Research

I have spent my research career investigating the vascular physiology and pathophysiology of endothelial inflammatory mechanisms cells in tissue injury and their contributions to disease. In recent years, my laboratory has focused on stem cell protection and restitution of tissues against diverse forms of acute ischemic and inflammatory injury using both mouse models of stroke and inflammatory bowel disease and cell models derived from human and mouse tissues as well. The current proposal focuses on mechanisms underlying protection against stroke injury; our lab has a track history of studying forms of central nervous system vascular injury and blood brain barrier including a recent patent on protection against ischemic injury. We have also been funded to work in this area and perform all of the molecular analyses described in the current proposal using stem cells. We also use these stem cells in synthetic tissues and 3D printed models. In these endeavors I have been privileged to act as a mentor for many trainees who are now independent investigators. 

Selected Publications

1. Li W, Maloney RE, Circu ML, Alexander JS, Aw TY. Free Radic Biol Med. 2013 Jan; 54:51-61. Acute carbonyl stress induces occludin glycation and brain microvascular endothelial barrier dysfunction: role for glutathione-dependent metabolism of methylglyoxal.
2. Yi P, Schrott L, Castor TP, Alexander JS. Bryostatin-1 vs. TPPB: dose-dependent APP processing and PKC-α, -δ, and -ε isoform activation in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. J Mol Neurosci. 2012 Sep; 48(1):234-44. 
3. Carpenter AC and Alexander JS. Endothelial PKC delta activation attenuates neutrophil transendothelial migration. Inflamm Res 57(5):216-29, 2008. This report served as the basis of our recent patent on Bryostatin-1 in’ Transplantation Therapy’.
4. Chaitanya GV, Minagar A, Alexander JS. Neuronal and astrocytic interactions modulate brain endothelial properties during metabolic stresses of in vitro cerebral ischemia. Cell Commun Signal. 2014; 12:7. 

Complete List of my Published Work in MyBibliography: LEARN MORE
 

Post-doctoral Fellows

While we are not currently recruiting Post-doctoral Fellows, quality candidates will always be considered.  To enquire about opportunities, contact Dr. Alexander at jonathan.alexander@lsuhs.edu.

Graduate Students

Graduate students interested in conducting research in the Alexander lab should review the current laboratory research directions and contact Dr. Alexander at jonathan.alexander@lsuhs.edu.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

We are not currently hiring any additional undergraduates. However, positions can become available during the summer.

Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows

The Alexander laboratory has a number of research projects available for any Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows. Those interested in learning more about opportunities in the Alexander lab, should contact Dr. Alexander directly at jonathan.alexander@lsuhs.edu.