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Antonius M. J. VanDongen

Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology
Pharmacology & Cancer Biology
308 Research Drive LSRC C334, DUMC 3813, Durham, NC 27710
1 Kingswear Avenue, Singapore, SG, SG 557183

Overview


We have discovered a new connection between the memory gene Arc (Activity Regulated, Cytoskeletal-associated protein) and Alzheimer's disease. Arc is a master regulator of of synaptic plasticity and epigenetically controls the transcription of 1900 genes associated with with synaptic function, neuronal plasticity, intrinsic excitability (channels, receptors, transporters), and signaling pathways (transcription factors/regulators). Approximately 100 genes whose activity-dependent expression level depends on Arc are associated with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a critical role for Arc in the development of neurodegenerative disorders.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology · 1998 - Present Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published July 17, 2015
How the brain perceives time

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Recent Publications


A Proteome-Wide Effect of PHF8 Knockdown on Cortical Neurons Shows Downregulation of Parkinson's Disease-Associated Protein Alpha-Synuclein and Its Interactors.

Journal Article Biomedicines · February 8, 2023 Synaptic dysfunction may underlie the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), a presently incurable condition characterized by motor and cognitive symptoms. Here, we used quantitative proteomics to study the role of PHD Finger Protein 8 (PHF8), a hist ... Full text Link to item Cite

Arc Regulates Transcription of Genes for Plasticity, Excitability and Alzheimer's Disease.

Journal Article Biomedicines · August 11, 2022 The immediate early gene Arc is a master regulator of synaptic function and a critical determinant of memory consolidation. Here, we show that Arc interacts with dynamic chromatin and closely associates with histone markers for active enhancers and transcr ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Molecular Mechanism of activation and gating in the NMDA receptor

FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2005 - 2007

Characterization of N-Chimaerin

FellowshipPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2004 - 2006

Customs Plasmids Project

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Environmental Health Science · 2005 - 2006

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Education, Training & Certifications


Leiden University (The Netherlands) · 1988 Ph.D.
Utrecht University (The Netherlands) · 1982 M.S.
Utrecht University (The Netherlands) · 1979 B.S.

External Links


VanDongen Lab