Charles Hoeffer

Charles Hoeffer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder, with joint appointments at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics. His research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular basis of neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly exploring the connections between sleep disruption and Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Dr. Hoeffer's research program investigates molecular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders, with special attention to Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome-related Alzheimer's disease, and sleep disruptions. His laboratory employs a range of techniques including mouse models, molecular biology approaches, and advanced imaging to unravel complex neurodegenerative processes. His work often examines AKT signaling pathways, TDP-43 pathology, and RCAN1 gene function in relation to circadian rhythms and neurodegeneration.

Dr. Hoeffer's recent publications reveal a strong focus on the intersection of sleep, neurodegeneration, and genetic factors. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, with several studies examining innovative approaches to neuroinflammation treatment and tau aggregation targeting.

• NIA R01 AG064465-01 (MPI: Hoeffer, Link, Opp) 7/1/2019-6/30/2024: Sleep Disruption and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology (PI)
• NIA R01 AG085307 (Hoeffer) 7/1/2024-3/31/2029: The Role of double-stranded RNA in neuronal cell death (MPI)
• NIDA R21/R33 DA055781-A1 (Hoeffer, Ehringer, Stitzel) 9/15/2022-9/14/2027: Role of glial expression in nicotine behaviors (PI)
• NIH R01 AG083268 (Hoeffer) 9/1/2023-8/31/2028: Sleep abnormalities in Down Syndrome-related Alzheimer's disease (PI)
• Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) (MPI Hoeffer, Parker, Van Alstyne) 3/1/2024-2/28/2026: New treatment for dementia with peptide therapeutics targeting tau aggregation (PI)

Dr. Hoeffer actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with several predocotoral trainees currently working in his laboratory. His lab also includes professional research assistants who contribute to various aspects of the research program. He is currently recruiting new students for a fall 2026 start date and maintains an active laboratory investigating the molecular basis of neurological disorders through interdisciplinary approaches.