Camin Dean

Camin Dean is a Group Leader at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), focusing on synaptic plasticity mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. Their research combines live imaging, nanoscopy, electrophysiology, biochemistry, genomics, and behavioral techniques to identify molecular targets for combating memory loss in Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases.

• Key discoveries: Syt3's role in forgetting
• TRPV1's involvement in hippocampal neuron degeneration
• BDNF vesicle regulation via Syt4

Recent work emphasizes "memory signature" identification using gene expression patterns in brain slices and human iPSC-derived neuronal networks, aiming to develop cognition-enhancing drugs. Publications reveal a focus on calcium sensors, neurotrophic factors, and synaptic stability, with translational implications for neurodegenerative disease therapy.

Their research program specifically targets molecular pathways (Syt3/TRPV1/Syt4) that regulate synaptic strength and astrocytic territory expansion, potentially protecting vulnerable brain regions affected in Alzheimer's (hippocampus), Huntington's (striatum), and Parkinson's (striatum) diseases.