Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases

The mission of the Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope^® is to advance science and medicine in the fields of aging, neurological disorders and brain cancer. We aim to:

1. Uncover novel molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Canavan and Alzheimer’s diseases
2. Define the impact of aging on brain diseases, especially neurodegeneration
3. Develop novel therapeutics for neurological disorders and brain cancer

Led by Yanhong Shi, Ph.D., the department has active programs in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based disease modeling, neurogenomics, cell therapy development and brain tumor biology. Our research ranges from fundamental scientific discovery to translational research that includes investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies for cell therapy development. Our goal is to promote healthy aging; bring new therapeutics to patient care through drug discovery efforts and regenerative medicine;  and alleviate the burden of neurological disorders and brain tumors.

Scientists in the department collaborate closely with colleagues across the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), as well as clinicians at the City of Hope Cancer Center Duarte. We strive to foster collaboration among scientists and clinicians with diverse backgrounds and expertise, facilitate professional patient care and provide comprehensive education and training to the next generation of scientists.

Our efforts are supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). We are also grateful for the generous philanthropic support from foundations and individuals who share the cause of our mission to give renewed hope to our patients with neurological disorders or brain tumors.

Rosa Carrasco
Senior Administrative Assistant
[email protected]

Yanhong Shi, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases
[email protected]
626-218-4485