This Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08) will allow me to build a career as a successful independent physician-scientist devoted to the study of migraine and other headache disorders. Drs. Russo and Hammond will be my mentors at The University of Iowa. My long-term career goal is to identify therapeutic targets to prevent the development of chronic migraine based on biological information gained from the study of animal models. My immediate goal is to identify the mechanisms of interaction between obesity and migraine that lead to the development of chronic migraine. The objective of this proposal is to test the concept that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) represents a biological link between obesity and migraine. CGRP plays an important role in migraine and possibly in obesity. Our central hypothesis is that obesity in mice increases CGRP production and activity in trigeminal pathways, which leads to enhanced pain and other phenotypic correlates of migraine. A set of 3 complementary, but independent, specific aims are proposed.
In Aim 1 we will use behavioral and immunohistochemical studies to establish the influence of obesity in the trigeminal nociceptive pathway, which is central in migraine pathophysiology.
In Aim 2 we will employ molecular biology techniques to determine the effect of obesity on CGRP levels and receptor activity.
In Aim 3 we will use a behavioral and pharmacological approach to assess whether obesity enhances migraine-like features of a transgenic mouse model of migraine. The results of these translational studies will provide fundamental knowledge necessary for future human studies. A better understanding of the interaction between obesity and migraine will have a significant impact in patient care. The objective of this proposal is highly relevant to the mission of the NINDS as it seeks to reduce the burden of migraine, a neurological disease with a prevalence of 12% in the general population worldwide. The identification of factors that contribute to the development of chronic migraine, and their mechanisms of action, will allow a preventive therapeutic approach. This will eventually lead to a lower prevalence of chronic migraine and a have a positive impact in our society. Public Health Relevance: Migraine is a common, disabling disorder that is aggravated by obesity. Both conditions represent serious public health problems worldwide, with a high cost to society. Understanding the way obesity and migraine interact is important to develop especific treatments to prevent the progression to chronic migraine. These studies will be the first to address the molecular basis of the association between obesity and migraine.
| Rossi, Heather L; Broadhurst, Kimberly A; Luu, Anthony S K et al. (2016) Abnormal trigeminal sensory processing in obese mice. Pain 157:235-46 |
| Rossi, Heather L; Lara, Orlando; Recober, Ana (2016) Female sex and obesity increase photophobic behavior in mice. Neuroscience 331:99-108 |
| Rossi, Heather L; Recober, Ana (2015) Photophobia in primary headaches. Headache 55:600-4 |
| Dindo, Lilian; Recober, Ana; Marchman, James et al. (2014) One-day behavioral intervention in depressed migraine patients: effects on headache. Headache 54:528-38 |
| Rossi, H L; Luu, A K S; DeVilbiss, J L et al. (2013) Obesity increases nociceptive activation of the trigeminal system. Eur J Pain 17:649-53 |
| Rossi, H L; Luu, A K S; Kothari, S D et al. (2013) Effects of diet-induced obesity on motivation and pain behavior in an operant assay. Neuroscience 235:87-95 |
| Hoffmann, Jan; Recober, Ana (2013) Migraine and triggers: post hoc ergo propter hoc? Curr Pain Headache Rep 17:370 |
| Kaiser, Eric A; Kuburas, Adisa; Recober, Ana et al. (2012) Modulation of CGRP-induced light aversion in wild-type mice by a 5-HT(1B/D) agonist. J Neurosci 32:15439-49 |
| Dindo, Lilian; Recober, Ana; Marchman, James N et al. (2012) One-day behavioral treatment for patients with comorbid depression and migraine: a pilot study. Behav Res Ther 50:537-43 |
| Recober, Ana; Goadsby, Peter J (2010) Calcitonin gene-related peptide: A molecular link between obesity and migraine? Drug News Perspect 23:112-7 |
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