Paul F. Worley, M.D.

Research Program Award (R35)
Photo of Paul Worley FY17 Research Program Award recipient
Institution
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Awarded Project
De novo synthesis and memory

Memory formation involves mechanisms that strengthen active synapses and weaken inactive ones, and these mechanisms depend on rapid protein synthesis inside neurons. Dr. Worley has identified key molecular effectors of this process, including the protein NPTX2. Through basic and translational studies, he will test the hypothesis that decreases in NPTX2 provide a biomarker for cognitive status in human neurological disease and may contribute to certain memory deficits.