“Functions of the microRNA miR-71 in Models of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease” Tuesday, March 25, 12:30 PM, Buckman Theater

 Quinnipiac Chapter of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

Seminar Series presents

Alexandre de Lencastre, Professor of Biology

“Functions of the microRNA miR-71 in Models of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease”

Tuesday, March 25, 12:30 PM, Buckman Theater

The class of small non-coding RNAs termed microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression across metazoans. Altered expression of miRNAs have now been associated with a variety of aging-associated diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. The de Lencastre Lab has identified several miRNAs with altered expression during aging in C. elegans. One of these aging-associated miRNAs – miR-71 – is neuronally expressed, promotes longevity in the worm and is protective in multiple models of neurodegeneration in C. elegans. Recent findings have identified conserved molecular targets of miR-71 that mediate its protective effects on longevity and in proteostasis.

Dr. Alexandre de Lencastre earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University, completed his post-doctoral training at Yale University, and is currently a Professor of Biology at Quinnipiac University, where he also directs the Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) Master's Program. Dr. de Lencastre is also a co-chair of the Quinnipiac University Interdisciplinary Program for Research and Scholarship (QUIP-RS) which awards fellowships to undergraduates for mentored summer scholarship. His lab’s research focuses on genetics, aging, and non-coding RNAs, with significant contributions to the understanding of microRNA expression during aging and their roles in neurodegenerative diseases.