The SNRP-1 Program at UCC is centered around three research topics: norepinephrine modulation of sensitization to cocaine, neuroprotection by nicotine and tobacco cembranoids, and cembranoid mechanism of action on nicotinic receptors. A Natural Products Core provides tobacco and marine cembranoids, both known and new. Each project is performed in collaboration with a collaborator from a research-intensive institution: UCLA, Cornell U. (Ithaca) and the Vollum Institute (OHSU). SNRP-1 was funded since October 1999. Four RO1 proposals were presented to the NIH during the third year, three of which are now in the process of re-submission. Thirty nine manuscripts were published in peer-reviewed journals. Among the scientific discoveries reported, we would like to mention the following: 1) Noradrenergic transmission through alpha-2 receptors mediates some of the inhibitory effects of cocaine in the prefrontal cortex. 2) Both nicotine and tobacco cembranoids protect the hippocampal slice from NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, but the signal transduction pathways are different. 3) Cembranoids are nicotinic antagonists whose inhibitory action can be released by certain cocaine derivatives. We now propose to continue this successful program for a second cycle of five years. Three new scientists will address the issues of oxidative damage in Huntington disease, direct effects of thyroid hormones on the nAChR and on synapse remodelling, and modulation of potassium channels by spermine. Collaborators are from Washington University and UCLA. Program activities include seminars, courses, travel, etc. A transition plan from SNRP-1 to RO1 funding, is proposed for the present investigators. A plan to attract Puerto Rican Ph.Ds to postdoctoral positions with SNRP scientists at UCC is also presented.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Specialized Center--Cooperative Agreements (U54)
Project #
3U54NS039408-10S3
Application #
8150226
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZNS1-SRB-H (16))
Program Officer
Ferrell, Courtney
Project Start
1999-09-30
Project End
2013-08-31
Budget Start
2009-09-01
Budget End
2013-08-31
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$1,060,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Universidad Central Del Caribe
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
090534694
City
Bayamon
State
PR
Country
United States
Zip Code
00960
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Rodriguez-Mercado, Rafael; Ford, Gregory D; Xu, Zhenfeng et al. (2012) Acute neuronal injury and blood genomic profiles in a nonhuman primate model for ischemic stroke. Comp Med 62:427-38
Martins, Antonio H; Alves, Janaina M; Perez, Dinely et al. (2012) Kinin-B2 receptor mediated neuroprotection after NMDA excitotoxicity is reversed in the presence of kinin-B1 receptor agonists. PLoS One 7:e30755
Long, Rong; