Neurology Research

 

The strength of our neurology programs originates from, and is furthered by, leading-edge neurological innovations and novel therapeutic developments. Our department treats research as the driving force of excellence in patient care.

The Department of Neurology — part of the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute — pursues new technologies to improve functional measurements applicable to a range of neurological conditions. Our team fosters an optimal research environment for our faculty to further the understanding of neurological diseases and translate findings to clinical care, bolstered by rich collaborative opportunities available at the Texas Medical Center.

Neurology Labs

Appel Lab / Peggy & Gary Edwards ALS LAB


Research Areas: 
1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
2. Neurodegenerative diseases
3. Alzheimer’s disease
4. Neuromuscular disorders

Chung Lab/ Neuroinflammation Lab


Research Areas: 
1. Glia biology
2. Neuroinflammatory responses.
3. Sphingolipid metabolism.
4. Functional genomics using drosophila.

Jun Li Lab



Research Areas:
1. Inherited peripheral nerve diseases
2. Myelin biology
3. Peripheral nerve electrophysiology
4. Electromyogram

Masdeu Lab / Neuroimaging Lab


Research Areas: 
1. Alzheimer’s disease
2. Brain lesions
3. Neuroimaging
4. Psychoses

READISCA / SCA1 and SCA3


Lead Investigator: Tetsuo Ashizawa, MD

Research Areas: 
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and type 3 (SCA3)

Yun Lab / Brain Cancer Research Lab


Research Areas: 
1. Brain cancer
2. Tumor immunology
3. Neuro-inflammation
4. Single cell genomics

76

Active Clinical Trials

71

Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2023

10

Specialized Centers & Programs
Research Highlights
From The Humble Fly, Great Discoveries Are Made
Drosophila fruit fly key in discovering rare, unknown diseases, and developing new treatments for known maladies.
PAK2 and Myelination in Peripheral Nervous System
Drs. Bo Hu and Jun Li identify key factor influencing nerve myelination and find therapeutic target for PND.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Mild Cognitive Impairment
A Phase IIa trial to determine tolerability of L-serine for MCI patients and assess efficacy. 
Early Parkinson’s Disease
A Phase 2a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study of UCB0599 in subjects with early Parkinson's disease

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