The brain's primary immune cells, microglia, are a leading causal cell type in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet, the mechanisms by which microglia can drive neurodegeneration remain unresolved. Ayata lab discovered that a conserved stress signaling pathway, the integrated stress response (ISR), characterizes a subset of microglia with neurodegenerative outcomes.
Creative Biolabs has invited Dr. Pinar Ayata to walk us through the neurodegenerative functions of microglia in AD.
Key webinar
highlights:
Autonomous activation of ISR in microglia.
The ISR activation promotes the secretion of toxic lipids by microglia.
Microglial ISR activation exacerbates neurodegenerative pathologies and synapse loss in AD models.
Pharmacological inhibition of ISR or lipid synthesis mitigates synapse loss in AD models.
Discover the
speaker:
Pinar Ayata, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology and Biochemistry
Neuroscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center
CUNY Graduate Center
Pinar's most recent manuscript in Nature (provisionally accepted) from her postdoctoral work reveals the transcriptional basis of a protective subset of microglia that slows down in AD progression. Pinar opened her lab in 2020 during the height of COVID, and her lab recently discovered a neurodegenerative subset of microglia induced by cellular stress signaling that accelerates the progression of AD.
Creative Biolabs is a leading figure in bringing one-stop, cutting-edge technology and products to neuroscience research. We pride ourselves on a full coverage of antibodies, proteins, cell lines, culture tools, and modulators, along with custom services that cover every angle of the neuroscience field, tailoring every aspect to fit your exact project needs.
10 AM EDT,
September 18, 2025 
