Staff Profiles

Dr Declan Mc Kernan

B.Sc, Ph.D

Contact Details

Senior Lecturer
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Room 3009
Human Biology Building
University of Galway
E: declan.mckernan@universityofgalway.ie

Biography

Previous Training & Positions:

2023-Present: Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Pharmacology
2011-2023: Lecturer in Pharmacology, NUI Galway.
2013-2023: Course Director MSc Neuropharmacology.
2014-2016: Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Academic Practice
2012-2013: Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Teaching and Learning
2011-2014: Course Director MSc Toxicology.
2007-2011: Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, UCC.
2004-2007: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University College Cork.
2003-2004: Research assistant at the Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin.
1999-2003: B.Sc. (Hons) in Industrial Biochemistry, University of Limerick.

Research Interests

Innate immunity: the genetic, epigenetic and biochemical regulation of pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs).
Neuroinflammation: the role of the innate immune system (TLRs) in neurodegerative diseases and psychiatric disorders.

Links:
PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=mc+kernan+dp+OR+mckernan+d+cork+OR+mckernan+d+galway+OR+kernan+dpm&sort=pubdate&size=50
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Declan_Mckernan
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=t7qrtgEAAAAJ&hl=en

Peer Reviewed Journals

	Year	Publication
	(2024)	'Direct targets of MEF2C are enriched for genes associated with schizophrenia and cognitive function and are involved in neuron development and mitochondrial function' Ali, D; Laighneach, A; Corley, E; Patlola, SR; Mahoney, R; Holleran, L; McKernan, DP; Kelly, J; Corvin, A; Hallahan, B; McDonald, C; Donohoe, G; Morris, DW (2024) 'Direct targets of MEF2C are enriched for genes associated with schizophrenia and cognitive function and are involved in neuron development and mitochondrial function'. Plos Genetics, [DOI] [Details]
	(2024)	'Intra-striatal infusion of the small molecule alpha-synuclein aggregator, FN075, fails to enhance Parkinsonism in a subclinical AAV-alpha-synuclein rat model' Patton, T; Comini, G; Narasimhan, K; Cairns, A; Aden, J; Almqvist, F; Bemelmans, A; Brouillet, E; McKernan, D; Dowd E (2024) 'Intra-striatal infusion of the small molecule alpha-synuclein aggregator, FN075, fails to enhance Parkinsonism in a subclinical AAV-alpha-synuclein rat model'. European Journal Of Neuroscience, [DOI] [Details]
	(2024)	'Corpus callosum microstructural organization mediates the effects of physical neglect on social cognition in schizophrenia' Corley, E.,Gleeson, C.,Godfrey, E.,Cowman, M.,Patlola, S. R.,Cannon, D. M.,McKernan, D. P.,Kelly, J. P.,Hallahan, B.,McDonald, C.,Morris, D. W.,Burke, T.,Donohoe, G. (2024) 'Corpus callosum microstructural organization mediates the effects of physical neglect on social cognition in schizophrenia'. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry, 129 [Details]
	(2024)	'Genetic and inflammatory effects on childhood trauma and cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants' Corley, E.,Patlola, S. R.,Laighneach, A.,Corvin, A.,McManus, R.,Kenyon, M.,Kelly, J. P.,McKernan, D. P.,King, S.,Hallahan, B.,McDonald, C.,Morris, D. W.,Donohoe, G. (2024) 'Genetic and inflammatory effects on childhood trauma and cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants'. Brain Behav Immun, 115 :26-37 [Details]
	(2023)	'Social isolation-induced transcriptomic changes in mouse hippocampus impact the synapse and show convergence with human genetic risk for neurodevelopmental phenotypes' Laighneach, A; Kelly, J; Desbonnet; Holleran, L; Kerr, D; McKernan, D; Donohoe, G; Morris, DW (2023) 'Social isolation-induced transcriptomic changes in mouse hippocampus impact the synapse and show convergence with human genetic risk for neurodevelopmental phenotypes'. Plos One, 18 (12) [Details]
	(2023)	'Bilateral anterior corona radiata microstructure organisation relates to impaired social cognition in schizophrenia' Burke, T; Holleran, L; Mothersill, D; Lyons, J; O'Rourke, N; Gleeson, C; Cannon, D; McKernan, DP; Morris, DW; Kelly, JP; Callahan, B; McDonald, C; Donohoe, G (2023) 'Bilateral anterior corona radiata microstructure organisation relates to impaired social cognition in schizophrenia'. Schizophrenia Research, 262 :87-94 [Details]
	(2023)	'Corpus callosum microstructural organization mediates the effects of physical neglect on social cognition in schizophrenia' Corley, E; Gleeson, C; Godfrey, E; Cowman, M; Patlola, SR; Cannon, DM; McKernan, DP; Kelly, JP; Hallahan, B; McDonald, C; Morris, DW; Burke, T; Donohoe, G (2023) 'Corpus callosum microstructural organization mediates the effects of physical neglect on social cognition in schizophrenia'. Progress In Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 129 [Details]
	(2023)	'Genetic and inflammatory effects on childhood trauma and cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants' Corley, E; Patlola, SR; Laighneach, A; Corvin, A; McManus R; Kenyon, M; Kelly, JP; McKernan, DP; King, S; Callahan, B; McDonald, C; Morris, DW; Donohoe, G (2023) 'Genetic and inflammatory effects on childhood trauma and cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants'. Brain Behavior And Immunity, [DOI] [Details]
	(2023)	'2. Childhood trauma is associated with altered white matter microstructural organization in schizophrenia' Dauvermann MR, Costello L, Tronchin G, Holleran L, Mothersill D, Rokita KI, Kane R, Hallahan B, Corvin A, Morris D, McKernan DP, Kelly J, McDonald C, Donohoe G, Cannon DM. (2023) '2. Childhood trauma is associated with altered white matter microstructural organization in schizophrenia'. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, [Details]
	(2023)	'Counting the Toll of Inflammation on Schizophrenia¿A Potential Role for Toll-like Receptors' Patlola, SR; Donohoe, G; McKernan, DP (2023) 'Counting the Toll of Inflammation on Schizophrenia¿A Potential Role for Toll-like Receptors'. Biomolecules, 13 (8) [DOI] [Details]
