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:

identify nonpharmacological interventions that target insulin and glutamate signaling pathways that prevent or alleviate cognitive decline and

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

Donate to our research

Kevin Hascup, PhD Primary Investigator

Assistant Professor, Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment

217-545-6994

khascup49@siumed.edu

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Grant funding

News

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

November 21, 2023

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.

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

September 12, 2023

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.

ALS drug shows varying effects against Alzheimer’s, metabolism

June 26, 2023

Effects are unique between males and females A recent study from the Hascup labs at SIU Medicine has shown how riluzole, a drug compound typically used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)