Granholm Lab

Lotta Granholm-Bentley, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Director, Center on Aging
Professor, Department of Neurosciences

Office: 843-792-0712
Fax: 843-792-0679
Email: granholm@musc.edu

Education:
PhD/DDS, 1985, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

Research Interests:
The focus in my laboratory is on neuroplasticity, both during early development and aging. In particular, we are studying factors that influence development and aging in neurons, such as neurotrophic factors.

We have primarily focused on trophic factor influence on cholinergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic pathways in the brain and the neurotrophic factors NGF and GDNF. We are using transplantation of fetal brain tissue and stem cells intracranially and into the anterior chamber of the eye as a means to study connectivity, and also as replacement therapy. More recently, we have also started working on estrogen/testosterone replacement therapy, as well as dietary supplementation with antioxidants and low-cholesterol diets.

The overall goal of the laboratory is to develop treatment strategies for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease by using growth factors, hormone replacement, or dietary prevention therapies. We are using a systems approach, studying memory and movement behaviors, and correlating these behavioral data with biochemical and structural correlates in the brain. Recently, we have incorporated a translational research approach, with ongoing studies together with clinical laboratories around our campus and at other aging centers.

Lab Team:

Alfred Moore, Lab Manager
843-792-8872
mooreab@musc.edu

A.J. Taylor, Research Specialist
843-792-4325
tayloraj@musc.edu

Claudia Umphlet, Research Specialist
843-792-8872
umphletc@musc.edu

Heather Boger, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow
843-792-4587
boger@musc.edu

Ashley Fortress , Graduate Student
843-792-8872
fortress@musc.edu

Linnea Freeman, Graduate Student
843-792-8872
freemal@musc.edu

Jason Lockrow, Graduate Student
843-792-8872
lockrow@musc.edu

Mona Buhusi, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor
843-792-4587
buhusim@musc.edu

Vandana Zaman, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor
843-792-4587
zamanv@musc.edu