Show-Me State Times

Dr. Smita Saxena, a leading neuroscientist, has recently joined the NextGen Precision Health team at the University of Missouri to further her research on neurodegenerative diseases. Saxena, who previously worked in Switzerland, is eager to make a difference in the field of neuroscience by studying the innermost workings of diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Spinocerebellar ataxias, and dementia.

"We know that neurodegenerative disease is increasing because people are living to be older," Saxena said. "It's important to me to get to the bottom of these conditions to improve people's lives and, one day, be able to cure these diseases altogether."

One of Saxena's significant breakthroughs is the concept of "the weakest link," which focuses on the vulnerability of neurons within neuronal circuits. This theory has the potential to revolutionize the approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases by pinpointing where dysfunction occurs in healthy circuits.

"This concept is a game changer because it opens up avenues for therapeutics and brings a fresh perspective to the field in terms of thinking not just at the single-cell level, but at the circuit level," Saxena explained.

With the state-of-the-art facilities at NextGen Precision Health, Saxena plans to move her research into translational medicine, aiming to facilitate future clinical trials and make a real impact on patients' lives.

"I decided to come to Mizzou because I saw an opportunity to use my research to create real change for Missourians," Saxena said. "Mizzou is the best place to connect research with the patients, whose lives it could revolutionize."

Dr. Saxena's lab already has several projects lined up, including deriving neurons from human patient skin fibers to isolate disease signatures and developing nano lipids to carry drugs across the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, her team is studying the crosstalk between microglia and their contribution to neuroinflammation, a crucial factor in neurodegeneration.

"I'm excited about the possibilities at Mizzou," Saxena expressed. "With world-class facilities and collaborators, the progress we could make on understanding and creating effective therapeutics for diseases that pose a barrier to people growing old is a dream."

The Alliance for Precision Health, a partnership between Siemens Healthineers, the University of Missouri System, and MU Health Care, aims to advance healthcare solutions in mid-Missouri through technology, education, research, and innovation. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance health outcomes for Missourians and beyond.