MSTP Student

1992-1997

Dr. Lascola received his M.D./Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the University of Chicago in 1997.  His thesis titled, “Morphology-dependent expression and cytoskeletal modulation of chloride channels in astrocytes” invstigated the interrelationship between changes in cell shape, anion conductance and ion channel kinetics in mammalian astroglial cells.  His project explored further how changes in the dynamic equilibrium of actin polymerization modulate whole cell and ion channel conductances.  Dr. Lascola’s research examining morphology-dependent changes in chloride conductance described signaling pathways with strong similarities to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator chloride channels reported in epithelial and heart cells.

Dr. Lascola is currently an Assistant Professor at Duke University Medical Center in the Departments of Radiology and Neurobiology, and in the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center.   He is a practicing diagnostic and interventional neuroradiologist, with a recently re-kindled basic and translational research effort focused on small molecule “molecular” magnetic resonance imaging, drug development, and MR guided therapy.    

Publications

Kraig RP, Lascola CD (1994) Astrocytic H⁺ & Ca²⁺ changes — implications for ischemic brain injury.  In:  Cerebral Ischemia and Basic Molecular Mechanisms (Hartmann A, Yatsu F, eds), pp 64-76.  Berlin: Springer-Verlag.  

Lascola CD, Kraig RP(1995) Brain cell acid-base changes measured with ion-selective microelectrodes.  In: Measurement and Manipulation of Intracellular Ions (Kraicer J,  Dixon SJ, eds), pp 214-232.  New York: Academic.   

Lascola CD, Kraig RP (1996) Whole-cell chloride currents in rat astrocytes accompany changes in cell morphology.  J Neurosci 16:2532-2545.  PubMed

Lascola CD, Kraig RP (1997) Astrocyte reaction to global ischemic brain injury.  In:Primer on Cerebrovascular Diseases (Welsh M, Caplan L, Reis D, Siesjo B, Weir B, eds), pp 114-117.  New York: Academic. 

Lascola C, Kraig RP (1997) Astroglial acid-base dynamics in hyperglycemic and normoglycemic global ischemia.  Neurosci Biobehav Rev 21:143-150.  PubMed

Lascola CD, Kraig RP(1998) Compartmentation of astroglial pH during and after global ischemia.  In: pH and Brain Function (Ransom B, Kaila K, eds), pp 583-603.  New York: Wiley. 

Kraig RP, Lascola CD, Kunkler PE (1998) Ischemic brain pH changes: Tissue to cells – The path toward pathogenesis.  In: Cerebrovascular Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis & Treatment (Ginsberg M, Bogousslavsky J, eds), pp 249-257.  Boston: Blackwell Scientific Publ.  

Lascola CD, Nelson DJ, Kraig RP (1998) Cytoskeletal actin gates a Cl- channel in neocortical astrocytes.  J Neurosci 18:1679-1692.  PubMed