<table class="infobox infobox-institution">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">Oregon Health and Science University</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Location</td>
<td>Portland, Oregon, USA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Type</td>
<td>Public Research University, Academic Medical Center</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Founded</td>
<td>1887</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Enrollment</td>
<td>~4,600 students</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Key Institutes</td>
<td>Brain Institute, Layton Center, Vollum Institute</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table class="infobox infobox-institution">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">Oregon Health and Science University</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Location</td>
<td>Portland, Oregon, USA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Type</td>
<td>Public Research University, Academic Medical Center</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Founded</td>
<td>1887</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Enrollment</td>
<td>~4,600 students</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Key Institutes</td>
<td>Brain Institute, Layton Center, Vollum Institute</td>
</tr>
</table>
Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) is a public research university and academic medical center located in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1887 as the University of Oregon Medical School, OHSU has evolved into one of the leading biomedical research institutions in the Pacific Northwest. The university is renowned for its comprehensive neuroscience research programs, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury (TBI), frontotemporal dementia, and prion diseases["@quinn2018"].
OHSU houses several world-class research centers dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and developing novel therapies. The OHSU Brain Institute coordinates all neuroscience research across the institution, bringing together basic scientists, clinical researchers, and physician-scientists in a collaborative environment. This integrated approach has enabled OHSU to make significant contributions to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and to advance clinical care for patients throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The university's unique position in Oregon, with access to diverse patient populations including both urban and rural communities, enables research on health disparities and the development of care approaches that can be generalized to other settings. OHSU's commitment to community engagement and outreach has made it a trusted resource for patients and families facing neurodegenerative diseases throughout the region.
OHSU traces its origins to 1887 when it was established as the University of Oregon Medical School in downtown Portland. Over the subsequent decades, the institution grew and evolved, eventually merging with the Oregon Graduate Institute and expanding its research mission. Today, OHSU encompasses the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Public Health, as well as the OHSU Healthcare system.
The university's neuroscience research program has grown dramatically since the establishment of the OHSU Brain Institute in 2010. This investment in brain research reflected OHSU's recognition that neurodegenerative diseases represent one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine, with increasing prevalence as the population ages.
OHSU's mission in neurodegeneration research encompasses:
The OHSU Brain Institute serves as the coordinating center for all neuroscience research at the university[@quinn2018]. The Institute brings together researchers from multiple departments and centers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration that accelerates discovery and translation.
Key areas of focus include:
The Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center is an NIH-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) that represents one of the premier dementia research programs in the United States[@morris2019]. The Center brings together basic scientists and clinical researchers in a comprehensive program that spans from molecular mechanisms to patient care.
Research Programs:
| Program | Focus | Director |
|---------|-------|----------|
| Clinical Trials | Phase I-III trials for AD therapeutics | Dr. Joseph Quinn |
| Biomarker Development | CSF, blood, and imaging biomarkers | Dr. Phillip Insel |
| Prevention Studies | Lifestyle and pharmacological prevention | Dr. Margaret Nolan |
| Caregiver Support | Family and caregiver interventions | Dr. Amy Howard |
| Rural Health | Underserved population research | Dr. Rahul Singh |
Clinical Services:
ORCAT represents an innovative approach to aging research, combining technology development with clinical research to enable aging in place[@kaye2018]. The center develops and tests technologies that can monitor health and function in older adults, potentially enabling earlier detection of cognitive decline and more effective interventions.
Key research areas include:
OHSU has established a comprehensive Parkinson's disease research program with particular strengths in[@standaert2019][@cao2019]:
LRRK2 Research: OHSU researchers have been at the forefront of understanding LRRK2 mutations, which represent the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease. The center has characterized LRRK2 function, developed animal models, and tested LRRK2 inhibitors.
Alpha-synuclein Studies: Researchers at OHSU investigate the aggregation and propagation of alpha-synuclein, the protein that forms Lewy bodies in PD brains[@cao2020]. These studies have revealed novel mechanisms of protein spread and identified potential therapeutic targets.
Deep Brain Stimulation: OHSU has a robust deep brain stimulation (DBS) program that both provides clinical care and conducts research on optimizing DBS for Parkinson's disease[@dagher2019].
Clinical Trials: The center participates in numerous clinical trials for PD therapeutics, including both symptomatic and disease-modifying approaches.
The Vollum Institute is a basic science research institute within OHSU that focuses on fundamental neuroscience research[@wang2019]. While not exclusively focused on neurodegeneration, the Institute provides crucial basic science insights that inform understanding of disease mechanisms.
Research Areas:
OHSU conducts comprehensive clinical research on Alzheimer's disease across the disease continuum[@quinn2018][@insel2019]:
Early Detection: Researchers use cognitive testing, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarkers to identify individuals in preclinical and prodromal stages of AD. This early detection enables intervention before significant neurodegeneration occurs.
Clinical Trials: OHSU participates in numerous clinical trials testing new Alzheimer's disease therapeutics, including:
OHSU scientists investigate the fundamental mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease:
Amyloid Biology: Research on amyloid-beta production, aggregation, and toxicity has identified novel therapeutic targets.
Tau Pathology: Studies of tau phosphorylation, aggregation, and spread have revealed mechanisms of neurofibrillary tangle formation.
Neuroinflammation: Researchers study the role of microglia and other immune cells in AD pathogenesis and progression.
Neural Circuits: Studies of neural circuit dysfunction in AD have identified network-level abnormalities that underlie cognitive decline.
OHSU's Parkinson's disease program provides comprehensive clinical care while conducting cutting-edge research[@cao2019][@standaert2019]:
Movement Disorders Clinic: Provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for PD and other movement disorders.
Deep Brain Stimulation: Offers DBS surgery and programming, with research on optimal stimulation parameters.
Clinical Trials: Participates in trials of new PD medications, gene therapies, and device-based treatments.
LRRK2 Biology: OHSU researchers have made major contributions to understanding how LRRK2 mutations cause Parkinson's disease. Studies have identified:
OHSU has developed a comprehensive research program on traumatic brain injury, with particular focus on military and sports-related injuries that can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)[@newhouse2019].
Research Areas:
OHSU researchers contribute to understanding CTE, a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive brain trauma:
OHSU has developed a growing program in frontotemporal dementia (FTD)[@rogalski2018]:
Clinical Care:
The Vollum Institute hosts a robust prion research program[@apple2019]:
Research Areas:
OHSU maintains comprehensive neuroimaging capabilities[@krishnan2020]:
OHSU's clinical trials infrastructure supports:
OHSU maintains well-characterized research cohorts:
OHSU offers comprehensive training in neuroscience:
OHSU addresses health disparities in rural Oregon through[@singh2020]:
OHSU provides extensive caregiver support[@howard2020]:
OHSU participates in major national research networks:
OHSU collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on:
OHSU is pursuing several emerging research directions: