The Villapol laboratory is committed to the investigation of various therapeutic approaches for the repair of brain damage resulting from trauma. Additionally, we are dedicated to the advancement of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Our research primarily delves into understanding inflammatory and neurodegenerative mechanisms, to develop innovative therapeutic strategies to reverse these processes and restore normal brain function.

Our research team actively explores methods to modulate peripheral signals and leverage the gut microbiome to support brain recovery. Furthermore, we harness cutting-edge technologies in neurorestorative treatments, including the utilization of nanoparticles designed to mitigate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration associated with both brain injuries and Alzheimer’s pathology.

Our goal is to investigate cures for brain damage and for neurodegenerative diseases under a study platform that translates from animal models to patients.

Major Projects:

• Microbiome modulation in Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury
• Nanoparticles for Neurological diseases therapeutics
• Neuro-Long COVID and gut microbiome.

Interested in a Postdoctoral position in our lab? Check out our new Postdoctoral Training Program NIH T32 to study the connection between the brain and the periphery. Please send all inquiries and requests to svillapol@houstonmethodist.org

We are grateful for the R56 award from the National Institute on Aging for supporting our research on Alzheimer’s disease and brain injuries.

We thank to NFL Players Association for supporting our studies on Gut microbiome markers of sport-related brain concussion.

TIRR Foundation-Mission Connect Conference- November 2024.