Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University

Title

Therapeutic Targeting of Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Speaker

Dr. Fei Song
Associate Professor
Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), USA

Date

Oct 26 (Mon), 2026
16:00 - 17:00

Venue

Lecture Room 101, 1F, Biomedical Research Station, Hospital Campus
(Building No. 35 on the [Campus Map])

Abstract

Dr. Song and her team have developed patented therapeutic strategies targeting glial growth factor signaling, Neuregulin (NRG1) signaling, which is selectively associated with disease-associated microglia and contributes to neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Her research program integrates studies of human ALS autopsy tissues, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia, and complementary animal models to elucidate disease mechanisms and translate human findings into novel therapeutic strategies. A central focus of her research is the encompassing the interconnected processes of neuron–microglia communication, neuroinflammation, disease progression, and therapeutic targeting. This distinctive research program combines mechanistic investigations of neuron–glia interactions with therapeutic development, providing a translational framework for identifying and validating disease-modifying targets. Through multidisciplinary collaborations among basic scientists, physician-scientists, and clinical investigators, Dr. Song’s team addresses both hypothesis-driven and data-driven research questions. These collaborative efforts bridge fundamental discoveries with human disease biology, with the goal of translating mechanistic insights into innovative therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases.

References

1. Liu J, Ong K. Meng A, Stokin G, Loeb J; Ravits J, *Song F. Lateral sclerosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an upper motor neuron distal axonopathy (“dying back”): a clinical-neuropathological study. Acta Neuropathologica. 2026 Oct 9;152(1):48. PMID: 42853426.
2. Cropper HC, Mir F, Liu J, Vidushi R. Srivastava, Ramizuddin M, Jiang QL, Soni M, Valyi-Nagy T, Mnatsakanova D, Abrams C, Song F, Loeb JA. Axonal dying back of upper motor neurons in human ALS. Sci Rep. 2026 May 15;2026 May 15;16(1):22167. PMID: 42141072.
3. Liu J, Geraghty JR, Schram S, Cropper HC, Lei J, Loeb JA, *Song F. Prevention of Alzheimer pathology by blocking neuregulin signaling on microglia. eNeuro. 2023 Oct 30;10(11):ENEURO.0422-23.2023. PMID: 37903620.
4. Schram S, Loeb JA, *Song F. Disease propagation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): an interplay between genetics and environment. J Neuroinflammation. 2020 Jun 6;17(1):175. PMID: 32505190.
5. Dachet F, Liu J, Ravits J, *Song F. Predicting disease specific spinal motor neurons and glia in sporadic ALS. Neurobiol Dis. 2019 Oct:130:104523. PMID: 31276795.
6. Liu J, Allender E, Wang J, Simpson EH, Loeb JA, *Song F. Slowing disease progression in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS by blocking neuregulin-induced microglial activation. Neurobiol Dis. 2018 Mar;111:118-126. PMID: 29278738.
7. Allender E, Deol H, Schram S, Maheras KJ, Gow A, Simpson EH, *Song F. Neuregulin1 modulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). J Neuroimmunol. 2018 May 15;318:56-64. PMID: 29534847.
8. *Song F, Chiang P, Ravits J, Loeb JA. Activation of microglial neuregulin1 signaling in the corticospinal tracts of ALS patients with upper motor neuron signs. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2014 Mar;15(1-2):77-83. PMID: 24229388.
9. *Song F, Chiang P, Wang J, Ravits J, Loeb JA. Aberrant neuregulin 1 signaling in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2012 Feb;71(2):104-15. PMID: 22249457.
10. *Song F, Guan Z, Gienapp IE, Shawler T, Benson J, Whitacre CC. The thymus plays a role in oral tolerance in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Immunol. 2006 Aug 1;177(3):1500-9. PMID: 16849456.

Contact

Takahiro Masuda
Division of Molecular Neuroimmunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation
TEL: 092 (642) 6800
E-mail: takahiro.masuda[＠]bioreg.kyushu-u.ac.jp
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