Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology

Thomas J Anastasio

Associate Professor

Multilevel modeling of neurobiological systems in health and disease using combined imperative and declarative computational modeling approaches. Current research foci inlcude the molecular and cellular systems underlying Alzheimer Disease, depression, and eating disorders.

Research Interests

Research Description

Many of the most interesting and important neurobiological phenomena, as well as the pathological processes underlying neurological diseases, involve interactions at multiple levels. For example, certain forms of Alzheimer Disease result from mutations in the genes that code for the proteins that process the beta-amyloid peptide, the build-up of which results in the dysfunction and death of neurons, which in turn lead to failure of the neural circuits and brain regions that mediate memory and cognition. Our work concerns the computational modeling of multilevel neurobiological process, with a focus on Alzheimer Disease. By representing experimental findings formally as declarations in a computer program, the pathophysiology of Alzheimer Disease can be explored through simulation and analysis, leading to experimentally testable predictions and new perspectives on possible pharmacological interventions.

Education

B.Sc., 1980, McGill University
Ph.D., 1986, University of Texas, Galveston
Postdoc., 1986-1988, Department of Opthalmology, The John Hopkins University School of Medicine

Awards

TRECC (Technology, Research, Education, and Commercialization Center) Accelerator Award, 2005
Heath Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Illinois