G William (Bill) Rebeck, PhD

Professor
Director, Aging and Alzheimer’s Research Training Program

We study the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease using a variety of approaches, including animal models, biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and cell biology. We focus on the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease: APOE. This gene encodes a protein involved in cholesterol transport and cellular repair. There are three common alleles of APOE: APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. APOE3 is the most common form; APOE2 (present in about 10% of the US population) lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 50%; and APOE4 (present in about 25% of the US population) increases the risk by 300%. We are exploring the roles of APOE in the normal regulation of cholesterol metabolism and inflammation in the central nervous system. For this work, we are examining neurons and glia in culture, to look at normal regulation and metabolism of APOE.  We are examining the structure of the APOE protein, and its post-translational modifications and association with brain lipoproteins. We are examining mouse models in which the mouse APOE was replaced by the human forms of APOE, studying their sensitivity to brain insults, including exposure to chemotherapeutic agents. Our recent data show that APOE genotype also affects the occurrence of cognitive impairment after chemotherapy, a debilitating side effect of many cancer treatments. Our goals are to understand why APOE affects the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment so strongly and to define what can be done to lower one’s risk.

Dr Bill Rebeck, Director of AART

Dr. Rebeck directs the Georgetown University “Aging and Alzheimer’s Research Training” (AART) program through a grant from the NIH. AART addresses the increasing need in the United States for scientists addressing chronic diseases. It supports both pre-doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows across Georgetown departments and campuses. AART has organized a comprehensive set of opportunities for trainees to be trained in many aspects of successful careers, particularly in exposure to a breadth of research approaches, rigorous data analysis, clinical exposures, as well as helping them develop clear and compelling writing and oral presentations. The program relies on a deep pool of faculty across disciplines and experience levels who are committed to good mentoring.

Heart of the Harvey Performers Explore ‘the Art of Medicine and the Medicine of Art’

For co-producer Dr. Bill Rebeck, a neuroscience professor with a Ph.D. in toxicology and an MFA in creative writing, the event offers university performers and audience members an opportunity to connect with others and gain a new perspective on their work and lives.

“It is fun to perform, it is fun to hear your words on a stage, it is fun to see your colleagues, friends, and family express themselves in rich ways,” Rebeck said. “I would say that it also builds community and it reminds us of the humanity in what we do, whether it be in clinical medicine, research, or personal struggles.”

2017 President’s Awards for Distinguished Scholar-Teachers

The President’s Awards for Distinguished Scholar-Teachers at Georgetown University recognize and celebrate the integration of outstanding research and excellence in teaching at our University. The Awards not only honor the individual recipients but also emphasize standards of excellence at Georgetown.

Bill Rebeck, PhD, received this honor in 2017.