Dr. O'Brien's laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate the development and maintenance of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system. Particular attention is devoted to isolating presynaptic factors that regulate the accumulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the spinal cord and hippocampus. Techniques utilized include expression cloning, immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology. As knowledge of the molecular basis of synapse formation proceeds, attention will be paid to the role of synaptic organizing molecules in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS. Dr. O'Brien is also interested in the interaction between vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease.


Iacono D, O Brien R, Resnick SM, Zonderman AB, Pletnikova O, Rudow G, An Y, West MJ, Crain BJ, Troncoso JC. Neuronal hypertrophy in asymptomatic Alzheimer disease. J. Neuropathol Exp Neurol, 2008; 67: 578-589

Troncoso J, Zonderman A, Resnick S, Crain B, Pletnikova O, O達rien R. Effect of infarcts on dementia in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Ann Neurol, 2008; 64: 168-176.

Riudavets MA, Iacono D, Resnick SN, O達rien R, Zonderman AB, Martin LJ, Rudow G, Pletnikova O, Troncoso JC. Resistance to Alzheimer pathology is associated with hypertrophy in neurons. Neurobiol Aging 2007; 28: 1484-1492.

Rosen KM, Moghekar A, O達rien RJ. Activity dependent localization of synaptic NMDA receptors in spinal neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2007; 34: 578-591.

Driscoll I, Resnick SM, Troncoso JC, An Y, O達rien R, Zonderman AB. Impact of Alzheimer pathology on cognitive trajectories in non-demented elderly. Ann Neurol. 2006; 60:688-695.

Gamaldo A, Moghekar A, Kilada S, Resnick S, Zonderman A, O達rien R. Effect of a clinical stroke on the risk of dementia in a prospective cohort. Neurology 2006; 67: 1363-1369.

Primary Appointment in Neurology