Thomas Mahan

The brains immune system and Alzheimer disease:

Understanding the role of the genetic risk factor APOE.

Thomas (Tom) Mahan is a PhD candidate at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and is currently enrolled in the Neuroscience program of the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. His current research in the lab of Dr. David Holtzman focuses on the role of the brains immune system in the development of Alzheimer disease pathology. Using genetically engineered mouse models, the Holtzman lab unravels the mechanisms behind the development of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s, with the aim of developing new therapeutic treatments. Tom’s current research in the lab focuses on Apolipoprotien E (ApoE), the strongest genetic risk factor for developing late onset Alzheimer’s. In particular, Tom is investigating how ApoE that is produced by the brains immune cells impacts the development of amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark pathology of Alzheimer’s.

Tom is a 2003 graduate of Hudson Falls High School. Upon graduating from HFHS, Tom journeyed to Lebanon, IL to be a member of the McKendree University Men’s Bowling team and pursue his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In 2007 he received his B.S. in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry from McKendree University and began working for the life science company Sigma-Aldrich. While working for Sigma-Aldrich, Tom took night classes at the University of Missouri - St. Louis and received his Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology in 2011. Tom then worked as a research assistant in Dr. Holtzman’s Lab for 3 years prior to pursuing his PhD. He is currently in his 5th year of the Neuroscience PhD program with an anticipated graduation in May of 2020.