 30 2011
REGULATION OF GDNF EXPRESSION BY CYCLOPMAINE IN THE MPTP MOD EL OF PARKINSON"S DISEASE (Private)
Jun 22 2009 - Jan 31 2011
ONTHE FUNCTION OF SONIC HEDGEHOG EXPRESSION BY MESENCEPHALIC, DOPAMINERGIC NEURONS (Private)
Sep 1 2006 - Aug 31 2008
Publications
Gonzalez-Reyes LE, Verbitsky M, Blesa J, Jackson-Lewis V, Paredes D, Tillack K, Phani S, Kramer ER, Przedborski S, Kottmann AH. Sonic hedgehog maintains cellular and neurochemical homeostasis in the adult nigrostriatal circuit. Neuron. 2012 Jul 26;75(2):306-19.