•Designed and performed experiments with tissue cultures and stem cells to study mechanisms of RNA binding proteins in the neurodegeneration diseases.•Designed and built 8 neuronal degeneration transgenic mouse models with inducible or constitutive protein over-expression or gene knockdown by RNA interference. Tested and analyzed mouse behaviors with homecage scan system, rotarod, and grip strength test. Designed and performed the experiments to study the transgenic mice at molecular level. •Designed 7 Adeno-associated virus constructs and performed surgery and gene therapy in transgenic animals. Designed and packaged 8 lentivirus used in vivo studies.•Designed guided-RNAs for genome editing by CRISPR system for tissue culture and animals.•Supervised work of two technicians, three rotation students and two visiting professors.