Lab Photo - May 2025
The mission of Dr. Brendan Dougherty's Neuroplasticity Research and Ventilation Studies Laboratory (NERV̇ES) is to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity in the respiratory motor system. Current studies focus on examining fundamental aspects of acute, intermittent-hypoxia (AIH)-induced spinal plasticity with particular emphasis on: 1) sexual dimorphisms in the underlying cellular mechanisms of respiratory neuroplasticity, 2) the role of sex steroid hormones in the expression of respiratory neuroplasticity, and 3) the receptor pathways these steroids use to exert their influence.
We use advanced biological imaging techniques and tools of biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology. But, our forte is neurophysiology and respiratory neurobiology with specific expertise in quantification of phrenic neural activity and assessment of respiratory function using unrestrained barometric plethysmography. Our research group has been highly collaborative with other neuromuscular and neurodegenerative laboratory groups at the University of Minnesota. We believe that collaboration is critical to making our science stronger and for developing well-rounded biomedical researchers.
Recent Lab News
Roemer runs in the Big 10 Championships!
Lab volunteer Izzy Roemer represented the University of Minnesota Track and Field Team at this weekend's Big 10 Championships in Lincoln, NE! Izzy finished 8th overall in the Women’s 10,000m and 15th in the Women’s 5,000m! Way to go Izzy!
Ohlemacher guides the UMN Varsity 8’s to Petite Final win at Big 10 Championships!
Undergraduate researcher Ashley Ohlemacher guided the Women’s Varsity 8 boat to a victory in the 1V8 Petite Final at this weekend’s Big 10 Rowing Championships in Indianapolis, IN! Ashley, a Junior, is the boat's coxswain. Overall, the UMN Rowing team finished 8th in the Final standings in challenging, high-wind rowing conditions! Great job, Ashley!
Dr. Jessica Grittner earns her PhD in Rehabilitation Science!
On April 17, 2025, Jessica Grittner, MS, CCC-SLP, passed her final PhD Dissertation Defense to earn a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities! Dr. Grittner's thesis, Estrogen and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor influence the response to hypoxia and respiratory neuroplasticity, centered on the role of estrogen for respiratory chemosensitivity and the characterization of a specific estrogen receptor (G-protein coupled estrogen receptor; GPER) in the phrenic motor nucleus of male and female rats. Following the completion of her PhD and some well-earned time off, Dr. Grittner will commence her postdoctoral training with Dr. Brendan Dougherty in the Fall of 2025. Congratulations, Dr. Grittner!
Brendan Dougherty, PT, PhD
Principal Investigator
Contact
Dr. Brendan Dougherty
[email protected]
612-624-7466