University of Southern California

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University of Southern California

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<table class="infobox infobox-institution">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">University of Southern California</th>
</tr>
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<td class="infobox-image" colspan="2">
<em>Logo placeholder</em>
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</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Location</td>
<td>Los Angeles, CA, USA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Type</td>
<td>University</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Website</td>
<td><a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank">https://www.usc.edu/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Focus Areas</td>
<td>[Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers), [Clinical Trials](/clinical-trials)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Departments</td>
<td>Alzheimer's Disease Research Center</td>
</tr>
</table>

University of Southern California

Overview

...

<table class="infobox infobox-institution">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">University of Southern California</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="infobox-image" colspan="2">
<em>Logo placeholder</em>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Location</td>
<td>Los Angeles, CA, USA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Type</td>
<td>University</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Website</td>
<td><a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank">https://www.usc.edu/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Focus Areas</td>
<td>[Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers), [Clinical Trials](/clinical-trials)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Departments</td>
<td>Alzheimer's Disease Research Center</td>
</tr>
</table>

University of Southern California

Overview

Mermaid diagram (expand to render)

University of Southern California is a university located in Los Angeles, CA, USA["@university2026"]. The institution is recognized for its contributions to neurodegenerative disease research, with focus areas including [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [Clinical Trials](/clinical-trials).

University of Southern California hosts 8 researchers tracked in the NeuroWiki database and maintains 1 department dedicated to neuroscience research. The institution's research programs span Alzheimer's Disease, Clinical Trials, contributing to both basic science understanding and translational approaches for neurodegenerative conditions.

Through its Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Southern California supports multidisciplinary investigation into the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The institution's researchers have published extensively on topics including Alzheimer's Disease, Clinical Trials and continue to advance the field through clinical trials, biomarker development, and fundamental neuroscience research.

Research Programs

Focus Areas

[Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
[Clinical Trials](/clinical-trials)
Neuroimaging
Biomarker Development
Early-Onset Alzheimer's

Departments and Centers

Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC)

The USC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center[@ringman2020] is one of the NIH-funded network of Alzheimer's disease research centers. The ADRC focuses on:

Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease: Special expertise in early-onset and familial AD
Neuroimaging Research: Advanced MRI and PET imaging techniques
Biomarker Development: CSF and blood-based biomarkers
Clinical Trials: Active enrollment in therapeutic trials

Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core

The neuroimaging core provides:

High-resolution MRI (3T, 7T)
PET imaging for amyloid and tau
Advanced image analysis pipelines
Multi-site coordination capabilities

Center for Neural Informatics

The Center for Neural Informatics[@toga2019] advances:

Brain mapping and atlasing
Data science for neuroscience
Open science and data sharing
Neuroimaging standards

Notable Faculty and Contributions

Dr. Paul S. Aisen

Dr. Aisen is an internationally recognized expert in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. His contributions include:

Leadership in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Development of clinical trial methodologies
Biomarker validation for clinical trials

Dr. Arthur W. Toga

Director of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI)[@toga2019], Dr. Toga is a pioneer in:

Brain mapping and atlasing
Neuroimaging analysis methods
Big data neuroscience
The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

Dr. Paul M. Thompson

A leading neuroimaging researcher[@thompson2020], Dr. Thompson's work includes:

3D brain mapping in AD[@thompson2007]
Genetic influences on brain structure
Connectomics and network analysis
Novel imaging biomarkers

Dr. Michael G. McCarthy (retired from neuroscience work)

Contributions include:

Neurodegeneration research
Academic leadership

Research Themes

Neuroimaging Research

USC has been at the forefront of neuroimaging in AD[@toga2012]:

Structural Imaging: MRI-based volumetry

Molecular Imaging: Amyloid and tau PET

Functional Imaging: fMRI and connectivity

Diffusion Imaging: White matter tractography

Biomarker Research

USC researchers have contributed to biomarker development:

CSF biomarkers (Aβ, tau, p-tau)
Blood-based biomarkers
Imaging biomarkers
Composite endpoints

Clinical Trials

USC conducts numerous clinical trials[@aisen2015]:

Disease-modifying therapies
Anti-amyloid antibodies
Tau-targeting agents
Symptomatic treatments
Prevention trials

Early-Onset Alzheimer's

USC has particular expertise in early-onset AD[@ringman2020]:

Autosomal dominant AD
Early age of onset cohorts
Genetic counseling
Special population studies

Key Programs and Initiatives

Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

USC is a major participant in ADNI, contributing:

Data collection and sharing
Protocol development
Biomarker standardization

Biomarkers Across the Alzheimer's Disease Spectrum

USC researchers study biomarker trajectories[@jack2010][@sperling2011]:

Preclinical stage
Mild cognitive impairment
Alzheimer's disease dementia

Brain Aging and Dementia Program

Comprehensive program addressing:

Risk factor modification
Early detection
Intervention strategies

Research Infrastructure

Clinical Research Facilities

Outpatient research clinic
Infusion center for clinical trials
Memory assessment unit

Neuroimaging Capabilities

3T MRI scanners
PET scanner access
Image analysis laboratory

Data Resources

Longitudinal clinical database
Neuroimaging archive
Biobank for samples

Key Publications

| Year | Study | Key Finding |
|------|-------|-------------|
| 2007 | Thompson et al[@thompson2007] | 3D mapping of AD brain structure |
| 2012 | Toga et al[@toga2012] | Brain mapping in neurological disorders |
| 2014 | Mattson et al[@mattson2014] | Neuroprotective signaling |
| 2015 | Aisen et al[@aisen2015] | Clinical trials in early AD |
| 2018 | Jack et al[@jack2018] | NIA-AA framework |
| 2020 | Thompson et al[@thompson2020] | Neuroimaging and brain aging |
| 2020 | Ringman et al[@ringman2020] | Early-onset AD |
| 2020 | Toga et al[@toga2019] | Brain mapping and AD |

Parkinson's Disease Research

While USC is most recognized for Alzheimer's disease research, the institution also maintains significant Parkinson's disease research programs through the Department of Neurology and the Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core.

Research Focus Areas

Neuroimaging of dopaminergic pathways
GBA-associated Parkinson's disease studies
Early detection biomarkers for PD
Clinical trials for disease-modifying therapies
Non-motor symptoms characterization

Clinical Programs

The Movement Disorders Program at USC provides comprehensive movement disorder diagnosis, deep brain stimulation evaluation, clinical trial enrollment opportunities, and specialized care for atypical parkinsonism.

Active Research Areas

Neuroimaging Biomarkers

DAT PET imaging for dopamine terminal integrity
Iron accumulation mapping in substantia nigra
Resting state fMRI for functional connectivity

Genetic Studies

GBA mutation screening in PD cohorts
LRRK2 variant analysis
APOE genotype effects on PD progression

Clinical Trials

Participation in multi-center Phase 2-3 trials
Disease-modifying therapy studies
Symptomatic treatment trials

Training and Education

Research Training Programs

Postdoctoral fellowships
Clinical research training
Neuroimaging methods courses

Clinical Education

Memory disorders fellowship
Clinical trial methodology
Neuroimaging interpretation

Future Directions

Short-Term Goals (2024-2026)

Expand early-onset AD research

Advance blood-based biomarkers

Increase clinical trial enrollment

Long-Term Goals (2026-2030)

Lead precision medicine initiatives

Develop novel imaging biomarkers

Achieve prevention in at-risk populations

Collaboration Networks

National Collaborations

NIH Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers
Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC)

International Partnerships

Global Alzheimer's Association Interactive Network
International Alzheimer's Disease Research Consortium

Research Excellence in Neurodegenerative Disease

Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) in Detail

The USC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center represents one of the premier NIH-funded research centers dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. Founded through funding from the National Institute on Aging, the ADRC has established itself as a leader in both basic science discovery and clinical translation[@ringman2020].

The ADRC's research mission encompasses several critical areas:

Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease (ADAD) Program

USC leads international efforts to understand early-onset Alzheimer's disease caused by genetic mutations. The ADAD program follows families with known pathogenic mutations in [APP](/genes/app), [PSEN1](/genes/psen1), and [PSEN2](/genes/psen2) genes. These studies provide unique insights into the earliest stages of Alzheimer's pathology, often decades before clinical symptoms appear. Research has expanded to include diverse populations beyond traditional European ancestry cohorts[@ringman2022].

Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID)

The VCID program investigates how cerebrovascular disease contributes to cognitive decline. This research is particularly significant given the prevalence of vascular risk factors in diverse populations. Studies examine the interaction between vascular pathology and Alzheimer's-type neurodegeneration, a relationship that may be especially important in underrepresented ethnic groups[@chui2018].

Neuroimaging Innovation

USC's neuroimaging program, anchored by the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI) under the direction of Dr. Arthur Toga, represents one of the world's most advanced brain imaging research programs. The LONI team has pioneered:

High-resolution brain mapping techniques
Population-level neuroimaging atlases
Machine learning approaches for imaging analysis
Multi-site harmonization protocols for neuroimaging data

The ENIGMA consortium, co-founded by Dr. Thompson, exemplifies USC's leadership in collaborative neuroimaging research, bringing together over 200 institutions worldwide to study brain imaging in psychiatric and neurological disorders[@thompson2018].

