Laboratory
About Aaron Haeusler, PhD
Personal Profile
As a dedicated scientist and mentor, I am deeply committed to making a significant impact in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically focusing on the ALS/FTD disease spectrum. My journey began with a Ph.D. program where I delved into the intricacies of gene regulation through the study of the lac operon, often referred to as the “hydrogen atom of gene regulation.” This experience provided me with a solid grounding in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology, and fueled my passion for genetic circuits and nucleoprotein interactions.
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In my pursuit of understanding the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases, I undertook a postdoctoral fellowship concentrating on neurodegenerative models, particularly exploring the C9orf72 NRE mutation. This period was instrumental in expanding my expertise in cellular biology and working with neurodegenerative models and patient samples.
Currently, as a Principal Investigator at the Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center and an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Jefferson University, I am integrating my diverse scientific background to explore the nexus of NRE mutations in both healthy and diseased neurobiology. My role is not just as a researcher but also as a mentor and educator, guiding the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers.
The lab is built on three foundational pillars:
1) Research Excellence: We aim to develop comprehensive molecular models that pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
2) Educational Leadership: Our lab is a nurturing ground for future scientists, fostering a culture of curiosity and rigorous scientific inquiry.
3) Clinical Collaboration: We emphasize the importance of clinical research, working closely with clinicians to drive forward prevention strategies.
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Together, we are committed to improving the lives of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases through groundbreaking research, education, and collaboration. Join us in our quest to unravel the mysteries of these diseases and pave the way for new, effective treatments.
Education
2011-2016
Johns Hopkins University
Postdoctoral Fellow
Mentor: Jiou Wang
Our research focused on understanding how nucleotide repeat expansions (NREs) contributed to neurodegeneration in conditions like Fragile X, Huntington's, and especially C9orf72-linked ALS/FTD. We aimed to identify the specific nucleotide and protein structures involved in disease progression, which led to the onset of patient pathologies. The ultimate achievement of this research was uncovering the primary mechanisms that linked NREs to neurodegenerative diseases, paving the way for identifying potential early-stage therapeutic targets to combat these conditions.
2006-2011
University of Maryland, College Park
Ph.D., Biochemistry
Advisor: Jason Kahn
We developed a cutting-edge Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) method to analyze protein-mediated DNA loop conformations. This approach involved studying DNA constructs with varied helical phasing between Lac repressor binding sites and a central DNA bend. The results from this research provide crucial insights into gene regulation, particularly in networks governed by DNA-protein looped complexes. This method also offers a novel tool for evaluating current models of DNA and protein flexibility, enhancing our understanding of genetic mechanisms at a molecular level.
2003-2005
Northern Michigan University
B.S., Biochemistry
We synthesized unique propellane-based organic molecules with non-classical conjugation, designed to exhibit exceptional electronic and optical properties. These molecules are intended as alternatives to traditional inorganic materials in electronic circuits.
2001-2003
Bay College
Major: Pre-med
Initially, I entered college as a music major with a math minor, aiming for a career in film scoring. However, after my first year, I shifted my focus to pre-med, driven by a newfound ambition to pursue medical research.