The Condello lab innovates new imaging methods and model systems to elucidate the cell and molecular biology of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. We aim to understand the dynamic role of glial cells, in particular microglia and innate immune function, and their functional interactions with healthy and degenerating neurons. In tandem, we study genetic risk factors and human biology of disease using patient samples to inform and validate discoveries made in model systems. To reveal biological mechanisms of protein aggregation, cell death and innate immunity, we employ an interdisciplinary approach including cell and molecular neuroscience, biophysics, chemical biology and advanced optical imaging methods.