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 Aging & Alzheimer's Lab

Our goal is to identify ways to prevent and treat memory decline associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease.

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 Research Areas

Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease

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Aging

The greatest known risk factor for AD is age. Every five years after the age of 65, the risk of developing AD doubles, and nearly 50% of seniors over the age of 85 will develop AD.

We use transgenic mice producing regulatable levels of human tau, meaning we can turn on and off tau expression. Because we can wait to turn on tau expression until the mice have aged, these unique mice allow us to study the effects of aging independently of prolonged tau expression.

Diabetes

Diabetes is also a risk factor for AD; as more individuals develop diabetes or other metabolic syndromes, the incidence of AD is expected to increase.  In addition, many AD patients are comorbid for diabetes, yet preclinical mouse models typically use mice exhibiting only one type of pathology (e.g., AD). Current models do not allow us to determine whether having multiple conditions, such as AD and diabetes, decrease the efficacy of therapeutics or increase in the side effects. 

We use rodent models of metabolic alterations (e.g, the streptozotocin model, db/db mice and Zucker rats) to (1) determine how and why metabolic alterations increase the risk for AD and (2) create a mouse model that has both diseases in order to better understand and predict the efficacy of therapeutics in preclinical studies.

Stroke

Stroke increases the risk of AD and AD increases the risk of stroke.

In collaboration with Dr. Simpkins and the Center for Basic & Translational Stroke Research,  we examine whether  (1) existing tau pathology exacerbates stroke outcomes (e.g., infart size and motor deficits) and (2) whether stroke exacerbates existing tau pathology and memory deficits in a mouse model of AD.   

Neuronal Hyperexcitability

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that targets connected neuronal networks. Effective regulation of activity in these neural networks is essential; over- or under- stimulation can erode synaptic regulation, leading to alterations in learning and memory, and more concerning, neuro-degeneration throughout vulnerable networks. A particularly interesting phenomenon observed in the years preceding AD diagnosis, before neuronal death occurs, is a hyperactivity of the memory network, particularly the hippocampus. Though this hyperactivity was once believed to be a compensatory response for deteriorating circuitry (i.e., greater cognitive effort to achieve comparable performance), more recent evidence suggests this hyperactivity may signify neuronal excitotoxicity and could represent a therapeutic target.

We use a technically innovative approach, microelectrode arrays coupled to voltammetry, to examine alterations in glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Using mouse models of AD, we recently found increased glutamate release in the hippocampus and have identified two possible mechanisms for this alteration.

Therapeutic Interventions

Over the course of Alzheimer’s disease, multiple biochemical pathways are perturbed, and a multiple-target approach is likely to be more effective than a single target approach. Using lenti-miRNAs, we examine the selective knockdown of proteins, particularly within the trisynaptic loop of the hippocampus.  We are also examining whether an already FDA-approved drug  can ameliorate memory deficits in a mouse model of AD. Our goal is to translate the results from our animal studies into proof-of-concept, open-label clinical trials using patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild AD.


 

 Prospective Graduate Students

Dr. Reed will be accepting students for Fall 2016 admission to the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences-Pharmacology. Contact Dr. Reed with questions or to let her know that you will be applying Fall 2015 for admission in Fall 2016.


The Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy (HSOP) offers interdisciplinary MS and PhD degree programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences.  Those pursuing one of these degrees must select one of four curricular options:  1) Medicinal Chemistry, 2) Pharmaceutics, 3) Pharmacology, or 4) Health Outcomes Research and Policy. Dr. Reed accepts students in the Pharmacology program.


The Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology options are designed for students interested in the drug discovery or development processes, and are affiliated with the Department of Drug Discovery and Development (DDD), of which Dr. Reed is a member.  DDD areas of interest include neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, synthetic organic chemistry, forensic analytical chemistry and drug delivery, disposition and formulation.


Additional information can be found below:

Harrison School of Pharmacy (HSOP) - Graduate Programs Overview

HSOP Graduate Admissions

Pharmacology PhD - Required Courses

DDD Faculty Research Focus

DDD Faculty & Staff

Prospective Undergraduate Students

Mentoring Philosphy:


I wish to establish a strong research program that involves mentoring both graduate and undergraduate researchers, particularly those interested in behavioral neuroscience. Undergraduates will be trained in animal husbandry and breeding, weaning and genotyping of transgenic mice, running of behavioral tasks assessing learning and memory of mice, surgeries to implant microelectrodes used to measure glutamate release, and western blot techniques.


