Andrea Stavoe
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
McGovern Medical School
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy
The Stavoe lab is interested in elucidating and understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuronal homeostasis during aging. Specifically, we are examining how the autophagy pathway is regulated in neurons during aging. Autophagy is a homeostatic degradative mechanism that is especially critical in neurons.
In addition to biochemical and genetics techniques, we use advanced, multi-color, live-cell imaging of primary neurons from mice and live-animal imaging in C. elegans. We take advantage of the short lifespan (3 weeks), transparent body, simple nervous system, and genetic tractability of C. elegans to identify novel regulatory pathways of neuronal autophagy. We use primary neurons from mice to study the temporal and spatial dynamics of autophagy during aging at high resolutions.
Trainees in the Stavoe lab have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of techniques: live-cell and/or live-animal microscopy, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, molecular biology (DNA cloning), cellular neuroscience, cell biology, worm husbandry, and genetics.
Graduate and postdoctoral trainees will also learn many broadly applicable skills during their training. Trainees will learn about effective science communication through presentations at lab meetings, journal clubs, and local seminars. Trainees are also encouraged to present their research at national and international meetings. Mentorship and training in written scientific communication will also be emphasized to ensure clear and effective grant and manuscript preparation. We hope to foster an encouraging, respectful, diverse, and productive environment so that our trainees can generate exciting and meaningful scientific contributions to the field and launch into the next stage of their careers.
McGovern Medical School Faculty
YouTube Video - Meet Dr. Staveo
Education & Training
PhD, Yale University, 2014