
Overview
Background
Professor Jürgen Götz (PhD, Dr. habil, FAHMS, GAICD) is Foundation Chair of Dementia Research, Director of the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research at the Queensland Brain Institute (University of Queensland), NHMRC Leadership Fellow and Ultrasound Team Leader. In 2023 he became the Lesleigh Green - Bill and Nancy Green Endowed Chair in Dementia Research. Jürgen Götz performed undergraduate studies at the Biocenter of the University of Basel, before joining the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Georges Köhler to obtain his PhD degree in immunology. Subsequently, he took up postdoctoral positions at UCSF (San Francisco) and Sandoz Ltd (now Novartis, Basel), and worked as Research Group Leader (venia legendi, Dr. habil.) at the University of Zurich (Switzerland). Before taking up his current position, Jürgen Götz was a Professor and Chair of Molecular Biology at the University of Sydney.
Jürgen Götz is a highly cited researcher (Clarivate) and an expert in basic and translational research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how Tau and Aβ cause neurodegeneration, using transgenic and cellular models, and exploring low-intensity ultrasound as a novel treatment modality for AD and other brain diseases (>220 publications, including in leading journals such as Science, Cell, Lancet and Neuron; h-index = 86, 27,800+ citations, Google Scholar). Jürgen Götz and his team have built a clinical trial-ready therapeutic ultrasound device and started a first-in-human safety trial in 12 Alzheimer patients (April 2023).
Availability
- Professor Jurgen Götz is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
Research interests
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Alzheimer's disease
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Transgenic modelling and pathomechanisms
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Therapeutic ultrasound as a drug delivery tool
Research impacts
Lesleigh Green - Bill and Nancy Green Endowed Chair in Dementia Research (2023-); Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) (2021); Fellow, Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science (FAHMS) (2016); Foundation Chair of Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), University of Queensland (2012-).
I am an internationally renowned expert in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). I generated the first tau transgenic mouse model with an early AD phenotype (EMBO J 1995). Together with Dr. Hutton, I published the first mouse model with NFT formation (JBC 2001a). I provided long-sought evidence for the amyloid cascade hypothesis by combining a transgenic and a transplantation approach (Science 2001). This highly cited work was accompanied by an Editorial in the same issue of Science, and selected as Milestone Paper by Alzforum (alzforum.org). I demonstrated a role for FGF5 in the hair growth cycle (Cell 1994), worked on prions (Cell 1998), and showed that the catalytic subunit of PP2A is essential for development (PNAS 1998) and that PP2A is a key enzyme in tau phosphorylation (JBC 2001b, AmJPathol 2003). I established the first in vitro model of Aβ-induced tau filament formation (JBC 2003). Using functional genomics, I provided evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction and a role for glyoxalase in AD (PNAS 2003, JBC 2005, Proteomics 2006, PNAS 2009). I identified a novel function of tau in targeting the kinase Fyn to the to mediate Aβ toxicity (Cell 2010), and a role for Fyn in causing de novo protein synthesis of tau (EMBO J 2017). I also developed a novel ultrasound-based treatment of amyloid- and tau-depositing mice that we are currently developing for clinical application in AD patients (Science Transl Med 2015, Brain 2017, MolPsych 2021). This discovery elicited an overwhelming response from media (numerous media appearances calculated by the UQ Advancement Office to be worth $1m in advertising space rates in the two weeks following the 2015 publication) and the general public (2,000 e-mail requests from patients within four months of publication.
- Highly cited researcher (Clarivate, 2021, 2022)
- 67 of my publications have been cited in 1,121 patent documents: 659 granted patents; 431 patent applications and 31 searches.Jurisdictions include: World Intellectual Property Organization; United States Patent and Trademark Office; and the European Patent Office (The Lens,April 2022).
- Expertscape.com ranking (Top 0.02% of 182,647 published authors worldwide in AD:
225 peer-reviewed articles (3 Cell, 1 Science, 1 Science Transl Med, 3 Neuron, 8 PNAS, 9 EMBO J, 7 J. Biol. Chem., 3 Mol Psych, 5 Acta Neuropathol, 1 Lancet, 4 Nature Rev Neurosci, 3 Nature Rev Neurol, 1 Nature Rev Drug Disc, 3 Nature Prot, 5 Theranostics), Web of Science highly cited papers in the fields of Neuroscience & Behavior (5), Biology & Biochemistry, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Molecular Biology & Genetics. >27,800 times (Google Scholar). Total Impact factor: 2,000; h-index: 86 (78 papers >100 cit).
https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=67UrhCQAAAAJ&hl=en
Works
Search Professor Jurgen Götz’s works on UQ eSpace
2003
Journal Article
Activation of the ERK and JNK signaling pathways caused by neuron-specific inhibition of PP2A in transgenic mice
Kins, S, Kurosinski, P, Nitsch, RM and Gotz, J (2003). Activation of the ERK and JNK signaling pathways caused by neuron-specific inhibition of PP2A in transgenic mice. American Journal of Pathology, 163 (3), 833-843. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9440(10)63444-X
2003
Journal Article
Expression of truncated PrP targeted to Purkinje cells of PrP knockout mice causes Purkinje cell death and ataxia
Flechsig, Eckhard, Hegyi, Ivan, Leimeroth, Rainer, Zuniga, Armando, Rossi, Daniela, Cozzio, Antonio, Schwarz, Petra, Rulicke, Thomas, Gotz, Juergen, Aguzzi, Adriano and Weissmann, Charles (2003). Expression of truncated PrP targeted to Purkinje cells of PrP knockout mice causes Purkinje cell death and ataxia. EMBO Journal, 22 (12), 3095-3101. doi: 10.1093/emboj/cdg285
2003
Journal Article
Saitohin gene is not associated with Alzheimer's disease
Streffer, J. R., Papassotiropoulos, A., Kurosinski, P., Signorell, A., Wollmer, M. A., Tsolaki, M., Iakovidou, V., Horndli, F., Bosset, J., Gotz, J., Nitsch, R. M. and Hock, C. (2003). Saitohin gene is not associated with Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 74 (3), 362-363. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.74.3.362
2003
Conference Publication
S.03.01 In vivo and in vitro models of AD demonstrate a role of distinct phosphorylation sites of tau in neurofibrillary tangle formation
Chen, F., Schild, A., Kurosinski, P., Pennanen, L., Hoerndli, F., David, D., Ferrari, A., Nitsch, R.M. and Götz, J. (2003). S.03.01 In vivo and in vitro models of AD demonstrate a role of distinct phosphorylation sites of tau in neurofibrillary tangle formation. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/s0924-977x(03)91605-1
2003
Conference Publication
In vivo and in vitro models of AD demonstrate a role of distinct phosphorylation sites of tau in neurofibrillary tangle formation
Chen, E, Schild, A, Kurosinski, P, Pennanen, L, Hoerndli, E, David, D, Ferrari, A, Nitsch, RM and Gotz, J (2003). In vivo and in vitro models of AD demonstrate a role of distinct phosphorylation sites of tau in neurofibrillary tangle formation. 16th Congress of the European-College-of-Neuropsychopharmacology, Prague Czech Republic, Sep 20-24, 2003. AMSTERDAM: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV.
2003
Journal Article
Protein Phosphatases: Transgenic and knockout models of PP2A
Gotz, J. and Schild, A. (2003). Protein Phosphatases: Transgenic and knockout models of PP2A. Methods in Enzymology, 366, 390-403. doi: 10.1016/S0076-6879(03)66029-5
2002
Journal Article
Diversity, developmental regulation and distribution of murine PR55/B subunits of protein phosphatase 2A
Schmidt, Karsten, Kins, Stefan, Schild, Andreas, Nitsch, Roger M., Hemmings, Brian A. and Gotz, Juergen (2002). Diversity, developmental regulation and distribution of murine PR55/B subunits of protein phosphatase 2A. European Journal of Neuroscience, 16 (11), 2039-2048. doi: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02274.x
2002
Journal Article
Glial cells under physiologic and pathologic conditions
Kurosinski, Pascal, Biol, Dipl and Gotz, Jurgen (2002). Glial cells under physiologic and pathologic conditions. JAMA Neurology, 59 (10), 1524-1528. doi: 10.1001/archneur.59.10.1524
2002
Journal Article
Neurofibrillary tangle formation in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
Chen, F, Nitsch, RM, Gotz, J, van Dorpe, J and Leuven, KU (2002). Neurofibrillary tangle formation in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiology of Aging, 23 (1), S233-S233.
