Kevin Hascup Lab

    Overview

    Our laboratory takes a geroscience approach to understanding biological processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. The long-term goals of our laboratory are to:

    1. identify nonpharmacological interventions that target insulin and glutamate signaling pathways that prevent or alleviate cognitive decline and
    2. elucidate their mechanisms of action in order to identify pharmacological targets for treating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

    To address these goals, our laboratory has several ongoing research interests examining the contribution of body temperature, glutamatergic neurotransmission, and glucose homeostasis on cognitive decline in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease as well as extended longevity. These parameters are assessed by using innovative whole animal and molecular biological techniques to measure in vivo neurotransmitter dynamics, cognitive performance, and metabolism.

    Current projects

    •    Neurotransmitter dysregulation in AD (NIH R01 AG057767)
    •    Cell senescence in aging and AD (NIH R01 AG061937)
    •    COVID-19 Infection on AD (NIH R01 AG061937-S3)
    •    Core body temperature on AD pathogenesis
    •    Model organism development for AD, aging, and COVID-19
    •    Cell senescence in epilepsy

     

    News

    McFadden

    Fund established in McFadden’s honor to further dementia research

    Sam McFadden’s curiosity and passion for studying neurodegenerative diseases will live on through the recently established Samuel A. McFadden Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease Research Fund
    Alzheimers

    Providing hope, quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s

    Art Express is one of many programs at the Smith Alzheimer’s Center at SIU Medicine designed to help those with dementia and their caregivers improve their quality of life.
    Cell sensescence

    Going on the offensive: The potential link between cell senescence and Alzheimer's

    When you catch a cold or cut your finger, the immune system begins the healing process by clearing damaged cells. As we age, that process weakens. Health problems linger as immune systems aren’t quite as robust as they once were, whether it’s fighting bacteria, viruses, or cancer cells. Alzheimer’s researchers are now exploring a process called senescent cell accumulation to see if it could be detrimental.

    Past Lab Team Members

    • Lindsay Alewelt
    • Matthew Cleveland, MD
    • MaKayla Cox
    • Nahayo Esperant-Hilaire, MD        
    • Tracy Evans, PhD
    • Caleigh Findley, PhD
    • Patrick Fitzgerald, MD
    • Thomas Johnston
    • Nadeem Khan, MD
    • Abigail Levy, MD
    • Erik Lokaitis
    • Neha Mokhasi
    • Oladele Owasoyo, PhD
    • Sujata Pandey
    • Collin Pauly
    • Teonna Piphus
    • Hannah Roberts
    • Lindsey Sime
    • Ernesto Solis, Jr., PhD
    • Aaron Sul, MD
    • Farah Tamizuddin, MD
    • Darrow Traylor
    • Niyant Vora
    • Bradley Vost, MD