STP 44TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM
Toxicologic Neuropathology: Basics and Beyond
Scientific Co-Chairs: LuAnn McKinney, DVM, DACVP, US FDA; Ingrid D. Pardo, DVM, MS, DACVP, FIATP, Biogen; and Caroline J. Zeiss, BVSc, PhD, DACVP, DACLAM, Yale University
Continuing Education Chair: Debra A. Tokarz, DVM, PhD, DACVP, EPL, Inc.
Continuing Education Co-Chair: Frank J. Geoly, DVM, DACVP, Pfizer Inc.
The topic of this upcoming symposium is “Toxicologic Neuropathology: Basics and Beyond.” The unifying theme of the symposium is effective animal to human translation in the development of neurotherapeutics. Keynote speakers include Drs. Rudolph J. Castellani, MD, Professor of Pathology and Program Director, Neuropathology Fellowship Training Program at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Jeffrey A. Loeb, MD, PhD, John S Garvin Chair, Professor & Head Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois College of Medicine.
The scientific program includes five sessions designed to promote a fundamental understanding of key therapeutic challenges underlying prominent human neurologic diseases. Aspects on the use of animal models and employment of current technologies to effectively overcome preclinical to clinical translation will be highlighted across multiple lectures.
The opening session, “Fundamentals of Neuropathology,” will focus on core concepts in neuropathology, functional neuroanatomy and distinguishing neuronal death and artifact. The second session will cover neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on translational aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, spinal muscular atrophy and multiple sclerosis. The third session on “Neurobiomarkers” will highlight imaging and fluid-based biomarkers, explore methodologies of dorsal root ganglion quantification, and conclude with regulatory considerations in neurobiomarker development. The fourth session will explore applications of spatial transcriptomics, mass spectrometry imaging, spatial lipidomics and other molecular pathology techniques. The final session, “Hot Topics, Challenges, Future Directions,” will present cutting–edge updates on artificial intelligence, drug delivery, dorsal root ganglion comparative anatomy, and recent findings of the blood brain barrier. A mystery slide session with the translational emphasis will also be hosted.
We look forward to joining you in our exciting program in Chicago, Illinois, June, 22–25, 2025.
