Scientist Profile

I joined Genentech in March 2004 and began working with other scientists on molecules that coordinate the development of both the vascular and nervous systems, with a hope to find approaches for the treatment of human disease, particularly cancer.

I was instantly impressed by the quality, pace, and collaborative nature of research at Genentech. In the midst of this stimulating environment we have also built a group focused on developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

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My Focus

We have developed research programs in two broad areas. The first is neurodegeneration. We are focused on Alzheimer's Disease and are actively working on developing therapeutics for this devastating disease. From a basic biology perspective, we are exploring the molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration and synapse elimination to better understand these active processes, which have particular relevance to Alzheimer's Disease and many other neurodegenerative diseases.

The second area of focus is based on the remarkable similarities at both the cellular and molecular levels between the vascular and nervous systems. In particular, the 'axon guidance' molecules have recently been shown to be key angiogenic regulators. Our group is focused on understanding the basic biology of axon guidance molecules in angiogenesis and developing therapies targeting these molecules in both angiogenesis and axon regeneration. We also have an interest in establishment and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier and the ability of molecules to transverse this physiological barrier.

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Postdoctoral Mentor

Connecting the vascular and nervous systems: angiogenesis and the blood-brain barrier (BBB): There are remarkable similarities at both the cellular and molecular levels between the vascular and nervous systems. In particular, the 'axon guidance' molecules have recently been shown to be key angiogenic regulators. Our group is focused on understanding the basic biology of axon guidance molecules in angiogenesis and developing therapies targeting these molecules in both angiogenesis and axon regeneration. We have recently expanded this focus to the interface of the vascular and nervous systems, the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We have initiated efforts to better understand how the BBB develops, matures and is maintained, with a particular focus on understanding how, and to what extent large molecules transverse this physiological barrier.

Neurodegeneration: We are focused on Alzheimer's Disease and are actively working on developing therapeutics for this devastating disease. From a basic biology perspective, we are exploring the molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration and synapse elimination to better understand these active processes, which have particular relevance to Alzheimer's Disease and many other neurodegenerative diseases.

Publications & Recognition

• Boosting brain uptake of a therapeutic antibody by reducing its affinity for a transcytosis target.
• Sci. Transl. Med. 3, 84ra44 (2011).
• Yu YJ, Zhang Y, Kenrick M, Hoyte K, Luk W, Lu Y, Atwal J, Elliott JM, Prabhu S, Watts RJ, Dennis MS.
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• A therapeutic antibody targeting BACE1 inhibits amyloid-ß production in vivo.
• Sci. Transl. Med. 3, 84ra43 (2011)
• Atwal JK, Chen Y, Chiu C, Mortensen DL, Meilandt WJ, Liu Y, Heise CE, Hoyte K, Luk W, Lu Y, Peng K, Wu P, Rouge L, Zhang Y, Lazarus RA, Scearce-Levie K, Wang W, Wu W, Tessier-Lavigne M, Watts RJ.
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• Engaging neuroscience to advance translational research in brain barrier biology.
• Nat Rev Neurosci. 2011 Mar;12(3):169-82.
• Neuwelt EA, Bauer B, Fahlke C, Fricker G, Iadecola C, Janigro D, Leybaert L, Molnár Z, O'Donnell ME, Povlishock JT, Saunders NR, Sharp F, Stanimirovic D, Watts RJ, Drewes LR.
• View Abstract on PubMed