	(2023)	'Early life stress, low-grade systemic inflammation and weaker suppression of the default mode network (DMN) during face processing in Schizophrenia' King, S; Mothersill, D; Holleran, L; Patlola, SR; Burke, T; McManus, R; Kenyon, M; McDonald, C; Hallahan, B; Corvin, A; Morris, D; Kelly, J; McKernan, D; Donohoe, G (2023) 'Early life stress, low-grade systemic inflammation and weaker suppression of the default mode network (DMN) during face processing in Schizophrenia'. Translational Psychiatry, 13 [DOI] [Details]
	(2023)	'The relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis' Patlola SR; Donohoe G; McKernan DP (2023) 'The relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis'. Progress In Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 121 [Details]
	(2023)	'Childhood trauma is associated with altered white matter microstructural organization in schizophrenia' Dauvermann MR; Costello L; Tronchin G; Holleran L; Mothersill D; Rokita KI; Kane R; Hallahan B; Corvin A; Morris D; McKernan DP; Kelly J; McDonald C; Donohoe G; Cannon D (2023) 'Childhood trauma is associated with altered white matter microstructural organization in schizophrenia'. Psychiatry Research-Neuroimaging, 330 [Details]
	(2023)	'Anti-inflammatory effects of 2nd generation antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis' Patlola SR; Donohoe G; McKernan DP (2023) 'Anti-inflammatory effects of 2nd generation antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis'. Journal Of Psychiatric Research, 160 :126-136 [Details]
	(2022)	'Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Damage Associated Molecular Patterns HMGB1 and S100B in Schizophrenia' Mackey M; Holleran L; Donohoe G; McKernan DP (2022) 'Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Damage Associated Molecular Patterns HMGB1 and S100B in Schizophrenia'. Psychiatry Investigations, 19 (12):981-990 [Details]
	(2022)	'Corpus Callosum Microstructural Tract Integrity Relates to Longer Emotion Recognition Reaction Time in People with Schizophrenia' Burke T, Gleeson C, Holleran L, Mothersill D, Holland J, Costello L, Kane R, McKernan DP, Morris DW, Kelly JP, Corvin AP, Hallahan BP, McDonald C, Donohoe G. (2022) 'Corpus Callosum Microstructural Tract Integrity Relates to Longer Emotion Recognition Reaction Time in People with Schizophrenia'. Brain Sciences, [Details]
	(2022)	'Childhood trauma, IL-6 and weaker suppression of the default mode network (DMN) during theory of mind (ToM) performance in schizophrenia' King S, Mothersill D, Holleran L, Patlola S, McManus R, Kenyon M, McDonald C, Hallahan B, Corvin A, Morris DW, Kelly JP, McKernan D, Donohoe G. (2022) 'Childhood trauma, IL-6 and weaker suppression of the default mode network (DMN) during theory of mind (ToM) performance in schizophrenia'. Brain Behavior And Immunity, [Details]
	(2022)	'Dual hit mouse model to examine the long-term effects of maternal immune activation and post-weaning social isolation on schizophrenia endophenotypes' Desbonnet L, Konkoth A, Laighneach A, McKernan D, Holleran L, McDonald C, Morris DW, Donohoe G, Kelly J. (2022) 'Dual hit mouse model to examine the long-term effects of maternal immune activation and post-weaning social isolation on schizophrenia endophenotypes'. Behav Brain Res, [Details]
	(2022)	'The Effect of Aggregated Alpha Synuclein on Synaptic and Axonal Proteins in Parkinson¿s Disease¿A Systematic Review' Murphy J, McKernan DP (2022) 'The Effect of Aggregated Alpha Synuclein on Synaptic and Axonal Proteins in Parkinson¿s Disease¿A Systematic Review'. Biomolecules, 12 (9) [DOI] [Details]
	(2022)	'Dual hit mouse model to examine the long-term effects of maternal immune activation and post-weaning social isolation on schizophrenia endophenotypes' Desbonnet L, Konkoth A, Laighneach A, McKernan D, Holleran L,McDonald C, Morris DW, Donohoe G, Kelly J (2022) 'Dual hit mouse model to examine the long-term effects of maternal immune activation and post-weaning social isolation on schizophrenia endophenotypes'. Behavioural Brain Research, 430 [DOI] [Details]
	(2022)	'Time-course of alterations in the endocannabinoid system after viral-mediated overexpression of ¿-synuclein in the rat brain' Kelly, R; Bemelmans, AP; Josephine, C; Brouillet, E; McKernan, DP; Dowd, E (2022) 'Time-course of alterations in the endocannabinoid system after viral-mediated overexpression of ¿-synuclein in the rat brain'. Molecules, 27 (2) [DOI] [Details]
	(2022)	'DNA methyltransferase inhibitors increase NOD-like receptor activity and expression in a monocytic cell line' Feerick, CL; McKernan, DP. (2022) 'DNA methyltransferase inhibitors increase NOD-like receptor activity and expression in a monocytic cell line'. Immunopharmacology And Immunotoxicology, 44 (11):99-109 [DOI] [Details]
	(2021)	'The Small Molecule Alpha-Synuclein Aggregator, FN075, Enhances Alpha-Synuclein Pathology in Subclinical AAV Rat Models' Kelly, R; Cairns, AG; Aden, J; Almqvist, F; Bemelmans, AP; Brouillet, E; Patton, T; McKernan DP; Dowd, E. (2021) 'The Small Molecule Alpha-Synuclein Aggregator, FN075, Enhances Alpha-Synuclein Pathology in Subclinical AAV Rat Models'. Biomolecules, 11 (11) [DOI] [Details]
	(2021)	'Interleukin 6 predicts increased neural response during face processing in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia and healthy participants: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study' Mothersill, D; King, S; Holleran, L; Dauvermann, M; Patlola, S; Rokita, K; McManus, R; Keynon, M; McDonald, C; Hallahan, B; Corvin, A; Morris, D; Kelly, J; McKernan, D; Donohoe, G. (2021) 'Interleukin 6 predicts increased neural response during face processing in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia and healthy participants: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study'. Neuroimage. Clinical, 32 [DOI] [Details]
	(2021)	'Changes in Default-Mode Network Associated With Childhood Trauma in Schizophrenia' Dauvermann MR, Mothersill D, Rokita KI, King S, Holleran L, Kane R, McKernan DP, Kelly JP, Morris DW, Corvin A, Hallahan B, McDonald C, Donohoe G (2021) 'Changes in Default-Mode Network Associated With Childhood Trauma in Schizophrenia'. Schizophrenia Bulletin, [Details]
