Joseph M Castellano, PhD
- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Neuroscience
- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Neurology
Research Topics:
Aging, Alzheimer's Disease, Blood-Brain Barrier, Epigenetics, Extracellular Matrix, Hippocampus, Immunology, Memory, Microglia, Neuro-degeneration/protection, Neuroscience, Synaptic Plasticity, Transgenic MiceAs a graduate student, Dr. Castellano studied how the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease influences metabolism of the pathogenic peptide amyloid beta from brain interstitial fluid. In David Holtzman’s group, he used in vivo microdialysis to show in behaving mice that clearance of this peptide is impeded by the presence of APOE4, whereas clearance in the context of more inert or protective forms is faster. As he transititoned into postdoctoral training, Dr. Castellano became fascinated by the possibility that brain function may be, in part, shaped by the immune system and by unexplored activities present within circulation. In postdoctoral work with Tony Wyss-Coray, Dr. Castellano sought to identify and characterize factors in the periphery that reverse features of brain aging, finding that systemic treatment with umbilical cord plasma revitalizes hippocampal function in aged mice. The Castellano laboratory now focuses on characterizing the activity of proteins, including TIMP2, and their action in mediating long-range effects on circuits in the brain in the context of Alzheimer's disease and other disorders.
Education
PhD, Washington University in St. Louis
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford University
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2018
Katz and Martin 2018 Friedman Brain Institute Research Scholar -
2016
K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award -
2015
New Vision Award -
2013
Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellowship -
2013
Postdoctoral Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (awarded) -
2013
Child Health Research Institute Postdoctoral Grant -
2013
Stanford Dean’s Postdoctoral Fellowship (awarded) -
2011
34th Annual James L. O'Leary Prize for Research in Neuroscience -
2009
Predoctoral Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award -
2006
Phi Beta Kappa
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their relationships with such companies.
Dr. Castellano did not report having any of the following types of financial relationships with industry during 2018 and/or 2019: consulting, scientific advisory board, industry-sponsored lectures, service on Board of Directors, participation on industry-sponsored committees, equity ownership valued at greater than 5% of a publicly traded company or any value in a privately held company. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
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