The Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is proud to announce that Thomas J. Brett, PhD has received a 2024 Alzheimer’s Association Zenith Award. The Alzheimer’s Association grants its annual Zenith Fellows Awards to researchers who have contributed significantly to neuroscience breakthroughs that have informed our broader understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and are likely to make groundbreaking contributions in the future.
With this award, Dr. Brett and his team are recognized for being on the cutting edge of basic science pertaining to the causes of dementia. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is key to developing safe and effective therapies. In recent years, genetic studies have identified variants in a number of novel genes that greatly increase the risk for developing late-onset AD. However, the role of the encoded proteins in neuronal health and the molecular impacts of these variants is not well understood. Dr. Brett’s work seeks to investigate this area while focusing on receptors linked to neuroinflammation, including TREM2 and modulators such as MS4A4A. His structural and mechanistic work will provide the framework to develop therapeutics targeting these novel AD receptors.
“This award is a reflection of our awesome research team and electric lab culture. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathobiology of Alzheimer’s is crucial to a future without this devastating disease.” – Dr. Brett