	(2021)	'Current psychosocial stress, childhood trauma and cognition in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants' Rokita, KI; Dauvermann, MR; Mothersill D; Holleran, L; Bhatnagar, P; McNicholas, A; McKernan D; Morris, DW; Kelly, J; Hallahan, B; McDonald, C; Donohoe, G. (2021) 'Current psychosocial stress, childhood trauma and cognition in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants'. Schizophrenia Research, 237 :115-121 [DOI] [Details]
	(2021)	'Anti-viral pattern recognition receptors as therapeutic targets' Hennessy, C; McKernan, DP. (2021) 'Anti-viral pattern recognition receptors as therapeutic targets'. Cells, 10 (9) [DOI] [Details]
	(2021)	'Early Life Adversity, Functional Connectivity And Cognitive Performance In Schizophrenia: The Mediating Role Of IL-6' King, S; Holleran, L; Mothersill, D; Patlola, S; Rokita, K; McManus, R; Keynon, M; McDonald, C; Hallahan, B; Corvin, A; Morris, D; Kelly, J; McKernan, D; Donohoe, G. (2021) 'Early Life Adversity, Functional Connectivity And Cognitive Performance In Schizophrenia: The Mediating Role Of IL-6'. Brain Behavior And Immunity, [DOI] [Details]
	(2021)	'Changes in Default-Mode Network Associated with Childhood Trauma in Schizophrenia' Dauvermann MR, Mothersill D, Rokita KI, King S, Holleran L, Kane R, McKernan DP, Kelly JP, Morris DW, Corvin A, Hallahan B, McDonald C, Donohoe G (2021) 'Changes in Default-Mode Network Associated with Childhood Trauma in Schizophrenia'. Schizophrenia Bulletin, [DOI] [Details]
	(2021)	'Back to the future: lessons from past viral infections and the link with Parkinson’s disease' Dowd, E. & McKernan, D (2021) 'Back to the future: lessons from past viral infections and the link with Parkinson’s disease'. Neuronal Signaling, 5 (1) [DOI] [Details]
	(2020)	'Childhood trauma, brain structure and emotion recognition in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants' Rokita KI, Holleran L, Dauvermann MR, Mothersill D, Holland J, Costello L, Kane R, McKernan D, Morris DW, Kelly JP, Corvin A, Hallahan B, McDonald C, Donohoe G. (2020) 'Childhood trauma, brain structure and emotion recognition in patients with schizophrenia and healthy participants'. Social Cognitive And Affective Neuroscience, [Details]
	(2020)	'Synergy Between Embedding and Protein Functional Association Networks for Drug Label Prediction using Harmonic Function' Mohan Timilsina, Declan McKernan,Haixuan Yang, Mathieu D'Aquin. (2020) 'Synergy Between Embedding and Protein Functional Association Networks for Drug Label Prediction using Harmonic Function'. IEEE/ACM transactions on computational biology and bioinformatics / IEEE, ACM, [DOI] [Details]
	(2020)	'Childhood Trauma, Brain Structure and Emotion Recognition in Patients with Schizophrenia and Healthy Participants' Rokita KI;Holleran L;Dauvermann MR;Mothersill D;Holland J;Costello L;Kane R;McKernan D;Morris DW;Kelly JP;Corvin A;Hallahan B;McDonald C;Donohoe G; (2020) 'Childhood Trauma, Brain Structure and Emotion Recognition in Patients with Schizophrenia and Healthy Participants'. Social Cognitive And Affective Neuroscience, [DOI] [Details]
	(2020)	'Childhood trauma, parental bonding, and social cognition in patients with schizophrenia and healthy adults' Rokita, KI;Dauvermann, MR;Mothersill, D;Holleran, L;Holland, J;Costello, L;Cullen, C;Kane, R;McKernan, D;Morris, DW;Kelly, J;Gill, M;Corvin, A;Hallahan, B;McDonald, C;Donohoe, G (2020) 'Childhood trauma, parental bonding, and social cognition in patients with schizophrenia and healthy adults'. Journal of clinical psychology, [DOI] [Details]
	(2020)	'Microglial phenotypes and their relationship to the cannabinoid system - therapeutic implications for Parkinson's disease' Kelly, R; Joers, V; Tansey, MG; McKernan, DP; Dowd, E. (2020) 'Microglial phenotypes and their relationship to the cannabinoid system - therapeutic implications for Parkinson's disease'. Molecules, 25 (3):453-492 [DOI] [Details]
	(2019)	'Viral mimetic priming enhances alpha-synuclein-induced degeneration: Implications for Parkinson's disease' Olsen, LK,Cairns, AG,Aden, J,Moriarty, N,Cabre, S,Alamilla, VR,Almqvist, F,Dowd, E,McKernan, DP (2019) 'Viral mimetic priming enhances alpha-synuclein-induced degeneration: Implications for Parkinson's disease'. Brain Behavior And Immunity, 80 :525-535 [DOI] [Details]
	(2019)	'Inhibition of anti-viral responses in intestinal epithelial cells by epigenetic modifying drugs is mediated by a reduction in viral pattern recognition receptor expression and activity' Hennessy, C; O'Connell, S; Egan, LJ; McKernan, DP. (2019) 'Inhibition of anti-viral responses in intestinal epithelial cells by epigenetic modifying drugs is mediated by a reduction in viral pattern recognition receptor expression and activity'. Immunopharmacology And Immunotoxicology, 41 (5):527-537 [DOI] [Details]
	(2019)	'Toll-like receptors and immune cell crosstalk in the intestinal epithelium' McKernan, DP (2019) 'Toll-like receptors and immune cell crosstalk in the intestinal epithelium'. Aims Journal, 3 (1):13-31 [DOI] [Details]
	(2018)	'A role for viral infections in Parkinson’s etiology?' Olsen LK, Dowd E, McKernan DP (2018) 'A role for viral infections in Parkinson’s etiology?'. Neuronal Signaling, 2 (2) [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
	(2017)	'Time-course of striatal Toll-like receptor expression in neurotoxic, environmental and inflammatory rat models of Parkinson's disease' McCabe, K,Concannon, RM,McKernan, DP,Dowd, E (2017) 'Time-course of striatal Toll-like receptor expression in neurotoxic, environmental and inflammatory rat models of Parkinson's disease'. Journal Of Neuroimmunology, 310 :103-106 [DOI] [Details]
	(2017)	'Understanding the regulation of pattern recognition receptors in inflammatory diseases - a 'Nod' in the right direction' Feerick CL, McKernan DP (2017) 'Understanding the regulation of pattern recognition receptors in inflammatory diseases - a 'Nod' in the right direction'. Immunology, 150 (3):237-247 [DOI] [Details]
	(2016)	'Leptin modifies the pro-secretory and pro-kinetic effects of the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 on colonic function in Sprague Dawley rats' Buckley MM;O'Brien R;Devlin M;Creed AA;Rae MG;Hyland NP;Quigley EM;McKernan DP;O'Malley D; (2016) 'Leptin modifies the pro-secretory and pro-kinetic effects of the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 on colonic function in Sprague Dawley rats'. Experimental Physiology, 101 (12):1477-1491 [DOI] [Details]
	(2016)	'Epigenetics and innate immunity: The 'unTolld' story' Hennessy C & McKernan DP (2016) 'Epigenetics and innate immunity: The 'unTolld' story'. Immunology and Cell Biology, 94 (7):631-639 [DOI] [Details]
	(2015)	'Soluble mediators in plasma from irritable bowel syndrome patients excite rat submucosal neurons' O'Malley, D,Buckley, MM,McKernan, DP,Quigley, EMM,Cryan, JF,Dinan, TG (2015) 'Soluble mediators in plasma from irritable bowel syndrome patients excite rat submucosal neurons'. Brain Behavior And Immunity, 44 :57-67 [DOI] [Details]
	(2015)	'The intestinal epithelial cell cycle: uncovering its 'cryptic' nature' McKernan DP, Egan LJ. (2015) 'The intestinal epithelial cell cycle: uncovering its 'cryptic' nature'. Current Opinion In Gastroenterology, 31 (2):124-129 [DOI] [Details]
	(2014)	'An apPEAling new therapeutic for ulcerative colitis?' McKernan, DP,Finn, DP (2014) 'An apPEAling new therapeutic for ulcerative colitis?'. Gut, 63 :1207-36 [DOI] [Details]
	(2014)	'Cytokine imbalance in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis' Bashashati, M,Rezaei, N,Shafieyoun, A,McKernan, DP,Chang, L,Ohman, L,Quigley, EM,Schmulson, M,Sharkey, KA,Simren, M (2014) 'Cytokine imbalance in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis'. Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 26 :1036-1048 [DOI] [Details]
	(2013)	'Differential visceral nociceptive, behavioural and neurochemical responses to an immune challenge in the stress-sensitive Wistar Kyoto rat strain' O' Mahony SM, Clarke G, McKernan DP, Bravo JA, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. (2013) 'Differential visceral nociceptive, behavioural and neurochemical responses to an immune challenge in the stress-sensitive Wistar Kyoto rat strain'. Behavioural Brain Research, [DOI] [Details]
	(2012)	'Schizophrenia patients with a history of childhood trauma have a pro-inflammatory phenotype' Dennison, U,McKernan, D,Cryan, J,Dinan, T (2012) 'Schizophrenia patients with a history of childhood trauma have a pro-inflammatory phenotype'. Psychological Medicine, 42 :1865-1871 [DOI] [Details]
	(2012)	'A Distinct Profile of Tryptophan Metabolism along the Kynurenine Pathway Downstream of Toll-Like Receptor Activation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome' Clarke G, McKernan DP, Gaszner G, Quigley EM, Cryan JF, Dinan TG. (2012) 'A Distinct Profile of Tryptophan Metabolism along the Kynurenine Pathway Downstream of Toll-Like Receptor Activation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome'. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 3 [DOI] [Details]
	(2012)	'Menstrual Cycle Influences Toll-Like Receptor Responses' Dennison U, McKernan DP, Scully P, Clarke G, Cryan JF, Dinan TG (2012) 'Menstrual Cycle Influences Toll-Like Receptor Responses'. Neuroimmunomodulation, 19 :171-179 [DOI] [Details]
	(2011)	'Age-dependent rat retinal ganglion cell susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli: implications for glaucoma' Guerin, MB,Donovan, M,McKernan, DP,O'Brien, CJ,Cotter, TG (2011) 'Age-dependent rat retinal ganglion cell susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli: implications for glaucoma'. Clinical And Experimental Ophthalmology, 39 :243-251 [DOI] [Details]
	(2011)	'Altered peripheral toll-like receptor responses in the irritable bowel syndrome' McKernan, DP,Gaszner, G,Quigley, EM,Cryan, JF,Dinan, TG (2011) 'Altered peripheral toll-like receptor responses in the irritable bowel syndrome'. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 33 :1045-1052 [DOI] [Details]
	(2011)	'Enhanced peripheral toll-like receptor responses in psychosis: further evidence of a pro-inflammatory phenotype' McKernan DP, Dennison U, Gaszner G, Cryan JF, Dinan, TG (2011) 'Enhanced peripheral toll-like receptor responses in psychosis: further evidence of a pro-inflammatory phenotype'. Translational Psychiatry, 1 [DOI] [Details]
	(2010)	'Plasma cytokine profiles in females with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and extra-intestinal co-morbidity' Scully P, McKernan DP, Keohane J, Groeger D, Shanahan F, Dinan TG & Quigley EMM (2010) 'Plasma cytokine profiles in females with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and extra-intestinal co-morbidity'. American Journal Of Gastroenterology, [Details]
	(2010)	'The probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 displays visceral antinociceptive effects in the rat' McKernan DP, Fitzgerald P, Dinan TG & Cryan JF (2010) 'The probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 displays visceral antinociceptive effects in the rat'. Neurogastroenterology and Motility, [Details]
	(2009)	'Toll-like receptor mRNA expression is selectively increased in the colonic mucosa of two animal models relevant to irritable bowel syndrome' McKernan DP, Nolan A, Brint EK, O'Mahony SM, Hyland NP, Cryan JF, Dinan TG. (2009) 'Toll-like receptor mRNA expression is selectively increased in the colonic mucosa of two animal models relevant to irritable bowel syndrome'. Plos One, 4 (12) [Details]
	(2009)	'“Killing the Blues”: A role for cellular suicide in depression and the antidepressant response' McKernan DP, Dinan TG & Cryan JF (2009) '“Killing the Blues”: A role for cellular suicide in depression and the antidepressant response'. Progress In Neurobiology, [Details]
	(2007)	'A Critical role for Bim in retinal ganglion cell death' McKernan, DP,Cotter, TG (2007) 'A Critical role for Bim in retinal ganglion cell death'. Journal Of Neurochemistry, 102 :922-930 [DOI] [Details]
	(2007)	'A key role for calpains in retinal ganglion cell death' McKernan DP, Guerin MB, O’Brien CJ, Cotter TG (2007) 'A key role for calpains in retinal ganglion cell death'. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, [Details]
	(2006)	'Age-dependent susceptibility of the retinal ganglion cell layer to cell death' McKernan DP, Caplis C, Donovan M, O'Brien CJ, Cotter TG. (2006) 'Age-dependent susceptibility of the retinal ganglion cell layer to cell death'. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, [Details]
	(2006)	'Retinal Ganglion Cells: Dying to survive' Guerin MB, McKernan DP, O’Brien CJ, Cotter TG (2006) 'Retinal Ganglion Cells: Dying to survive'. International Journal Of Developmental Biology, [Details]

