University of Southern California

Overview

flowchart TD
    institutions_usc["University of Southern California"]
    style institutions_usc fill:#4fc3f7,stroke:#333,color:#000
    institutions_usc_0["Research Programs"]
    institutions_usc -->|"includes"| institutions_usc_0
    style institutions_usc_0 fill:#81c784,stroke:#333,color:#000
    institutions_usc_1["Focus Areas"]
    institutions_usc -->|"includes"| institutions_usc_1
    style institutions_usc_1 fill:#ef5350,stroke:#333,color:#000
    institutions_usc_2["Departments and Centers"]
    institutions_usc -->|"includes"| institutions_usc_2
    style institutions_usc_2 fill:#ffd54f,stroke:#333,color:#000
    institutions_usc_3["Notable Faculty and Contributions"]
    institutions_usc -->|"includes"| institutions_usc_3
    style institutions_usc_3 fill:#ce93d8,stroke:#333,color:#000
    institutions_usc_4["Dr. Paul S. Aisen"]
    institutions_usc -->|"includes"| institutions_usc_4
    style institutions_usc_4 fill:#4fc3f7,stroke:#333,color:#000
    institutions_usc_5["Dr. Arthur W. Toga"]
    institutions_usc -->|"includes"| institutions_usc_5
    style institutions_usc_5 fill:#81c784,stroke:#333,color:#000

University of Southern California is a university located in Los Angeles, CA, USA

University of Southern California hosts 8 researchers tracked in the NeuroWiki database and maintains 1 department dedicated to neuroscience research. The institution’s research programs span Alzheimer’s Disease, Clinical Trials, contributing to both basic science understanding and translational approaches for neurodegenerative conditions.

Through its Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Southern California supports multidisciplinary investigation into the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The institution’s researchers have published extensively on topics including Alzheimer’s Disease, Clinical Trials and continue to advance the field through clinical trials, biomarker development, and fundamental neuroscience research.

Research Programs

Focus Areas

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Clinical Trials

• Neuroimaging

• Biomarker Development

• Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

Departments and Centers

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC)

The USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center^{1Early-onset Alzheimer disease2020 · Neurol Clin · PMID 32040185Open reference} is one of the NIH-funded network of Alzheimer’s disease research centers. The ADRC focuses on:

• Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease: Special expertise in early-onset and familial AD

• Neuroimaging Research: Advanced MRI and PET imaging techniques

• Biomarker Development: CSF and blood-based biomarkers

• Clinical Trials: Active enrollment in therapeutic trials

Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core

The neuroimaging core provides:

• High-resolution MRI (3T, 7T)

• PET imaging for amyloid and tau

• Advanced image analysis pipelines

• Multi-site coordination capabilities

Center for Neural Informatics

The Center for Neural Informatics^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference} advances:

• Brain mapping and atlasing

• Data science for neuroscience

• Open science and data sharing

• Neuroimaging standards

Notable Faculty and Contributions

Dr. Paul S. Aisen

Dr. Aisen is an internationally recognized expert in Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. His contributions include:

• Leadership in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

• Development of clinical trial methodologies

• Biomarker validation for clinical trials

Dr. Arthur W. Toga

Director of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI)^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}, Dr. Toga is a pioneer in:

• Brain mapping and atlasing

• Neuroimaging analysis methods

• Big data neuroscience

• The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

Dr. Paul M. Thompson

A leading neuroimaging researcher^{3Neuroimaging and brain aging2020 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 32246844Open reference}, Dr. Thompson’s work includes:

• 3D brain mapping in AD^{43D mapping of brain structure in AD2007 · Neuroimage · PMID 17604554Open reference}

• Genetic influences on brain structure

• Connectomics and network analysis

• Novel imaging biomarkers

Dr. Michael G. McCarthy (retired from neuroscience work)

Contributions include:

• Neurodegeneration research

• Academic leadership

Research Themes

Neuroimaging Research

USC has been at the forefront of neuroimaging in AD^{5Brain mapping in neurological disorders2012 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 22726734Open reference}:

1. Structural Imaging: MRI-based volumetry

2. Molecular Imaging: Amyloid and tau PET

3. Functional Imaging: fMRI and connectivity

4. Diffusion Imaging: White matter tractography

Biomarker Research

USC researchers have contributed to biomarker development:

• CSF biomarkers (Aβ, tau, p-tau)

• Blood-based biomarkers

• Imaging biomarkers

• Composite endpoints

Clinical Trials

USC conducts numerous clinical trials^{6Clinical trials in early Alzheimer disease2015 · JAMA · PMID 25587121Open reference}:

• Disease-modifying therapies

• Anti-amyloid antibodies

• Tau-targeting agents

• Symptomatic treatments

• Prevention trials

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

USC has particular expertise in early-onset AD^{1Early-onset Alzheimer disease2020 · Neurol Clin · PMID 32040185Open reference}:

