Ankita Jaykumar

My laboratory investigates the metabolic alterations in the brain associated with the pathogenesis of cognitive dysfunction. Evidence including our recent work highlights the pivotal role of insulin in neuronal functions such as learning and memory. Indeed, dementia is recognized as a neuroendocrine disorder as it is referred to as Type 3 diabetes. Metabolic dysfunction largely due to dysregulation of endocrine signaling, becomes a high-risk factor for memory dysfunction. Although metabolic dysfunction in the brain precedes cognitive dysfunction, how neuronal endocrine signaling regulates brain function is poorly understood. As approximately half of those in the US above the age of 65 are either diabetic or prediabetic, understanding the mechanistic basis of endocrine signaling in the brain is of high urgency with a significant impact on the well-being of our aging society. Our previous work uncovered a molecular mechanism involving ‘WNK Kinases’ as key regulators of neuronal insulin signaling as well as memory. This finding opens a window of opportunity to investigate the mechanism underlying the synergistic relationship between metabolic dysfunction and cognitive disorders.  To advance our understanding of neuronal metabolic regulation, we have developed an interdisciplinary research program that addresses mechanisms of age-based differences in neuroendocrine function and derangements that cause memory decline.

Cell/Tissue culture, Cell sorting, Cas9-CRISPR, Behavioral tests, Immunoprecipitation, Electrophoresis, Metabolic studies, Metabolomics, Disease model rodent handling, Kinase assess, ELISA, confocal Imaging, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Histology

Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, insulin signaling, glucose metabolism