Book Chapters

	Year	Publication
	(2021)	'Toll-Like Receptors as Drug Targets in the Intestinal Epithelium' McKernan, DP (2021) 'Toll-Like Receptors as Drug Targets in the Intestinal Epithelium' In: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. Berlin: Springer Nature. [DOI] [Details]
	(2020)	'Pattern recognition receptors as potential drug targets in inflammatory disorders' Declan McKernan (2020) 'Pattern recognition receptors as potential drug targets in inflammatory disorders' In: Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology: Inflammatory Disorders. :65-109 Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. [DOI] [Details]
	(2017)	'Toll-like receptors' O'Connell, S & McKernan D.P. (2017) 'Toll-like receptors' In: eLS. :1-8 Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [DOI] [Details]

Conference Publications

	Year	Publication
	(2021)	*Pharmacology 2021* Desbonnet, L; Konkoth, A; McKernan, D; Holleran, L; McDonald, C; Morris, D; Donohoe, G; Kelly, J (2021) The effect of maternal immune activation and/or post-weaning isolation on behavioural responses in the mouse Pharmacology 2021 [Details]
	(2021)	*European College of Neuropsychopharmacology* Laighneach, A; Desbonnet, L; Holleran, L; McKernan, D; Kelly, J; Donohoe, G; Morris, D (2021) Social isolation induces transcriptomic changes in female mouse hippocampus European College of Neuropsychopharmacology , pp.e151-e152 [Details]
	(2021)	*Society of Biological Psychiatry* Costello, L; Nabulsi, L; McPhilemy, G; Kakodka, P; Neo, WX; Dauvermann, MR; Mothersill, D; Rokita, KI; Holleran, L; Kane, R; Hallahan, B; Corvin, A; Morris, D; McKernan, DP; Kelly, J; McDonald, C; Donohoe, G; Cannon, DM (2021) Reported experiences of childhood trauma does not explain altered brain network integration or segregation detected in schizophrenia Society of Biological Psychiatry , pp.S277-S278 [Details]
	(2020)	*Society of Biological Psychiatry* Dauvermann, M; Mothersill, D; Rokita, K; Costello, L; Kane, R; Cullen, C; McKernan; D; Kelly, J; Morris, D; Gill, M; Corvin, A; Hallahan, B; McDonald, C; Donohoe, G (2020) Childhood trauma and default mode network in schizophrenia Society of Biological Psychiatry , pp.S372-S373 [Details]
	(2017)	*Pharmacology 2017* Olsen, LK; Cairns, AG; Aden, J, Moriarty, N; Cabre, S; Alamilla, VR; Almqvist (2017) Characterisation of a novel rat model of Parkinson's disease involving a small-molecule inducer of ¿-synuclein oligomerisation and a viral mimetic Pharmacology 2017 [Details]
	(2010)	*Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society* O'Mahony, SM; Fitzgerald, P; O'Sullivan, B; McKernan, DP; Bravo, JA, Gresham, S; Dinan, TG, Cryan, JF (2010) Aberrant behavioural and physiological responses to a systemic immune challenge in a rat model of brain-gut axis dysfunction Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society , pp.S47-S48 [Details]
	(2007)	*Association for Research in Vision & ophthalmology* Guerin, MB; McKernan, DP; O'Brien, C, Cotter, TG (2007) Calpains play a role in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis using glaucoma death stimuli Association for Research in Vision & ophthalmology [Details]
	(2020)	*Schizophrenia International Research Society* Rokita, KI; Dauvermann, MR; Holleran, L; Mothersill D; Holland, J; Costello, L; Cullen, C; Kane, R; McKernan D; Morris, DW; Kelly, J; Corvin, A; Hallahan, B; McDonald, C; Donohoe, G. (2020) Childhood trauma, brain structure and emotion recognition in schizophrenia and healthy adults - a moderated mediation analysis Schizophrenia International Research Society [Details]
	(2020)	*European College of Neuropsychopharmacology* Costello L, Nabulsi L, McPhilemy G, O’Donoghue S, Kilmartin L, Kakodkar P, Neo WX, Dauvermann MR, Mothersill D, Rokita KI, Holleran L, Kane R, Hallahan B, Corvin A, Morris D, McKernan DP, Kelly J, McDonald C, Donohoe G, Cannon DM (2020) Childhood trauma does not explain altered brain network integration or segregation detected in schizophrenia European College of Neuropsychopharmacology , pp.S65-S66 [Details]
	(2019)	*Schizophrenia International Research Society* Dauvermann, M,Mothersill, D,Rokita, K,Costello, L,Holland, J,Holleran, L,Daly-Ryan, N,Kane, R,Cullen, C,McKernan, D,Kelly, J,Morris, D,Gill, M,Corvin, A,Hallahan, B,McDonald, C,Donohoe, G (2019) NOVEL INFLUENCE OF EARLY-LIFE ADVERSITY ACROSS FUNCTIONAL NETWORKS DURING WORKING MEMORY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA Schizophrenia International Research Society , pp.239-239 [Details]
	(2017)	*Experimental Biology* Feerick, CF & McKernan DP (2017) Epigenetic Modifications Influence NOD-Like Receptor Expression and Associated Pro-Inflammatory Activity . In: FASEB J eds. Experimental Biology [Details]
	(2017)	*Experimental Biology* Hennessy C, McKernan DP (2017) Investigating the role of epigenetic regulation on Toll Like Receptor 3 expression and signalling . In: FASEB J eds. Experimental Biology [Details]
	(2016)	*Pharmacology 2016* Feerick CL, McKernan DP (2016) DNA methylation as a potential regulator of NOD-like receptor expression and pro-inflammatory activity Pharmacology 2016 [Details]
	(2016)	*Biochemical Society* McCabe KM, McKernan DP, Dowd E (2016) Infection-pesticide interactions as an approach to modelling Parkinson’s disease Biochemical Society [Details]
	(2016)	*International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Congress* Olsen, L, Dowd, E & McKernan DP (2016) The effects of viral priming on neurotoxin induced neurodegeneration and synapse dysfunction in cell culture models relevant to Parkinson’s disease International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Congress [Details]
	(2016)	*Biochemical Society* Hennessy C, McKernan DP (2016) Investigating the role of epigenetic regulation on Toll Like Receptor 3 expression and signalling Biochemical Society [Details]
	(2016)	*Pharmacology 2016* Hennessy C, McKernan DP (2016) The effect of epigenetic modifications on Toll-like receptor 3 expression Pharmacology 2016 [Details]
	(2015)	*European Congress of Immunology* Hennessy C, McKernan DP (2015) Epigenetic modifications regulate Toll-like receptor 3 expression in intestinal epithelial and monocytic cells European Congress of Immunology [Details]
	(2015)	*Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland* Feerick CL, McKernan DP (2015) NOD-Like Receptor Expression and Pro-Inflammatory Activity in Intestinal Epithelial and Monocytic cell lines can be altered by DNA Methylation Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland [Details]
	(2014)	*Pharmacology 2014* Hennessy, C., McKernan, D.P. (2014) Histone Deacetylase Complex Inhibitors and DNA Methylation Alters Toll Like Receptor 3 Expression In an Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line Pharmacology 2014 [Details]
	(2014)	*Pharmacology 2014* Clarke, M., Hennessy, C., McKernan, D.P. (2014) Investigation of the Role of DNA Methylation in Regulating Toll-Like Receptor Activity Pharmacology 2014 [Details]
	(2013)	*British Pharmacological Society* O'Connell, S. & McKernan, D.P. (2013) The Role of DNA Methylation in Toll-Like Receptor 3 Expression British Pharmacological Society [Details]
	(2013)	*Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland* O'Connell, S & McKernan D.P. (2013) The role of DNA methylation in TLR3 expression Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland [Details]
	(2013)	*British Pharmacological Society* Lynskey, T., O'Connell, S. & McKernan, D.P. (2013) Pharmacological Inhibition of DNA Methyltransferases alters Toll-Like Receptor Expression British Pharmacological Society [Details]
	(2013)	*British Pharmacological Society* Feerick, C.L. O'Connell, S. & McKernan D.P. (2013) The Role of DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors in the Regulation of NOD-like Receptor Expression and Activity in Monocytes British Pharmacological Society [Details]
	(2012)	*British Pharmacological Society* O'Leime C, McKernan DP (2012) Alteration of Toll-like receptor expression in a monocytic cell line following glucocorticoid treatment in two different cell culture conditions British Pharmacological Society [Details]
	(2011)	*Neuroscience Ireland* McKernan, DP,Dennison, U,Cryan, JF,Dinan, TG (2011) ALTERED TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR RESPONSES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIPOLAR DISORDER PATIENTS Neuroscience Ireland , pp.63-63 [Details]
	(2011)	*Digestive Disease Week* Clarke G, McKernan DP, Gaszner G,. Quigley EMM, Cryan JF, Dinan TG (2011) Increased Kynurenine Production Following Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) Activation: A Novel Role for TIr8 in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Digestive Disease Week [Details]
	(2010)	*Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society* McKernan DP, Gaszner G, Quigley EMM, Cryan JF, Dinan TG (2010) Enhanced immune activation in adulthood following childhood trauma: A role for Toll-like receptors Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society [Details]
	(2010)	*European College of Neuropsychopharmacology* Cryan JF, Bravo JA, Clarke G, Hyland NP, O’Malley D, O’Mahony S, Julio-Pieper M, McKernan DP, Tramullas M, Dinan TG (2010) Animal models of co-morbid depression and irritable bowel syndrome European College of Neuropsychopharmacology [Details]
	(2010)	*Neuroscience Ireland* McKernan, DP,Bongiovanni, C,Fitzgerald, P,Dinan, TG,Cryan, JF (2010) BIFIDOBACTERIUM INFANTIS 35624 REDUCES VISCERAL HYPERACTIVITY IN A RAT MODEL OF CHRONIC STRESS Neuroscience Ireland , pp.125-125 [Details]
	(2010)	*Digestive Disease Week* McKernan, D. (2010) Enhanced release of specific TLR-agonist mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Digestive Disease Week [Details]
	(2009)	*Digestive Disease Week* McKernan DP, Nolan A, Brink EK, O’Mahony SM, Hyland NP, Cryan JF & Dinan TG (2009) Toll-like receptor mRNA expression is selectively increased in the colonic mucosa of two animal models of chronic stress – Relevance to Irritable Bowel Syndrome Digestive Disease Week [Details]
	(2009)	*Neuroscience Ireland* McKernan DP, Fitzgerald P, Dinan TG & Cryan JF (2009) The Probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 Reduces Visceral Hypersensitivity in the rat Neuroscience Ireland [Details]
	(2008)	*Neuroscience Ireland* McKernan DP, O’Connor RM, Browne CA, Dinan TG, Cryan JF (2008) Genetic Influences on Hippocampal Susceptibility to Cell Death Following Immune Activation Neuroscience Ireland [Details]
	(2008)	*Society for Neuroscience* McKernan DP, O’Connor RM, Browne CA, Dinan TG, Cryan JF (2008) Genetic Influences on hippocampal susceptibility to cell death Society for Neuroscience [Details]
	(2008)	*International Symposium on Neuroimmunology* McKernan DP, O’Connor RM, Browne CA, Dinan TG, Cryan JF (2008) Genetic Influences on Hippocampal Susceptibility to Cell Death Following Immune Activation International Symposium on Neuroimmunology [Details]
	(2007)	*Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland* Guerin, M,McKernan, D,Donovan, M,O'Brien, C,Cotter, TG (2007) The Role of Calpains in Apoptosis of a Rat Retinal Ganglion Cells: Implications for Glaucoma Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland , pp.470-470 [Details]
	(2007)	*Keystone Symposia on Cell Death* McKernan, D. (2007) A critical role for Bim in retinal ganglion cell death Keystone Symposia on Cell Death [Details]
	(2006)	*Association for Researcg in Vision and Ophtalmology* McKernan DP, Cotter TG. (2006) A key role for BH3-only protein Bit in cell death in the retinal ganglion cell layer Association for Researcg in Vision and Ophtalmology [Details]
	(2006)	*Neuroscience Ireland* McKernan DP & Cotter TG (2006) A critical role for Bim in retinal ganglion cell death Neuroscience Ireland [Details]
	(2005)	*Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology* McKernan, D. (2005) Differential susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells to apoptosis in development and degeneration using in vitro explant cultures Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology [Details]

