Carla Shatz, a renowned neurobiologist known for her work on neural connections, is applying her research to Alzheimer’s disease. Initially focused on understanding how the eye connects with the brain at Stanford University, Shatz’s foundational research revealed that synapses are not entirely hardwired but shaped by activity. This discovery of “pruning and tuning” of synapses applies to various brain developments.
Currently, Shatz is investigating whether Alzheimer’s might result from excessive synapse pruning. Her team demonstrated in 2013 that mice lacking certain molecules necessary for pruning did not develop memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s. They aim to design a drug to block overpruning and prevent memory loss.
Shatz emphasizes the importance of fundamental research, which she describes as a voyage of discovery. Her career began with funding from the National Institutes of Health for basic research without needing to address specific diseases directly. She expresses concern about diminishing support for foundational research and advises junior researchers to pursue both high-risk projects and those likely to receive funding.
Despite challenges, Shatz remains optimistic about the future of foundational science. She holds several positions at Stanford University, including Sapp Family Provostial Professor and member of Stanford Bio-X.
The story was initially published by the School of Humanities and Sciences.
For media inquiries, contact Sara Zaske at 510-872-0340 or szaske@stanford.edu.
