معرفی
Amanda Brown is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she leads a research laboratory focused on the neurobiology of disease. She is also the Director of the Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences Program, contributing significantly to neuroscience education and training.
Research Interests: Her research centers on understanding how HIV-1 infection disrupts the blood-brain barrier and triggers chronic neuroinflammation, leading to neurocognitive disorders. A major focus is the role of the protein osteopontin (SPP1/OPN) as a central regulator in neuroinflammatory signaling pathways. Her lab uses primary cell cultures, humanized mouse models, human brain tissues, and advanced techniques such as sn-RNA-seq, multicolor immunofluorescence, and neuroimaging (PET/MRI) to study mechanisms of viral persistence and immune activation in the brain.
Publication Trends: Over the past decade, Dr. Brown's publications have consistently explored the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), with a growing emphasis on osteopontin as a key mediator. Her recent work investigates sex differences, synaptic dysfunction, fibrosis, and therapeutic strategies targeting OPN, reflecting a translational and systems-level approach to neuroinflammation.
Scientific Awards: No specific awards were mentioned in the provided text.
Advising and Grants: While specific students or grants are not listed, Dr. Brown leads a productive research lab and directs a formal internship program, indicating active mentorship. Her ongoing research, including manuscripts in revision and submission, suggests sustained extramural funding and collaborative science.
Labs and Teams: The Brown Lab operates at the intersection of neurology, immunology, and virology, employing interdisciplinary methods and collaborations. The lab has developed specialized protocols for behavioral testing in immunodeficient humanized mice and integrates molecular, imaging, and computational tools (e.g., Imaris) to advance understanding of neuroinflammatory diseases.
