About
Welcome to the Hayley Lab. We are a diverse group of neuroscientists, principally concerned with two broad major areas of research: 1. Brain-immune interactions, with an emphasis on the role of inflammatory factors in Parkinson's disease and depression and 2. How to harness endogenous neuroplasticity to treat these two neuronal disorders.
Our lab is generally interested in how chemical (e.g. pesticides) , immunologic (e.g. viral, bacterial agents) and even psychological environmental stressors in the environment can interact with an individuals genetics to contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease, as well as it comorbid states (e.g. depression, anxiety). Secondly, we have a primary interest in using immune (e.g. erythropoietin, GM-CSF) or pharmacological (e.g. mGlur5 allosteric regulators) agents to promote neuroplastic factors (e.g. BDNF, mTOR), as a means to fostering neuronal recovery from depression or even neurological illness.
Much of our work is focused on how the brain's specialized immune cells, the microglia, are involved in the generation of neuronal pathology, as well as possibly recovery from pathology. These highly plastic and complex cells are central for the dialogue between immunity and the central nervous system.
Our principle tools include behavioural testing, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA, cell culture (Primary and immortalized), genetics and various other techniques. We are constantly on the lookout for new undergraduate and graduate students, individuals interested in volunteering in the lab or pursuing a thesis can contact myself at the email below.
To reach me: [email protected] Office: 5200 HSB Bldg
Our lab is generally interested in how chemical (e.g. pesticides) , immunologic (e.g. viral, bacterial agents) and even psychological environmental stressors in the environment can interact with an individuals genetics to contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease, as well as it comorbid states (e.g. depression, anxiety). Secondly, we have a primary interest in using immune (e.g. erythropoietin, GM-CSF) or pharmacological (e.g. mGlur5 allosteric regulators) agents to promote neuroplastic factors (e.g. BDNF, mTOR), as a means to fostering neuronal recovery from depression or even neurological illness.
Much of our work is focused on how the brain's specialized immune cells, the microglia, are involved in the generation of neuronal pathology, as well as possibly recovery from pathology. These highly plastic and complex cells are central for the dialogue between immunity and the central nervous system.
Our principle tools include behavioural testing, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA, cell culture (Primary and immortalized), genetics and various other techniques. We are constantly on the lookout for new undergraduate and graduate students, individuals interested in volunteering in the lab or pursuing a thesis can contact myself at the email below.
To reach me: [email protected] Office: 5200 HSB Bldg
dr. shawn hayley
Professor with the department of Neuroscience at Carleton University.