Published Reports

	Year	Publication
	(2018)	Total Diet Study 14-16: Assessment of dietary fluoride in adults and children in Ireland. Flynn, A; McKenna, B; Sammin, D; McNamara, E; Duffy, G; Saul, I; Keegan, J; Cashman, K; O'Sullivan, MB; Fenelon, M; O'Keeffe, M; Cullen, PJ; Barry Walsh, P; Parle, R; Anderson, W; Giles, J; Beechinor, G; Breen, A; Brown, F; Chambers, C; Cosgrove, C; Cummins, E; Danaher, M; Brunton, N, Duggan, E; Kerry, J; kinahan, I; Moriarty, J; McMorrow, T; McNulty, B; McGovern, E; O'Regan, F; Silke, J; Tlustos, C (2018) Total Diet Study 14-16: Assessment of dietary fluoride in adults and children in Ireland. Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Dublin. [Details]
	(2019)	FSAI Risk ranking model for chemical contaminants in food. Flynn, A; McKenna, B; Sammin, D; McNamara, E; Duffy, G; Saul, I; Keegan, J; Cashman, K; O'Sullivan, MB; Fenelon, M; O'Keeffe, M; Cullen, PJ; Barry Walsh, P; Parle, R; Anderson, W; Giles, J; Beechinor, G; Breen, A; Brown, F; Chambers, C; Cosgrove, C; Cummins, E; Danaher, M; Brunton, N, Duggan, E; Kerry, J; kinahan, I; Moriarty, J; McMorrow, T; McNulty, B; McGovern, E; O'Regan, F; Silke, J; Tlustos, C (2019) FSAI Risk ranking model for chemical contaminants in food. Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Dublin. [Details]
	(2020)	Risk management options related to the use of botanicals in food supplements. O'Keeffe, M; Beechinor, G; Breen, A; Brunton, N; Chambers, C; Cosgrove, C; Cummins, E; Danahaer, M; Duggan, E; Keegan, J; Kerry, J; kinahan, I; Moriarty, J; McMorrow, T; McNulty, B; Mcgovern, E; O'Regan, F; Silke, J; Tlustos, C (2020) Risk management options related to the use of botanicals in food supplements. Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Dublin. [Details]