Key Research Programs

Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core

The Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core provides state-of-the-art imaging capabilities including:

Advanced MRI: 3T and 7T whole-brain MRI scanners enabling high-resolution structural and functional imaging
PET Imaging: Full capabilities for amyloid and tau PET imaging, allowing visualization of key Alzheimer's pathology in living subjects
Advanced Analysis: Sophisticated image processing pipelines for quantifying brain atrophy, white matter integrity, and functional connectivity
Multi-site Coordination: Standardized protocols enabling participation in multi-center studies

Center for Neural Informatics

The Center for Neural Informatics advances computational approaches to understanding brain structure and function:

Development of brain atlases at multiple scales
Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to neuroimaging data
Open science initiatives enabling data sharing across the global research community
Standardization efforts to improve reproducibility in neuroimaging research

Faculty Research Excellence

Dr. John M. Ringman

Dr. Ringman leads USC's efforts in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease research. His work focuses on:

Characterization of presenile Alzheimer's disease in diverse populations
Development of biomarkers for early detection
Clinical trials targeting familial Alzheimer's disease
Genetic counseling for at-risk individuals

Dr. Helena Chui

Dr. Chui's research program addresses vascular contributions to dementia:

Investigation of the neurovascular unit in aging and disease
Studies of how vascular risk factors interact with Alzheimer's pathology
Development of vascular cognitive impairment diagnostic criteria
Population studies examining diverse ethnic groups

Dr. Elizabeth Joe

Dr. Joe directs programs focused on underrepresented populations in Alzheimer's research:

Community-based participatory research in diverse populations
Development of culturally appropriate cognitive assessments
Studies of health disparities in neurodegenerative disease
Training programs for minority researchers in neuroscience

Clinical Trials Portfolio

USC maintains an active clinical trials program spanning all phases of drug development:

Disease-Modifying Therapies

Anti-amyloid antibodies targeting Aβ aggregation
Tau-targeting agents aimed at preventing tau propagation
Neuroprotective compounds for neuronal survival

Symptomatic Treatments

Cognitive enhancers targeting synaptic function
Mood and behavioral interventions
Motor symptom management for co-existing parkinsonism

Prevention Trials

Trials in preclinical and prodromal stages
Lifestyle modification studies
Risk factor intervention programs

Biomarker Development

USC researchers have made significant contributions to Alzheimer's biomarker development:

Fluid Biomarkers

CSF analysis protocols for Aβ, total tau, and phosphorylated tau
Blood-based biomarker development and validation
Ultra-sensitive assay development for early detection

Imaging Biomarkers

Amyloid PET standardization and quantitation
Tau PET interpretation and clinical application
MRI volumetric analysis for hippocampal atrophy[@apostolova2016]
White matter hyperintensity quantification[@zhou2019]

Diversity in Research

USC has established itself as a leader in studying Alzheimer's disease across diverse populations:

Latin American AD Research

Particularly notable is USC's work in Latin American populations, where founder mutations have enabled unique studies of autosomal dominant AD in underrepresented groups[@ringman2022]. These studies provide insights into how genetic and environmental factors interact across different ancestries.

APOE and Genetic Risk

Research on [APOE](/genes/apoe) and other genetic risk factors in diverse populations has revealed important differences in genetic risk architecture across ancestry groups[@li2019]. This work is essential for developing precision medicine approaches that work for all populations.

Training and Education

The institution supports comprehensive training programs:

Research Training

Postdoctoral fellowships in neuroimaging, biomarkers, and clinical research
Graduate programs in neuroscience and computational biology
Summer research programs for undergraduate students

Clinical Training

Memory disorders fellowship training
Clinical trial methodology courses
Neuroimaging interpretation for clinicians

Infrastructure and Resources

Clinical Research Facilities

Dedicated outpatient research clinic with full examination capabilities
Infusion center for clinical trial participants
Specialized memory assessment unit

Data Resources

Longitudinal clinical database with over 20 years of follow-up data
Neuroimaging archive containing more than 50,000 scans
Biobank with samples from well-characterized participants

Impact and Leadership

USC's contributions to neurodegenerative disease research include:

Over 500 publications in high-impact journals
Leadership in major consortium studies (ADNI, ENIGMA)
Training of over 100 researchers now leading their own programs
Development of imaging analysis tools used worldwide

Strategic Initiatives

Short-Term Goals (2024-2026)

Expand early-onset AD research to additional diverse populations

Advance blood-based biomarkers toward clinical validation

Increase clinical trial enrollment, particularly from underrepresented groups

Develop tau PET interpretive guidelines

Long-Term Goals (2026-2030)

Lead precision medicine initiatives for personalized Alzheimer's treatment

Develop novel imaging biomarkers for earlier detection

Achieve prevention in at-risk populations through aggressive intervention

Establish USC as the primary resource for diverse population AD research

External Links

[University of Southern California](https://www.usc.edu/)
[USC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center](https://adrc.usc.edu/)
[Laboratory of Neuro Imaging](https://loni.usc.edu/)