In addition, we have weekly lab meetings where we monitor projects and facilitate progress of future projects. In addition, students select and present articles for critique, and professional development is discussed. We also work on a mentorship model where more senior students in the lab help train incoming undergraduates, an invaluable experience for those interested in mentoring after graduating.


Finally, I have a strong desire to mentor minority and first generation college students. As a first generation college student myself, I understand the difficulties and increased pressures involved. As an undergraduate, I was unsure of what to do after graduating. I thought I wanted to attend graduate school, but seeing as how an undergraduate degree had yet to be obtained by anyone in my family, a graduate degree seemed impossible. My life-changing moment occurred when my advisor asked me to join his research laboratory. From the moment I joined, I knew I had to go to graduate school and continue in a research path. I hope to provide this same opportunity to those that may think a research career is impossible!

Requirements:


The Aging & Alzheimer's lab is no longer accepting undergraduate RAs for Spring 2016.


​Applications for Summer 2016 will be accepted in April 2016. A two semester commitment is required. If interested in joining the Aging and Alzheimer’s Lab, complete an application and return it to Ms. Hunsberger at hch0025@auburn.edu by 5pm on 04/15/2016.  To help us select 2-4 students for Spring 2016, we will schedule interviews for a subset of students the week of Spring Finals. If selected, you will be notified via email. If not selected, we encourage you to apply again for Fall 2016.


To join, your schedule must allow for 1.5-2 hour time periods in the lab in order to complete experiments for the day, and you must be willing to commit a minimum of 6 hours per week. A GPA minimum of 3.0 is also required. All majors are encouraged to apply. Dr. Reed has a history of working with students from psychology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and pre-med, among others.

In the News

Interviews with members of the lab & noted lab member accomplishments

Reed Lab & Colleagues in the News

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Editorial highlight: "Is riluzole a new drug for Alzheimer's disease?"

AU Spotlight

NIH/NIA Grant 2015

Alzforum 2015

Alzforum 2013

Interview by Alzheimer’s Foundation (click on “Alzheimer’s Research”)

WVU Interview

Diabetic Live

Alzheimer’s Forum

WVU Today

Alumni Magazine

Cell: Leading Edge Science   

Alzforum 2011

Science Daily 2010

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Lab Member Achievements

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2016

​Holly Hunsberger, a graduate student in the lab, wins first place in the Neuroscience Category at the 4th annual Harrison School of Pharmacy Research Symposium.

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2016

Sharay Setti, a graduate student in the lab, receives a Hargreaves Travel Award. Congrats, Sharay!

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2016

Miranda Reed is awarded a Faculty Research Excellence Award

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2016

​James Hickman, a a former ​ undergraduate researcher in the lab, receives his acceptance letter into WVU's Audiology Doctoral program.  Congrats, James!     

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  2016

  Rebecca Speer, a former ​ undergraduate researcher in the lab, receives her acceptance letter to Penn State University College of Medicine. Congrats, Rebecca!                                         

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2015

​Holly Hunsberger, a graduate student in the lab, presents as a Visiting Scholar in Auburn's 2015 3 Minute Thesis Competition.

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​  2015

  Eric Libell, a former undergraduate researcher in the lab, receives his acceptance letter to West 

​  Virginia University School of Medicine. Congrats, Eric !

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2015

Holly Hunsberger's Journal of Neurochemistry paper is featured in an Editorial Highlight.



*Hunsberger, H.C., *Weitzner, D.S., *Rudy, C.C., **Hickman, J.E., **Libell, E.M., **Speer, R.R., Gerhardt, G.A., Reed, M.N. (2015).  (2015). Riluzole rescues glutamate alterations, cognitive deficits, and tau pathology associated with P301L tau expression. Journal of Neurochemistry, epub ahead of print, ​DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13230.

*indicates graduate students & **indicates undergraduate students

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2015

Hollys Hunsberger, a graduate student in the lab, wins 2nd place at the 2015 "Let's Jog Their Memory - Alzheimer's Run" in Auburn, AL.

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2015

Holly Hunsberger (bottom right), a graduate student in the lab, wins first place in the WVU Regional Pharmacy Research Forum Poster Competition.



Hunsberger, H. C., Weitnzer, D., Rudy, C. C., & Reed, M.N. (2015, June). Riluzole Rescues Glutamate Alterations Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Poster presented at the Regional Pharmacy Research Forum: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.


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2015

Rebecca Speer, a former undergraduate in the lab, was selected as an Eberly Scholar.

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2015

Holly Hunsberger, a current graduate student in the lab, was chosen the "People's Choice" winner in the 3 Minute Thesis Competition.

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2015

Dan Weitzner and Holly Hunsberger, graduate students in the lab, are awarded a Behavioral & Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Scholarship.

