Richard Jay Smeyne

Environmental exposures and familial background alter the induction of neuropathology and inflammation after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection synergizes with MPTP to cause neurodegeneration in mice, which is mitigated by vaccination, but not in all genetic backgrounds.

Templating of Monomeric Alpha-Synuclein Induces Inflammation and SNpc Dopamine Neuron Death in a Genetic Mouse Model of Synucleinopathy.

This study shows that monomeric alpha-synuclein induces inflammation and dopamine neuron death in A53T SNCA mice, suggesting a mechanism for PD in humans with SNCA mutations.

Neurobiological and Behavioral Characterization of Adult Male and Female Mice in Prolonged Social Isolation

This study examines the effects of prolonged social isolation on adult male and female mice, finding changes in brain structure, neurochemistry, and behavior that vary by sex and duration of isolation.

COVID-19 infection enhances susceptibility to oxidative-stress induced parkinsonism

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection increases susceptibility to MPTP-induced parkinsonism in hACE2 mice, with greater dopaminergic neuron loss when combined with MPTP.

Murine MPDZ-Linked Hydrocephalus is Caused by Hyperpermeability of the Choroid Plexus

This study identifies MPDZ as a gene linked to hydrocephalus in mice, showing that its loss-of-function causes choroid plexus hyperpermeability and increased cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration.