The Generative Brain

Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich (Swiss National Reference Center for Human Prion Diseases)

University of Zurich Institute of Neuropathology, where Adriano Aguzzi and Davide Caredio hold a 2024 CJD Foundation grant on GPNMB and co-authored the 2026 Nature Communications paper on a Gpnmb-positive microglial state.

Key facts

  • Inga Zerr of Goettingen is also an author on the May 2026 Nature Communications paper on Gpnmb microglia in prion-infected mice, per a PubMed listing.
  • National Reference Center for Human Prion Diseases for Switzerland; CSF and tissue diagnostics for CJD for the whole country; research on prions and neurodegeneration.
  • The 2026 Nature Communications paper reports a Gpnmb-positive phagocytic microglial state in prion-infected mouse regions with heavy cell death, induced by dying-cell factors rather than aggregates.
  • Slides from the group describe ex vivo neuroprotection by soluble GPNMB and a planned CRISPR activation screen.
  • The group's earlier preprint (February 2025) used RML6 prions and reported Gpnmb upregulation from 30 weeks, strongest in the thalamus.

Timeline

  1. 2024CJD Foundation grant.
  2. 2025Preprint posted.
  3. 2025Slides presented to families.
  4. 2026Nature Communications paper.
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