Professional Associations

Association	Function	From / To
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics	Member	/
International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society	Member	/
British Pharmacological Society	Member	/
Neuroscience Ireland	Member	/
Irish Society of Toxicology	Member	/

Committees

Committee	Function	From / To
Academic Council Standing Committee	Member	01-FEB-19 / 31-DEC-21
Academic Council	Member	01-SEP-18 / 31-AUG-24
BSc Biomedical Science Programme Board	Member	01-MAY-14 / 31-AUG-23
College of Science Internationalization	Committe member	02-SEP-13 / 31-AUG-23
Food Safety Authority of Ireland Chemical Safety	Member	01-NOV-16 /
School of Medicine Research	Member	01-FEB-17 /
University Exam Security Group	Chair	01-MAY-17 / 01-SEP-22

Education

Year	Institution	Qualification	Subject
2003	University of Limerick	BSc (Hons)	Industrial Biochemistry
2007	University College Cork	PhD	Biochemistry
2013	NUI Galway	Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning	Teaching and Learning
2016	NUI Galway	Postgraduate Diploma	Academic Practice

Languages

	Language
	French
	Irish

Community Engagement

Title	Type	From / To
Outreach	Science Week Festival	01-MAR-14 /
Outreach	Uni4U	/
Outreach	Brain Awareness Week	01-NOV-14 /

Reviews

	Journal	Role
	Scientific Reports	Editoral Board
	Frontiers In Molecular Neuroscience	Editoral Board
	Biomolecules	Series Editor
	Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics	Reviewer
	Experimental And Molecular Pathology	Reviewer
	Behavioural Pharmacology	Reviewer
	Brain Behavior And Immunity	Reviewer
	Brain Research	Reviewer
	British Journal Of Pharmacology	Reviewer
	Cellular Immunology	Reviewer
	European Journal Of Pharmacology	Reviewer
	European Journal Of Neuroscence	Reviewer
	Experimental And Molecular Pathology	Reviewer
	Gut	Reviewer
	International Journal Of Molecular Sciences	Reviewer
	Journal Of Affective Disorders	Reviewer
	Journal Of Animal Science	Reviewer
	Journal Of Digestive Diseases	Reviewer
	Journal Of Neurochemistry	Reviewer
	Journal of Neuroinflammation	Reviewer
	Neuronal Signaling	Series Editor
	Neuropharmacology	Reviewer
	Neurotoxicity Research	Reviewer
	Nutritional Neuroscience	Reviewer
	Psychoneuroendocrinology	Reviewer
	Psychoneuroendocrinology	Reviewer
	Psychiatry Research	Reviewer
	Toxicology and applied pharmacology	Reviewer
	Translational Psychiatry	Reviewer
	World Journal Of Gastroenterology	Reviewer

Other Activities

	Description
	Grant Reviewer for MRC UK
	Internal PhD Examiner
	External PhD Examiner

Teaching Interests

Course director of MSc in Neuropharmacology, former course director of MSc in Toxicology

I also lecture a variety of topics in pharmacology and toxicology in all undergraduate years in science, in medicine and on taught MSc programmes.

Recent Postgraduate Students

Graduation	Name	Degree	Primary Supervisor
2014	Ms. Sarah O'Connell	Msc	Y
2017	Kiah McCabe	PhD
2017	Conor Hennessy	PhD	Y
2018	Laura Olsen	PhD	Y
2019	Claire Feerick	PhD	Y
2019	Catherine O'Donoghue	Masters Degree (M.Litt.)
2022	Rachel Kelly	PhD

Current Postgraduate Students (Research)

	Student	Degree Type	Type
	Saahithh Redddi Patlola	Doctorate - Structured Ph.D (Medicine)	Supervisor

Modules Taught

Term/Year	Module Title	Module Code	Subject / Desc
1	Introduction to Pharmacology	MD214	Drug discovery & Development
2	Applied Pharmacology	PM3101	Advanced Pharmacokinetics
1	Applied Concept in Pharmacology	PM209	Drug Discovery & Development
1	Drugs & Disease I	PM309	Cardiovascular Pharmacology
1	Introduction to Toxicology	PM311	Toxicokinetics & Target Organ Toxicity
1	Experimental methods in Pharmacology	PM5102	Lab practicals
2	Health & Disease	MD201	Antibacterial drugs
2	Molecular Pharmacology & Signalling	PM210	Molecular pharmacology & Antibacterial drugs. Lab practicals
2	Pharmacology in practice	PM3101	Advanced pharmacokinetics
2	Drugs & Disease	PM3103	Immunopharmacology
2	Advanced Technologies for Therapeutics	PM435	Gene delivery
2	Advanced Technologies for Therapeutics	PM435	Drug Delivery
2	Advanced Toxicology	PM436	Target Organ Toxicity

Internal Collaborators

	Name	Description of Collaboration
	Eilis Dowd
	Gary Donohoe

External Collaborators

	Name	Organisation / Institute	Country	Description of Collaboration
	Fredrik Almqvist	Umea University	SWEDEN

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Dr Declan Mc Kernan

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About University of Galway

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Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway

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Staff Profiles

Dr Declan Mc Kernan

Contact Details

Biography

Research Interests

Peer Reviewed Journals

Book Chapters

Conference Publications

Published Reports

Professional Associations

Committees

Education

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Community Engagement

Reviews

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Teaching Interests

Recent Postgraduate Students

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