2002
Conference Publication
Amyloid-induced neurofibrillary tangle formation
Gotz, J, Chen, F, Ferrari, A, Kurosinski, P, Schild, A, Nitsch, RM and van Dorpe, J (2002). Amyloid-induced neurofibrillary tangle formation. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC.
2002
Journal Article
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease - overlapping or synergistic pathologies?
Kurosinski, P, Guggisberg, M and Gotz, J (2002). Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease - overlapping or synergistic pathologies?. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 8 (1), 3-5. doi: 10.1016/S1471-4914(01)02246-8
2002
Conference Publication
Interactions of beta-amyloid with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in transgenic mice
Gotz, J, Chen, F and Nitsch, RM (2002). Interactions of beta-amyloid with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in transgenic mice. 5th International Conference on the Progress in Alzheimers and Parkinsons Disease/9th International Catecholamine Symposium, Kyoto Japan, Mar 31-Apr 05, 2001. NEW YORK: KLUWER ACADEMIC/PLENUM PUBL.
2001
Journal Article
Reduced protein phosphatase 2A activity induces hyperphosphorylation and altered compartmentalization of tau in transgenic mice
Kins, Stefan, Crameri, Arames, Evans, David R. H., Hemmings, Brian A., Nitsch, Roger M. and Gotz, Juergen (2001). Reduced protein phosphatase 2A activity induces hyperphosphorylation and altered compartmentalization of tau in transgenic mice. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 276 (41), 38193-38200.
2001
Journal Article
Formation of neurofibrillary tangles in P301L tau transgenic mice induced by Aβ42 fibrils
Goetz, J., Chen, F., Van Dorpe, J. and Nitsch, R. M. (2001). Formation of neurofibrillary tangles in P301L tau transgenic mice induced by Aβ42 fibrils. Science, 293 (5534), 1491-1495. doi: 10.1126/science.1062097
2001
Journal Article
Tau and transgenic animal models
Gotz, J (2001). Tau and transgenic animal models. Brain Research Reviews, 35 (3), 266-286. doi: 10.1016/S0165-0173(01)00055-8
2001
Journal Article
Compartmentalized tau hyperphosphorylation and increased levels of kinases in transgenic mice
Gotz, J and Nitsch, RM (2001). Compartmentalized tau hyperphosphorylation and increased levels of kinases in transgenic mice. Neuroreport, 12 (9), 2007-2016.
2001
Conference Publication
The role of beta-amyloid addressed in tau filament-forming mice
Chen, F, Ferrari, A, Nitsch, RM and Gotz, J (2001). The role of beta-amyloid addressed in tau filament-forming mice. BLACKWELL SCIENCE LTD.
2001
Journal Article
Tau filament formation in transgenic mice expressing P301L tau
Goetz, Juergen, Chen, Feng, Barmettler, Robi and Nitsch, Roger M. (2001). Tau filament formation in transgenic mice expressing P301L tau. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 276 (1), 529-534. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M006531200
2001
Journal Article
Oligodendroglial tau filament formation in transgenic mice expressing G272V tau
Gotz, Jürgen, Tolnay, Markus, Barmettler, Robi, Chen, Feng, Probst, Alphonse and Nitsch, Roger M. (2001). Oligodendroglial tau filament formation in transgenic mice expressing G272V tau. European Journal of Neuroscience, 13 (11), 2131-2140. doi: 10.1046/j.0953-816X.2001.01604.x
2001
Book Chapter
Human tau transgenic mice: towards an animal model for neuro-and glialfibrillary lesion formation
Götz, Jürgen, Tolnay, Markus, Barmettler, Robi, Ferrari, Alessandra, Bürki, Kurt, Goedert, Michel, Probst, Alphonse and Nitsch, Roger M. (2001). Human tau transgenic mice: towards an animal model for neuro-and glialfibrillary lesion formation. Neuropathology and genetics of dementia. (pp. 71-83) edited by Markus Tolnay and Alphonse Probst. Boston, MA, United States: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4615-1249-3_6
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Jurgen Götz is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Dissecting the molecular mechanisms of autophagy induction in neurons following application of focused ultrasound.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Esteban Cruz Gonzalez
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Doctor Philosophy
Pathomechanistic and therapeutic studies in Alzheimer disease with a focus on the role of the blood-brain barrier
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Esteban Cruz Gonzalez
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Doctor Philosophy
Feasibility study of using low-intensity focused ultrasound as a novel modality for the delivery of genetic material such as expression vectors and gene editing reagents to the mouse brain
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Esteban Cruz Gonzalez
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the cellular and molecular bioeffects of ultrasound and microbubble treatment using advanced imaging approaches
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Gerhard Leinenga, Dr Pranesh Padmanabhan
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Doctor Philosophy
Role of Microglia in Neurotrauma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg, Dr Emily Willis, Professor Jana Vukovic
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Doctor Philosophy
Role of Microglia in Neurotrauma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg, Dr Emily Willis, Professor Jana Vukovic
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the roles of microglia during development and in neurodegenerative disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Liviu Bodea
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Doctor Philosophy
In vitro microscopy studies into the organization and dynamics of key proteins that form the blood-brain barrier in physiological and pathological ageing and in response to therapeutic ultrasound
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Gerhard Leinenga, Dr Pranesh Padmanabhan
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the roles of microglia during development and in neurodegenerative disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Liviu Bodea
-
Doctor Philosophy
Genetic tools to study microglia and barrier-associated macrophages
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg, Dr Seung Jae Kim, Professor Jana Vukovic
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Doctor Philosophy
The impact of peripheral inflammation on neurodegeneration
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Liviu Bodea
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the roles of microglia during development and in neurodegenerative disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Liviu Bodea
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Doctor Philosophy
Role of Microglia in Neurotrauma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg, Dr Emily Willis, Professor Jana Vukovic
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular and cellular studies of neurodegenerative disease and neuronal protein synthesis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Juan Polanco, Dr Pranesh Padmanabhan
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
The role of the phosphatase STEP and kinase Fyn in neurophysiology and pathology
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening as a potential non-invasive therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the de novo proteome in neurodegenerative disease- a click chemistry approach
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Liviu Bodea
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Synaptic Apoptosis in Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of PTEN in Neurodegeneration
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Liviu Bodea
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Tau in Mitochondrial Dynamics and Quality Control
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating in vivo the principles governing the spread of tau phosphorylation and amyloid-beta excitotoxicity
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Massimo Hilliard
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
The molecular mechanism of the Tau-Fyn interaction and dendritic targeting in neurons
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Frederic Meunier
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Investigations of the effects of scanning focused ultrasound in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Fairlie
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Role of Microglia in Neurotrauma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg, Dr Emily Willis, Professor Jana Vukovic
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the roles of microglia during development and in neurodegenerative disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Liviu Bodea
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Activity-dependent trafficking of NMDA receptors in mammalian central neurons
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Victor Anggono
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular mechanisms of inflammasome-driven Alzheimer's disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sabrina Sofia Burgener, Professor Kate Schroder
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating synaptic compensation following oligomeric Aß induced-dendritic spine loss.
Associate Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Development of novel small molecule PP2A inhibitors and their potential application in Alzheimer's Disease
Associate Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Tau-specific immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of tauopathies
Associate Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Role of microglia in traumatic brain injury
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jana Vukovic
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Dynamic Reorganization of Presynaptic Proteins During Neurotransmission and Neuronal Degeneration
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brett Collins, Professor Frederic Meunier
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Metabolic study of Alzheimer's disease using mutant C. elegans
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Ebert
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Neurotrophin Regulation of Alzheimer's Disease Pathology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Elizabeth Coulson
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Jurgen Götz directly for media enquiries about:
- Alzheimer
- dementia
- therapeutic ultrasound
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