Kelly Ten Hagen

American neuroscientist

Kelly Ten Hagen is an American neuroscientist known for her research in the field of glycobiology and its implications in neurodevelopmental disorders. She is a senior investigator at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she leads a research team focused on understanding the role of glycosylation in cellular processes.

Early life and education

Kelly Ten Hagen was born and raised in the United States. She developed an early interest in biology and chemistry, which led her to pursue a degree in biochemistry at a prominent university. She completed her undergraduate studies with honors and went on to earn a Ph.D. in molecular biology from a leading research institution. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of protein glycosylation and its effects on cell signaling.

Career

After completing her Ph.D., Ten Hagen joined the NIH as a postdoctoral fellow, where she began her pioneering work on glycosylation. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of how glycosylation affects protein function and cell communication. She has published numerous papers in high-impact scientific journals and is a frequent speaker at international conferences on glycobiology and neuroscience.

Kelly Ten Hagen

Research

Ten Hagen's research primarily focuses on the role of glycosylation in the development and function of the nervous system. Her work has uncovered critical insights into how glycosylation affects neural development, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Her team uses a combination of genetic, biochemical, and imaging techniques to study glycosylation pathways in model organisms and human cells.

Glycosylation and neurodevelopment

One of Ten Hagen's major contributions is the elucidation of how specific glycosylation patterns influence neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Her research has identified key glycosylation enzymes that, when mutated, lead to developmental abnormalities in the brain.

Neurodegenerative diseases

Ten Hagen's work also extends to understanding the role of glycosylation in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Her studies suggest that altered glycosylation patterns may contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Awards and honors

Throughout her career, Ten Hagen has received numerous awards for her contributions to science, including prestigious fellowships and research grants. She is recognized as a leader in the field of glycobiology and has been honored by several scientific societies for her groundbreaking work.

Related pages

• Glycobiology
• Neuroscience
• National Institutes of Health
• Neurodevelopmental disorder