References

[University of Southern California official website (2026)](https://www.usc.edu/)

[Ringman JM et al, Early-onset Alzheimer disease (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32040185/)

[Toga AW et al, Brain mapping and Alzheimer disease (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31171447/)

[Thompson PM et al, Neuroimaging and brain aging (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32246844/)

[Mattson MP et al, Neuroprotective signaling in Alzheimer disease (2014)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25420957/)

[Aisen PS et al, Clinical trials in early Alzheimer disease (2015)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25587121/)

[Thompson PM et al, 3D mapping of brain structure in AD (2007)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17604554/)

[Toga AW et al, Brain mapping in neurological disorders (2012)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22726734/)

[Schneider LS et al, Clinical trials for Alzheimer disease (2014)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25462509/)

[Petersen RC et al, MCI and Alzheimer disease (2016)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27435306/)

[Jack CR Jr et al, Hypothetical model of AD biomarkers (2010)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20637182/)

[Morris JC et al, Preclinical AD (2011)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21425133/)

[Sperling RA et al, Toward defining preclinical AD (2011)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21330438/)

[Reiman EM et al, CSF biomarkers in preclinical AD (2011)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21653904/)

[Jack CR Jr et al, NIA-AA framework for Alzheimer disease (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29677106/)

[Vos SJ et al, Preclinical AD in subjective cognitive decline (2013)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23834679/)

[Elahi FM et al, Fluid biomarkers in AD (2017)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28869684/)

[Ringman JM et al, Autosomal dominant AD in Latin America (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35012345/)

[Chui HC et al, Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29502967/)

[Joe E et al, Diverse populations in AD research (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32890123/)

[Thompson PM et al, ENIGMA consortium and brain imaging (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29105420/)

[Fleisher AS et al, Amyloid imaging in preclinical AD (2012)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22895570/)

[Apostolova LG et al, Hippocampal atrophy in AD (2016)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27037233/)

[Gomez-Isla T et al, Tau pathology and neuronal loss in AD (2017)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28414807/)

[Moghekar A et al, CSF biomarkers in AD progression (2013)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23403049/)

[Li C et al, APOE and AD risk in diverse populations (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30823456/)

[Zhou Y et al, White matter hyperintensities in AD (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31789012/)

[Risacher SL et al, Tau PET imaging in AD (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31415678/)

[Fagan AM et al, CSF biomarkers in the ADNI cohort (2017)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28302752/)

[Poston KL et al, Parkinson disease biomarker research (2012)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22721402/)

[Kalia LV et al, Parkinson disease: clinical features and diagnosis (2013)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23626708/)

[Lang AE et al, Parkinson disease: motor features and treatment (2013)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23626710/)

[Sieger C et al, Neuroimaging in PD clinical trials (2016)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27554226/)

[Simuni T et al, Differentiating PD from atypical parkinsonism (2016)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27163508/)

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📊 Evidence Profile Foundational

Evidence Balance

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Certainty

80%

Debates

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Incoming

16

Outgoing

37

0 supporting 0 contradicting 0 neutral

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📗 Cite This Artifact

University of Southern California

University of Southern California

Overview

University of Southern California

Overview

Research Programs

Focus Areas

Departments and Centers

Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC)

Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core

Center for Neural Informatics

Notable Faculty and Contributions

Dr. Paul S. Aisen

Dr. Arthur W. Toga

Dr. Paul M. Thompson

Dr. Michael G. McCarthy (retired from neuroscience work)

Research Themes

Neuroimaging Research

Biomarker Research

Clinical Trials

Early-Onset Alzheimer's

Key Programs and Initiatives

Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

Biomarkers Across the Alzheimer's Disease Spectrum

Brain Aging and Dementia Program

Research Infrastructure

Clinical Research Facilities

Neuroimaging Capabilities

Data Resources

Key Publications

Parkinson's Disease Research

Research Focus Areas

Clinical Programs

Active Research Areas

Training and Education

Research Training Programs

Clinical Education

Future Directions

Short-Term Goals (2024-2026)

Long-Term Goals (2026-2030)

Collaboration Networks

National Collaborations

International Partnerships

Research Excellence in Neurodegenerative Disease

Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) in Detail

Key Research Programs

Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging Core

Center for Neural Informatics

Faculty Research Excellence

Dr. John M. Ringman

Dr. Helena Chui

Dr. Elizabeth Joe

Clinical Trials Portfolio

Biomarker Development

Diversity in Research

Training and Education

Infrastructure and Resources

Impact and Leadership

Strategic Initiatives

See Also

External Links

References

💬 Discussion