Joanna Jankowsky, PhD
Professor of Neuroscience and the endowed Theodore and Bertha Bryan Professor of Environmental Medicine
- Phone: 314-273-5553
- Email: jankowsky@nospam.wustl.edu
Jankowsky Lab | Google Scholar Profile
Research
Jankowsky’s research focuses on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease by investigating the factors contributing to its onset and includes exploring interventions that might slow progression. Her work aims to understand how aging and genetics influence disease risk and why specific neural circuits, particularly those involved in memory, are selectively affected. A major contribution of her lab has been the creation, characterization, and free distribution of genetically engineered mouse models that replicate key aspects of Alzheimer’s pathology, providing valuable tools for studying disease mechanisms. These models allow the testing of hypotheses related to the interactions between genes, environment, and aging in determining resilience or susceptibility. Through her research, Dr. Jankowsky seeks to uncover fundamental insights that may guide the development of interventions to slow or prevent cognitive decline.
Selected publications
- TMEM106B coding variant is protective and deletion detrimental in a mouse model of tauopathy
Edwards, G.A. III, Wood, C.A., He, Y., Nguyen, Q., Kim, P.J., Gomez-Gutierrez, R., Park, K.-W., Xu, Y., Zurhellen, C., Al-Ramahi, I., and Jankowsky, J.L.
Acta Neuropathol. 147:61 10.1007/s00401-024-02701-5. (2024) - Activity disruption causes degeneration of entorhinal neurons in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s circuit dysfunction
Zhao, R., Grunke, S.D., Wood, C.A., Perez, G.A., Comstock, M., Li, M.-H., Singh, A.K., Park, K.-W., Jankowsky, J.L.
eLife. 11:e83813. (2022) - Gene therapy using Aβ variants for amyloid reduction
Park, K.-W., Wood, C.A., Li, J., Taylor, B.C., Oh, S.-W., Young, N.L, and Jankowsky, J.L.
Mol. Ther. 29:2294-2307. (2021)
Education
1993-1999 PhD, Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology
1987-1991 BA, Biology, Amherst College
Selected honors
2020-2025 Vivian L. Smith Endowed Chair in Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine
2019-2022 Alzheimer’s Association Zenith Fellows Award
2019 Clark Faculty Service Award, Baylor College of Medicine
2007-2012 NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (DP2)
2004-2009 NIH Mentored Research Scientist Award (K01)
2004-2006 NARSAD Young Investigator Award
2001-2003 John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation Fellow