Seiko Ikezu

Seiko Ikezu, M.D., is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Associate Consultant II-Research at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She is a core member of the Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory led by Dr. Tsuneya Ikezu, where she conducts pioneering research on Alzheimer’s disease and autistic spectrum disorders.

Education:

• MD, Gunma University
• BS in Arts and Sciences, Gunma University
• Residency in Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo Medical Center and Kosei-Nenkin Hospital
• Clinical Fellowship in Endocrinology, University of Tokyo Medical Center
• Clinical Research Fellowship in Endocrinology, University of Tokyo Medical Center
• Research Fellowship in Neuroscience, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Observership in multiple specialties, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Research Interests:
Dr. Ikezu's research focuses on understanding and targeting molecular mechanisms in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her primary interests include:
• Developing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against TTBK1 to slow Alzheimer’s progression by reducing tau phosphorylation.
• Targeting microglial tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) to inhibit extracellular vesicle-mediated spread of pathological tau.
• Investigating microglial dysfunction in autism, particularly how maternal immune activation leads to lasting microglial changes and cognitive impairments.
Her work leverages human iPSC-derived neurons, mouse models, and advanced proteomic techniques to uncover disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets.

Research Trends:
Her recent publications highlight a strong emphasis on extracellular vesicles as carriers of pathological proteins in Alzheimer’s disease, microglial activation, and novel therapeutic strategies using ASOs and genetic models. There is a consistent focus on tau propagation, neuroinflammation, and biomarker discovery using cutting-edge imaging and isolation techniques.

Scientific Awards:

• Alzheimer's Disease Center Career Development Award, Boston University (2018–2019)
• Research Topic Editor, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2022)

Advising and Grants:
Dr. Ikezu serves as Principal Investigator (PI) on a National Institute on Aging-funded project targeting TSG101 for Alzheimer’s therapy, demonstrating her leadership in securing competitive research funding. She collaborates with Ionis Pharmaceuticals and Mayo Clinic researchers, including Dr. Debabrata Mukhopadhyay. While specific advisees are not listed, her role in a major research lab suggests active mentorship of trainees and junior scientists.

Labs and Teams:
She is a key member of the Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, which focuses on tauopathies, microglia, extracellular vesicles, and iPSC-based disease models. The lab employs advanced techniques including cryoelectron microscopy, CRISPR editing, and single-particle analysis to study neurodegeneration and develop biotherapeutics.