This proposal will examine the mechanism involved in the activation of CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta, C/EBPb, and its potential pro-apoptotic activity in the central nervous system (CNS). C/EBPb is a transcription factor expressed in many cell types, including neurons. Although substantial evidence suggests multiple roles for C/EBPb in non-neural cells, there is little information regarding its role or regulation in the CNS. However, our recent work demonstrates a connection between nuclear C/EBPb levels and survival of cerebellar granule neurons. In growth factor and L-type calcium channel-induced survival, nuclear levels are low, but in the absence of growth factor support or in NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxic death, nuclear levels rise via rapid import from the cytoplasm; reducing nuclear levels with specific antisense oligonucleotides strongly promotes survival. Conversely, recent studies using hippocampal neurons have linked C/EBPb expression to the consolidation of long-term memory. Together, the data suggest that C/EBPb may play an important role(s) in the CNS, but leave unanswered both the generality of C/EBPb -dependent regulation and the specifics of the mechanism. Here, we will determine: 1) How are nuclear C/EBPb levels regulated? 2) The role of NMDA receptors in regulating C/EBPb translocation in hippocampal neurons, and 3) Is C/EBPb involved in hypo- and hyperglycemic-induced death of central neurons? Together, the proposed experiments will significantly advance our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate neuronal death and survival in the CNS.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Individual Predoctoral NRSA for M.D./Ph.D. Fellowships (ADAMHA) (F30)
Project #
5F30NS046179-02
Application #
6805000
Study Section
NST-2 Subcommittee (NST)
Program Officer
Mamounas, Laura
Project Start
2003-09-15
Project End
2009-09-14
Budget Start
2004-09-15
Budget End
2005-09-14
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$41,807
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009214214
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305