Alaina Reagan, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate

I am interested in understanding how age, exercise, and genomic factors influence cerebrovascular function in Alzheimer's Disease and dementia.

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Contact me at: 207-288-6000

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About Alaina Reagan, Ph.D.

Often dementia presents with a cerebrovascular component that contributes to the development of the disease. However, this area of research is understudied because few mouse models represent vascular decline in a way that mimics the human disease. Using the Howell lab's expertise in mouse genetics and my background in vascular biology, we are testing whether genetic perturbations in vascular development increase the risk for cognitive impairment and dementia with age. Additionally, we are interested in how exercise influences cerebrovascular reserve, and if its implementation reduces risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Research HighlightMarch 12, 2019
A closer look at structural variants in the genome
A recent Cell paper uses long-read DNA sequencing and other advanced genomics tools and methods to shed light on genomic structural variants.
Research HighlightMarch 08, 2019
Long-range connectivity and gene regulation networks
A complicated three-dimensional network involving proteins and specific DNA sequences helps regulate the expression of genes. New work led by JAX’s Chia-Lin Wei shows how one protein, SOX2, plays a significant role in neural stem cells, affecting many aspects of development and function.
Press ReleaseMarch 05, 2019
JAX receives grant to learn why flu vaccines are less effective in the elderly
$2.8 million federal grant to The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) to understand the aging-related genomic changes in immune cells that affect responses to flu vaccines.
Research HighlightFebruary 28, 2019
Two proteins essential for layered sterocilia elongation in the inner-ear
A research team led by Basile Tarchini has found two new proteins that are essential to the correct elongation of stereocilia, tiny hair-like cellular protrusions in the inner ear.

Press ReleaseMarch 11, 2019
Exploring the hypothalamus one neuron at a time
A collaborative team from UConn and The Jackson Laboratory have characterized neuron diversity in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), a critical coordinator of fundamental behaviors in the brain. The results provide important clues for understanding LHA neural circuits and the potential development of targeted neuropsychiatric therapies.
- Neuroscience
- Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases
Research HighlightMarch 08, 2019
Breaking up is hard to do
New research shows that proteins work together to enable DNA double-strand breaks during meiosis.
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics and Genomics
Press ReleaseMarch 05, 2019
3D genomics one nucleus at a time
Supported by a recent four-year, $2.3M grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Wei is looking to develop a method for chromatin interaction analysis in single nuclei, with single-molecule resolution.
- Genetic Tools
- Genetics and Genomics
Press ReleaseFebruary 18, 2019
A crystal ball for looking at the complexity of the 3D genome
A team led by Jackson Laboratory Professor Yijun Ruan, Ph.D., has developed a new method, called ChIA-Drop, that allows researchers to investigate 3D genomic structures with unprecedented precision and clarity.

Alaina Reagan, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate

About Alaina Reagan, Ph.D.

Education and experience

Education

Experience

A closer look at structural variants in the genome

Long-range connectivity and gene regulation networks

JAX receives grant to learn why flu vaccines are less effective in the elderly

Two proteins essential for layered sterocilia elongation in the inner-ear

Exploring the hypothalamus one neuron at a time

Breaking up is hard to do

3D genomics one nucleus at a time

A crystal ball for looking at the complexity of the 3D genome