Joseph M Castellano, PhD

As 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