Tau dysfunction is implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and Pick’s disease. Most of these diseases are characterized by tau protein aggregation and are termed tauopathies. In these diseases, tau is affected at the molecular (splicing), protein (hyperphosphorylation, cleavage, aggregation), and cellular (secretion) levels. Thus, defining the molecular mechanisms underlying tauopathies require unraveling the complexities of the MAPT gene that encodes the tau protein, tau protein dysfunction within the cell, and the cell-cell interactions that produce pathology in the human brain. We use traditional immortalize and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuron and astrocytes to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tauopathies.

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Our goal is to perform cutting-edge research to understand and cure neurodegenerative disease, while advocating for equity and representation within and beyond the lab. As a lab, we understand and appreciate the desire to create a workplace that is not only diverse, but inclusive. We actively adapt our laboratory environment to ensure that individuals of different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences are provided an atmosphere that fosters creativity and scientific discovery. We stand firmly against all forms of racism, oppression, and discrimination – both within our lab and our community. We seek to recruit individuals to join our laboratory community regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, disability status, or immigration and citizenship status. 

Our laboratory has experienced tremendous success because of our dedication to diversity and inclusion. As scientists, we must be able to utilize the mentorship and comradery of our lab mates to ensure our success. We strongly encourage collaborative efforts, both within and outside the lab, to address important medical and socially relevant questions related to neurodegeneration. These collaborative efforts not only help us accomplish our project-specific goals but also construct a solid framework of growth and support for all lab members. When providing mentorship to trainees, the Karch Lab recognizes how important an appropriate work-life balance, flexibility, and teamwork can be. We firmly believe that providing these attributes to our lab members will result in a continued passion and enthusiasm for scientific inquiry.