1994 Semmelweis Medical University (Budapest, Hungary) - MD
2000 Semmelweis University (Budapest, Hungary) - PhD
Postdoctoral Training:
2008 Post-doctoral fellowship, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (Dallas,
TX, USA)
2012 Associate Consultant, Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, FL, USA)
Research Interests:
Alzheimer's disease and Memory Project : How does Aging effect Synaptic Neurotransmission and contribute to Alzheimer’s
Disease Title : Early signs of Alzheimer's Disease caused by dysregulation of Synaptic Neurotransmission.
There are more than 5 million patients in the USA, who suffer from Alzheimer's disease
(AD). Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease is thought to be the result of disturbed
neuronal communication due to synaptic dysfunction. Aggregated amyloid beta protein
accumulates in AD, a process leading to impaired neuronal communication. In a series
of studies we investigate why aging is the most relevant risk factor to Alzheimer’s
dementia. We test the age-related changes in a set of essential synaptic proteins,
which regulate vesicular neurotransmitter release from synapses and their effect on
beta-amyloid secretion. Maintaining physiological synaptic function while reducing
amyloid secretion may provide a breakthrough to design effective therapies that halt
progression of dementia in Alzheimer's disease.
Memory loss: Five new things. Deak et al. Neurol Clin Pract. 2016 Dec;6(6):523-529.
doi: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000314. Memory loss can be due to a wide variety of causes.
We provide new information about the biology of common genetic and acquired causes
of memory loss in older adults.
Deficiency in LRP6-mediated Wnt signaling contributes to synaptic abnormalities and
amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Liu et al. Neuron. 2014 Oct 1;84(1):63-77.
doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.08.048.
Open Positions in the Deak Lab:
We support the training of graduate students, and accept applications for laboratory rotation.
We encourage interested electrophysiology experts to apply for a post-doctoral fellowship in our laboratory - Job Opening ID: 247302
We have Current open position for Research Assistant - Job Opening ID: 247305
