Joseph Patterson

Joseph Patterson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Translational Neuroscience at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He is located at the Grand Rapids Research Center. His research focuses on synucleinopathies like Parkinson's disease, specifically investigating genetic signatures of disease progression and testing potential therapies using preformed alpha-synuclein fibril models.

Education:

• B.S. in Biology (Microscopy) from Central Michigan University (2008)
• M.S. in General Biology from Central Michigan University (2010)
• Ph.D. in Genetics from Michigan State University (2016)
• Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroscience at MSU College of Human Medicine (2016-2020)

Research Interests:
Dr. Patterson's work emphasizes understanding how alpha-synuclein aggregates drive neurodegeneration and developing disease-modifying interventions. His models recapitulate key Parkinson's features like dopamine dysfunction and motor impairments. Techniques include immunohistochemistry, stereotaxic surgery, and advanced molecular biology methods.

Publications Trends:
His recent work explores interactions between environmental toxins (like dieldrin), exercise effects, and genetic factors influencing disease progression. Studies also investigate microglial responses and neuroimaging correlates of synucleinopathies.

Advising & Grants:
No listed advisees or grant details. His research leverages rodent models and collaborative interdisciplinary approaches.

Labs & Teams:
Conducts research in the Department of Translational Neuroscience, building on his postdoctoral training in Caryl Sortwell's lab. Collaborates on projects involving neuroimaging and SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic methods.