• Autosomal dominant AD

• Early age of onset cohorts

• Genetic counseling

• Special population studies

Key Programs and Initiatives

Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

USC is a major participant in ADNI, contributing:

• Data collection and sharing

• Protocol development

• Biomarker standardization

Biomarkers Across the Alzheimer’s Disease Spectrum

USC researchers study biomarker trajectories^{7Hypothetical model of AD biomarkers2010 · PMID 20637182Open reference8Toward defining preclinical AD2011 · PMID 21330438Open reference}:

• Preclinical stage

• Mild cognitive impairment

• Alzheimer’s disease dementia

Brain Aging and Dementia Program

Comprehensive program addressing:

• Risk factor modification

• Early detection

• Intervention strategies

Research Infrastructure

Clinical Research Facilities

• Outpatient research clinic

• Infusion center for clinical trials

• Memory assessment unit

Neuroimaging Capabilities

• 3T MRI scanners

• PET scanner access

• Image analysis laboratory

Data Resources

• Longitudinal clinical database

• Neuroimaging archive

• Biobank for samples

Key Publications

Parkinson’s Disease Research

While USC is most recognized for Alzheimer’s disease research, the institution also maintains significant Parkinson’s disease research programs through the Department of Neurology and the Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core.

Research Focus Areas

• Neuroimaging of dopaminergic pathways

• GBA-associated Parkinson’s disease studies

• Early detection biomarkers for PD

• Clinical trials for disease-modifying therapies

• Non-motor symptoms characterization

Clinical Programs

The Movement Disorders Program at USC provides comprehensive movement disorder diagnosis, deep brain stimulation evaluation, clinical trial enrollment opportunities, and specialized care for atypical parkinsonism.

Active Research Areas

1. Neuroimaging Biomarkers

   • DAT PET imaging for dopamine terminal integrity

   • Iron accumulation mapping in substantia nigra

   • Resting state fMRI for functional connectivity

2. Genetic Studies

   • GBA mutation screening in PD cohorts

   • LRRK2 variant analysis

   • APOE genotype effects on PD progression

3. Clinical Trials

   • Participation in multi-center Phase 2-3 trials

   • Disease-modifying therapy studies

   • Symptomatic treatment trials

Training and Education

Research Training Programs

• Postdoctoral fellowships

• Clinical research training

• Neuroimaging methods courses

Clinical Education

• Memory disorders fellowship

• Clinical trial methodology

• Neuroimaging interpretation

Future Directions

Short-Term Goals (2024-2026)

1. Expand early-onset AD research

2. Advance blood-based biomarkers

3. Increase clinical trial enrollment

Long-Term Goals (2026-2030)

1. Lead precision medicine initiatives

2. Develop novel imaging biomarkers

3. Achieve prevention in at-risk populations

Collaboration Networks

National Collaborations

• NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers

• Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

• Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC)

International Partnerships

• Global Alzheimer’s Association Interactive Network

• International Alzheimer’s Disease Research Consortium

Research Excellence in Neurodegenerative Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) in Detail

The USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center represents one of the premier NIH-funded research centers dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. Founded through funding from the National Institute on Aging, the ADRC has established itself as a leader in both basic science discovery and clinical translation^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}8.

The ADRC’s research mission encompasses several critical areas:

Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease (ADAD) Program

USC leads international efforts to understand early-onset Alzheimer’s disease caused by genetic mutations. The ADAD program follows families with known pathogenic mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes. These studies provide unique insights into the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s pathology, often decades before clinical symptoms appear. Research has expanded to include diverse populations beyond traditional European ancestry cohorts^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}9.

Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID)

The VCID program investigates how cerebrovascular disease contributes to cognitive decline. This research is particularly significant given the prevalence of vascular risk factors in diverse populations. Studies examine the interaction between vascular pathology and Alzheimer’s-type neurodegeneration, a relationship that may be especially important in underrepresented ethnic groups^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}0.

Neuroimaging Innovation

USC’s neuroimaging program, anchored by the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI) under the direction of Dr. Arthur Toga, represents one of the world’s most advanced brain imaging research programs. The LONI team has pioneered:

• High-resolution brain mapping techniques

• Population-level neuroimaging atlases

• Machine learning approaches for imaging analysis

• Multi-site harmonization protocols for neuroimaging data

The ENIGMA consortium, co-founded by Dr. Thompson, exemplifies USC’s leadership in collaborative neuroimaging research, bringing together over 200 institutions worldwide to study brain imaging in psychiatric and neurological disorders^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}1.

