Rashad Hussain, Ph.D.

Dr. Hussain is a distinguished neurobiologist and associate professor at the Centre for Translational Neuromedicine, and the Department of Neurology at the University of Rochester, NY. He got Ph.D. from the University of Paris-Saclay, France, and extensive postdoctoral training at prestigious instit...

Dr. Hussain is a distinguished neurobiologist and associate professor at the Centre for Translational Neuromedicine, and the Department of Neurology at the University of Rochester, NY. He got Ph.D. from the University of Paris-Saclay, France, and extensive postdoctoral training at prestigious institutions including University of Strasbourg (France), Temple University in Philadelphia, and the University of Colorado, Denver, Dr. Hussain has established a multifaceted research portfolio focused on glial function and brain health.
Dr. Hussain’s work delves into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neural regeneration, white matter pathology—such as oligodendrocyte degeneration and myelin deficits—sleep disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and glymphatic system dysfunction leading to Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD). This comprehensive approach bridges fundamental neuroscience and translational medicine, addressing critical gaps in understanding brain health and disease.

A recent highlight of Dr. Hussain’s groundbreaking research centers on cerebral edema, a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in TBI patients. Their team’s discovery of the role of cervical lymphatic vessels in resolving cerebral edema, enhanced through noradrenergic inhibition, represents a significant advancement in the field. This research has led to the development of innovative quantitative techniques for assessing brain fluid clearance, with implications for both health and injury contexts (Hussain et al., 2023, Nature, 623(7989):992).

Dr. Hussain’s research is consistently supported by competitive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DOD), underscoring the high impact and translational potential of their work. Current research interests include:
• Investigating glial function in health and disease with a focus on glymphatic flow,
• Elucidating cellular and molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that sustain glial homeostasis in the brain,
• Exploring glia-neuron interactions and the influence of environmental factors.
• Examining the neuromodulatory effects of tDCS and TMS in restoring or augmenting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow within the brain.

Dr. Hussain’s contributions continue to shape the field of neuroscience, offering innovative insights into brain function and paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches.