Michael Jakowec

Michael Jakowec is a Clinical Professor at the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Southern California. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity in brain injury, particularly in the basal ganglia, with emphasis on neurotransmitter systems involving dopamine, glutamate, and serotonin. He investigates pharmacological and behavioral modifications (e.g., treadmill exercise) to enhance motor behavior in Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease models.

• Techniques: Immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, western blot, gene arrays, PET imaging, electrophysiology
• Collaborations: Giselle Petzinger (PET imaging), John Walsh (electrophysiology), Daniel Holschneider (blood flow), Brett Lund (immunology), Ruth Wood (behavior)

His recent publications demonstrate trends in exercise-induced neuroplasticity, perivascular space dynamics, and dopamine-serotonin-glutamate interactions in neurodegenerative models. Collaborative work explores naturally occurring neuroprotective peptides and ivermectin’s role in cholinergic-dopaminergic modulation.