Renee Haskew-Layton

Research Interests

Image above: Green: neurons; Red: astrocytes. Astrocytes play an important role in protecting neurons from oxidative stress.

Many of us are familiar with the idea that free radicals are damaging to the body and that antioxidants protect us against these free radicals. In fact, our bodies are constantly producing reactive oxygen species (ROS - reactive molecules that include free radicals) as byproducts of metabolism. While low levels of ROS are important for the noraml function of our bodies, ROS accumulation beyond a redox homeostatic setpoint may damage our cells. Antioxidants are part of a checks and balances system that help keep ROS levels low, thus allowing our bodies to maintain redox homeostasis.

My research focuses on leveraging antioxidant sources in the brain as a way to limit neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases (eg. Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson Disease, Huntington Disease, ALS) and neurological disorders (eg. stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury). I have a particular interest in understanding how the glial cell type, the astrocyte, helps maintain a healthy brain by combatting oxidative stress. In addition to playing numerous roles in the brain - such as facilitating neuronal communication and supplying growth factors to neurons - astrocytes are also a rich source of antioxidants. When neurons encounter oxidative stress, astrocytes increase the production of antioxidant molecules via the transcription factor Nrf2. Together with a group of Mercy College undergraduate students, I study both Nrf2-dependent and Nrf2-independent neuroprotection involving astrocytes.