Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Grondin R

Biography

Richard Grondin, Ph.D., graduated in 1997 from Laval University College of Medicine in Quebec City (Canada) with a doctorate degree in neurobiology. Dr. Grondin currently holds the academic position of Associate Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, in addition to fulfilling the role of Study Director for the University of Kentucky Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Neuroscience Center. Dr. Grondin has been a scientific member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) since 2005. Ongoing research projects aim to develop treatment strategies for Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease using RNA interference therapy designed to silence the expression of target-specific proteins, including huntingtin and alpha-synuclein.

Research Interest

Current research projects in my laboratory aim to develop treatment strategies for Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease using RNA interference therapy to potentially slow or prevent disease progression. One possible treatment is to silence the expression of the disease-causing gene by injecting directly into the brain Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) vectors carrying short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) constructs designed to reduce production of the target protein. Alternatively, synthetic, short double-stranded RNAs (termed siRNAs) can be directly delivered to the brain via surgically implanted, computer-controlled pumps and indwelling catheters. These potentially disease-modifying therapies are studied in non-human primates and the effects of these experimental treatments are evaluated using a variety of methods, including behavioral methods. Other collaborative studies are also underway to assess the effectiveness of a non-vectored vaccine at stimulating a CD8 T cell response in non-human primates. Recently completed studies aimed at assessing cognitive, motor and driving performance in euthyroid and hypothyroid states in a cohort of thyroid cancer patients.