Key Research Programs

Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core

The Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core provides state-of-the-art imaging capabilities including:

• Advanced MRI: 3T and 7T whole-brain MRI scanners enabling high-resolution structural and functional imaging

• PET Imaging: Full capabilities for amyloid and tau PET imaging, allowing visualization of key Alzheimer’s pathology in living subjects

• Advanced Analysis: Sophisticated image processing pipelines for quantifying brain atrophy, white matter integrity, and functional connectivity

• Multi-site Coordination: Standardized protocols enabling participation in multi-center studies

Center for Neural Informatics

The Center for Neural Informatics advances computational approaches to understanding brain structure and function:

• Development of brain atlases at multiple scales

• Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to neuroimaging data

• Open science initiatives enabling data sharing across the global research community

• Standardization efforts to improve reproducibility in neuroimaging research

Faculty Research Excellence

Dr. John M. Ringman

Dr. Ringman leads USC’s efforts in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease research. His work focuses on:

• Characterization of presenile Alzheimer’s disease in diverse populations

• Development of biomarkers for early detection

• Clinical trials targeting familial Alzheimer’s disease

• Genetic counseling for at-risk individuals

Dr. Helena Chui

Dr. Chui’s research program addresses vascular contributions to dementia:

• Investigation of the neurovascular unit in aging and disease

• Studies of how vascular risk factors interact with Alzheimer’s pathology

• Development of vascular cognitive impairment diagnostic criteria

• Population studies examining diverse ethnic groups

Dr. Elizabeth Joe

Dr. Joe directs programs focused on underrepresented populations in Alzheimer’s research:

• Community-based participatory research in diverse populations

• Development of culturally appropriate cognitive assessments

• Studies of health disparities in neurodegenerative disease

• Training programs for minority researchers in neuroscience

Clinical Trials Portfolio

USC maintains an active clinical trials program spanning all phases of drug development:

Disease-Modifying Therapies

• Anti-amyloid antibodies targeting Aβ aggregation

• Tau-targeting agents aimed at preventing tau propagation

• Neuroprotective compounds for neuronal survival

Symptomatic Treatments

• Cognitive enhancers targeting synaptic function

• Mood and behavioral interventions

• Motor symptom management for co-existing parkinsonism

Prevention Trials

• Trials in preclinical and prodromal stages

• Lifestyle modification studies

• Risk factor intervention programs

Biomarker Development

USC researchers have made significant contributions to Alzheimer’s biomarker development:

Fluid Biomarkers

• CSF analysis protocols for Aβ, total tau, and phosphorylated tau

• Blood-based biomarker development and validation

• Ultra-sensitive assay development for early detection

Imaging Biomarkers

• Amyloid PET standardization and quantitation

• Tau PET interpretation and clinical application

• MRI volumetric analysis for hippocampal atrophy^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}2

• White matter hyperintensity quantification^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}3

Diversity in Research

USC has established itself as a leader in studying Alzheimer’s disease across diverse populations:

Latin American AD Research

Particularly notable is USC’s work in Latin American populations, where founder mutations have enabled unique studies of autosomal dominant AD in underrepresented groups^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}4. These studies provide insights into how genetic and environmental factors interact across different ancestries.

APOE and Genetic Risk

Research on APOE and other genetic risk factors in diverse populations has revealed important differences in genetic risk architecture across ancestry groups^{2Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease2019 · Nat Rev Neurol · PMID 31171447Open reference}5. This work is essential for developing precision medicine approaches that work for all populations.

Training and Education

The institution supports comprehensive training programs:

Research Training

• Postdoctoral fellowships in neuroimaging, biomarkers, and clinical research

• Graduate programs in neuroscience and computational biology

• Summer research programs for undergraduate students

Clinical Training

• Memory disorders fellowship training

• Clinical trial methodology courses

• Neuroimaging interpretation for clinicians

Infrastructure and Resources

Clinical Research Facilities

• Dedicated outpatient research clinic with full examination capabilities

• Infusion center for clinical trial participants

• Specialized memory assessment unit

Data Resources

• Longitudinal clinical database with over 20 years of follow-up data

• Neuroimaging archive containing more than 50,000 scans

• Biobank with samples from well-characterized participants

Impact and Leadership

USC’s contributions to neurodegenerative disease research include:

• Over 500 publications in high-impact journals

• Leadership in major consortium studies (ADNI, ENIGMA)

• Training of over 100 researchers now leading their own programs

• Development of imaging analysis tools used worldwide

Strategic Initiatives

Short-Term Goals (2024-2026)

1. Expand early-onset AD research to additional diverse populations

2. Advance blood-based biomarkers toward clinical validation

3. Increase clinical trial enrollment, particularly from underrepresented groups

4. Develop tau PET interpretive guidelines

Long-Term Goals (2026-2030)

1. Lead precision medicine initiatives for personalized Alzheimer’s treatment

2. Develop novel imaging biomarkers for earlier detection

3. Achieve prevention in at-risk populations through aggressive intervention

4. Establish USC as the primary resource for diverse population AD research

See Also

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Neuroimaging

• Biomarkers

• Clinical Trials

• Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

External Links

• University of Southern California

• USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

• Laboratory of Neuro Imaging