Basic Science Research

Andrea earned a Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering, with a specialization in stem cell research, from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is a specialist in the Kao Lab.

Molly studied Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. She then completed her PhD degree with Professor Peter Juo at Tufts University, where she investigated the regulation of the AMPA-type glutamate receptor by its deubiquitinating enzyme USP-46 in C. elegans. She identified two novel mechanisms by which USP-46 is stabilized and activated by two WD40-repeat proteins, WDR-48 and WDR-20, to promote AMPAR abundance and recycling to the neuronal surface. In the Kao lab, Molly will continue her research in protein homeostasis and degradation in C.

Brandon Holmes, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor at the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center. His clinical and research expertise focuses on the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, particularly how microglia—the innate immune cells of the central nervous system—modify their proteome in these contexts. Dr. Holmes completed his clinical fellowship at the Fein MAC and pursued postdoctoral research in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry under James A. Wells, PhD.

Courtney Lane-Donovan, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist dedicated to improving the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and frontotemporal dementia.

Claire Clelland, MD, PhD, is a clinician-scientist in the UCSF Department of Neurology at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences, where she leads the Clelland Laboratory at the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center.

Aimee Kao, MD, PhD, is a professor of neurology at UC San Francisco in the Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center and is a John Douglas French Foundation Endowed Professor. She is a leader in neurodegenerative disease research and patient care, with expertise in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body disease, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.