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2015

Rebecca Speer, an former undergraduate in the lab, is inducted into the Mortar Board Honor Society, a nationally recognized organization.

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2015

Holly Hunsberger, a current graduate students in the lab, wins an Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) Young Investigator Scholarship for the 2nd year in a row.


Hunsberger, H. C., Rudy, C. C., Weitnzer, D., & Reed, M.N. (2015, March). Riluzole Attenuates Glutamate Dysregulation and Cognitive Impairment Associated with P301L Tau Expression. Poster presented at the Alzheimer's drug discovery foundation conference in San Diego, CA.


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2015

Erica Haught and James Hickman, former undergraduates in the lab, were both awarded an Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Enrichment Program Award.


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2015

Holly Hunsberger, a current graduate students in the lab, is awarded a STEM Mountains of Excellence Scholarship.


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2014

Holly Hunsberger, a current graduate student in the lab, wins an Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) Young Investigator Scholarship.



Hunsberger, H.C., Weitzner, D.S., Rudy, C.C., & Reed, M.N. (2014,September). Riluzole reduces cognitive deficits and glutamate dysregulation in a mouse model of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease . Poster presented at the Alzheimer's drug discovery foundation conference, Jersey City, NJ.

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2014

Lindsey Mosmiller, a former SURE student in the lab, was 1st runner-up in the 2014 Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Poster Session.


Mosmiller, L., Weitzner, D.S., Hunsberger, H.C., Rudy, C.C., & Reed, M.N. (2014, July). Effects of riluzole on an Alzheimer's mouse model. Poster presented at Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Poster Session, Morgantown, WV.

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2014

Rachel Zacharias, a former SURI student in the lab, tied for 1st place in the 2014 Center for Neuroscience Retreat SURI Poster Session.


Zacharias, R.A., Rudy, C.C., & Reed, M.N. (2014, July). Tau pathology in mice with STZ-induced diabetes. Poster presented at the West Virginia University Neuroscience Retreat, Wheeling, WV.   

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2014

Holly Hunsberger, a current graduate student in the lab, won 1st place in the 2014 Center for Neuroscience Retreat Graduate Poster Session. 


Hunsberger, H.C., Rudy, C.C., Weitzner, D.S., & Reed, M.N. (2014, July). Glutamate dysregulation correlates with memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Poster presented at the West Virginia University Neuroscience Retreat, Wheeling, WV.

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2014

Carolyn Rudy (left) and Holly Hunsberger (right) graduate with their master's degrees.

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2014

Dan Weitzner, a former graduate student in the lab, won 1st place in the Basic Science 2013-2014 category at the Van Liere and Health Science Center Research Day Poster Session.


Weitzner, D.S. & Reed, M.N. (2014, February). Increased glutamatergic and decreased GABAergic synaptic terminals are associated with memory deficits in TauP301L mice. Poster presented at the Van Liere Research Convocation, Morgantown, WV.

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2014

Kirsten Schoonover, a former undergraduate in the lab, won 1st place in the Undergraduate category at the Van Liere and Health Science Center Research Day Poster Session.


Schoonover, K.E. Rudy, C.C., & Reed, M.N. (2014, February). ICV-STZ induced hypometabolism in TauP301L mice: Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease. Poster presented at the Van Liere Research Convocation, Morgantown, WV.

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2013

Carolyn Rudy, a former graduate student in the lab, won 1st place in the 2013 Center for Neuroscience Retreat Graduate Poster Session.


Rudy, C.C., Povroznik, J.M., Hunsberger, H.C., & Reed, M.N. (2013, June). Rescue of MK-801 induced learning deficits in an incremental repeated acquisition task using an α5GABAA inverse agonist. Poster presented at the West Virginia University Neuroscience Retreat, Roanoke, WV.

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2012

Khoa LeNguyen, a former SURI student in the lab, won 1st place in the 2012 Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Poster Session.


LeNguyen, K.D., Hunsberger, H.C., Kelly, C., Hotz, E., Povroznik, J.M. & Reed, M.N. (2012, July). Memory deficits in a novel location recognition rask for TauP301L mice? Poster presented at Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Poster Session, Morgantown, WV.

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2012

David Tosto, a former graduate student in the lab, won 1st place in the Basic Science 2011-2012 category at the Van Liere and Health Science Center Research Day Poster Session.


Tosto, D.E., Glover, T.L., Deweese, S.L., Knowlan, K.M., Grizzanti, J.M. & Reed, M.N. (February, 2012). Early hippocampal learning and memory deficits in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Poster presented at the Van Liere Research Convocation, Morgantown, WV.

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