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Jacob Raber, PhD (he/him/his)

Professor and faculty member
OHSU
Portland, Oregon, United States

The principal research theme in the lab is devoted to the characterization of the detrimental effects of genetic and environmental factors on the function of the hippocampus and amygdala and to develop treatments to antagonize these effects. We focus on the role of the hippocampus and cortex in learning and memory and the role of the amygdala in learning and memory and the regulation of anxiety. For the genetic factor, we particularly study the isoform-dependent effects of apoE. The three major human apoE isoforms (apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4) differ in their risk to develop cognitive impairments with age and following environmental challenges. As environmental factors, we focus on cognitive impairments due to exposure of the brain to radiation, high fat diet, second-hand smoke, environmental stress, methamphetamine, viral exposures, or viral-like particles. We are particularly interested how these genetic and environmental factors might predispose the brain to cognitive impairments later in life.
Based on what we learn in the mouse models, tests and treatment strategies are developed to improve brain function in humans suffering from these conditions and to improve earlier detection of these conditions. For example, we developed an object recognition test and a virtual reality (VR) spatial navigation test to assess spatial learning and memory, enabling the use of paradigms similar to those used in our animal studies and allowing cross-species comparative studies. These tests provide us objective performance measures and bridge the gap between spatial and nonspatial learning and memory in humans with cognitive disorders and animal models of these conditions. Based on plans for these translational efforts, I received funding from the Medical Research Foundation, the Oregon Alzheimer’s Center, and was elected as an Ellison Medical Foundation (EMF) New Scholar in Aging.

Presentation(s):