Diego Alzate-Correa, Ph.D.

Department: Biomedical Engineering

About Me:

I’m a Biologist graduated from Universidad de Antioquia, I obtained my Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences from The Ohio State University. My research training began in Colombia at the Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, where combining bioinformatics and molecular biology I worked in the design of artificial microRNAS to knock-down GSK3β and evaluate their therapeutical potential for Alzheimer’s Disease. During my Doctoral studies I identify transcriptional changes in the mouse Suprachiasmatic Nucleus that modulate circadian rhythms. In addition, I studied the effects of circadian rhythms over cognitive process mediated by the mouse hippocampus. After obtaining my PhD I conducted studies that clarify morphological and physiological changes in the mouse brainstem associated with mutations in the Phox2b gene that cause Central Congenital Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS).

In 2019 I joined the Nano Medicine Laboratory where I’m focused in the development of novel nanotechnology-driven cell and gene therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. I have extensive experience in cellular and molecular neuroscience and in the use of transgenic mouse model for the study of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. I also have broad experience in the analysis of microarray technologies for transcriptome analysis. My long-term goal is to develop a new research program to utilize nanotechnology in the development of cellular and genetic therapies targeting the circadian clock to increase human health span and reduce the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases.

Links:

• Twitter: @diegoalzatec