PI. Dr. Ctiung is an assistant professor with in depth knowledge about the role of steroid hormones, steroid receptors and growth factors during brain development. His past research was focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved ih the sexual differentiation ofthe brain. His immediate goal is to enact his independent translational research program studying steroid hormone-dependent growth factor expression underlying CNS morphogenesis as outlined in the ROO section of this proposal. These studies are based on the overall hypothesis: Testosterone regulates the development ofthe neuroendocrine brain via the induction of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 8/FGF receptor signaling. These studies examine how testosterone regulates FGF8/FGF receptor expression in the embryonic brain, and investigate the consequences of FGFS deficiency on neuroendocrine brain morphogenesis and function. Examination of this hypothesis will result in new insights about how the embryonic neuroendocrine brain is organized in a testosterone-dependent fashion. Career development plan. Dr Chung's activities will focus on: 1) acquiring new research techniques associated with this proposal, 2) attend structured forums designed to promote periodic interactions with his collaborators and disseminate his research data at local and national scientific meetings, 3) mentor and train undergraduate, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in performing independent research projects. Environment. The research environment at Kent State University for these activities is well-suited. The department of Biological Sciences has provided research facilities and guaranteed start-up funding. Furthermore, Dr. Chung is allowed to spend 75% of his time in order to establish his research program.

Public Health Relevance

; Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling has been implicated in the Kallmann syndrome, a human disease characterized by hypogonadotropic and hypogonadism associated with anosmia. Therefore, novel insights in how FGF expression is regulated by testosterone, may heip us better understand the mechanisms involved in the onset of Kallmann syndrome.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Transition Award (R00)
Project #
4R00HD058044-03
Application #
8248352
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Program Officer
Winer, Karen
Project Start
2009-09-01
Project End
2014-03-31
Budget Start
2011-04-10
Budget End
2012-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$249,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Kent State University at Kent
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
041071101
City
Kent
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
44242
Linscott, Megan L; Chung, Wilson C J (2016) Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 Expression in GT1-7 GnRH-Secreting Neurons Is Androgen-Independent, but Can Be Upregulated by the Inhibition of DNA Methyltransferases. Front Cell Dev Biol 4:34
Stewart, Courtney E; Corella, Kristina M; Samberg, Brittany D et al. (2016) Perinatal midline astrocyte development is impaired in fibroblast growth factor 8 hypomorphic mice. Brain Res 1646:287-296
Rodriguez, Karla M; Stevenson, Erica L; Stewart, Courtney E et al. (2015) Fibroblast growth factor 8 regulates postnatal development of paraventricular nucleus neuroendocrine cells. Behav Brain Funct 11:34
Chung, Wilson C J; Auger, Anthony P (2013) Gender differences in neurodevelopment and epigenetics. Pflugers Arch 465:573-84
Rao, Yathindar S; Mott, Natasha N; Wang, Yanru et al. (2013) MicroRNAs in the aging female brain: a putative mechanism for age-specific estrogen effects. Endocrinology 154:2795-806
Stevenson, Erica L; Corella, Kristina M; Chung, Wilson C J (2013) Ontogenesis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons: a model for hypothalamic neuroendocrine cell development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 4:89
Rochester, Johanna R; Chung, Wilson C J; Hayes, Tyrone B et al. (2012) Opposite-sex housing reactivates the declining GnRH system in aged transgenic male mice with FGF signaling deficiency. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 303:E1428-39
Brooks, Leah R; Le, Carter Duyet V; Chung, Wilson C et al. (2012) Maternal behavior in transgenic mice with reduced fibroblast growth factor receptor function in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Behav Brain Funct 8:47
Tata, Brooke K; Chung, Wilson C J; Brooks, Leah R et al. (2012) Fibroblast growth factor signaling deficiencies impact female reproduction and kisspeptin neurons in mice. Biol Reprod 86:119