Theo Hagg 

Trophic mechanisms, stem cells and CNS repair

The Hagg lab investigates how novel neurotrophic mechanisms and endogenous stem cells might be used to develop CNS repair strategies.  We are currently investigating how small molecules that activate neuroprotective mechanisms might be used to reduce axon and myelin loss after a contusive spinal cord injury.  We also investigate how vascular integrin-related mechanisms could be utilized to reduce degeneration after such injuries.  Lastly, we are identifying molecular regulators of endogenous neural precursors in adult rodents which can be targeted for enhancing neurogenesis and redirect neuroblast migration.  The long term goal of these studies is to provide information that would lead to better treatment strategies for a variety of human neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury. Techniques used routinely include various refined microsurgical procedures in the brain and spinal cord of adult rats and mice, regular and confocal immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and real-time PCR.  We are members of the world-class Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center.

SELECTED RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

Nakashima S., Arnold S.A., Mahoney E.T., Sithu S.D., Zhang Y.P., D'Souza S.E., Shields C.B., Hagg T. (2008) Small molecule protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibition as a neuroprotective treatment following spinal cord injury in adult rats.  Journal of Neuroscience 28: 7293-7303.

Yang P., Arnold S.A., Habas A. Hetman M., Hagg T. (2008) Ciliary neurotrophic factor mediates dopamine D2 receptor-induced neurogenesis in the adult mouse brain. Journal of Neuroscience 28: 2231-2241.

Yang P., Dankowski A., Hagg T. (2007) Protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibition reduces degeneration of dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons and projections in 6-OHDA treated adult rats.  European Journal of Neuroscience 25: 1332-1340 (1+ MEG)

Baker K.A., Hagg T. (2007) Developmental and injury-induced expression of a1b1 and a6b1 integrin in the rat spinal cord.  Brain Research 1130: 54-66 (3+ MEG)

Baker K.A., Nakashima S., Hagg T. (2007) Dorsal column sensory axons lack TrkC and are not rescued by local neurotrophin-3 infusions folllowing spinal cord contusion in adult rats.  Experimental Neurology 205: 82-91

Yang P., Baker K.A., Hagg T. (2006) The ADAMs family: coordinators of neurvous system development, plasticity and repair.  Progress in Neurobiology 79: 73-94

Hagg T., Oudega M. (2006) Degenerative and spontaneous regenerative processes following spinal cord injury.  Journal of Neurotrauma 23: 263-280.

Hagg T. (2006) Collateral sprouting as a target for improved function after spinal cord injury.  Journal of Neurotrauma 23: 281-294.

Hagg T. (2005) Molecular regulation of adult CNS neurogenesis: an integrated view. Trends in Neurosciences 28:589-595.

Yang P., Baker K.A., Hagg T. (2005) A disintegrin and metalloprotease 21 (ADAM21) is associated with neurogenesis and axonal growth in developing and adult CNS. Journal of Comparative Neurology 490: 163-179 (2+ MEG)

Hagg T., Baker K.A., Emsley J.G., Tetzlaff W. (2005) Prolonged local neurotrophin-3 infusion reduces ipsilateral collateral sprouting of spared corticospinal axons in adult rats.  Neuroscience 130: 875-887

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE !!!!

PEOPLE :  Click on their name and let me know who has the best smile.
    
     Rollie Reid, Senior Technician
     Justin Geralds, pre-Med/Grad "Treatments for SCI and stroke"
     Sheila Arnold, PhD Student, "ADAM21 functions in neuronal outgrowth"
     Alison Liewen, summer student "ADAM21 functions in neuronal outgrowth"
     Helen Hagg, volunteer "Animal care"

RECENT ALUMNI:
    Sarah Baker (PhD student), now Scientist at Algorithme Pharma
    Adam Baker (PhD student), now Postdoc at McGill University
    Jason Emsley (PhD student), now Postdoc at Harvard University
    Mike Lynch (summer student), Medical Student at Univ Louisville
    Shojiro Nakashima (Postdoc), now physisian in Nagao, Japan
    Peng Yang (Postdoc), now Scientist at Agensys, Santa Monica
    Ed Mahoney (Postdoc)

            Lab pictures :
              Party time
              The dangers of learning Molecular Biology
              We DO get results
              BMSing
               

SUPPORT :
 National Institutes of Health
 Kentucky Spinal and Head Injury Research Trust

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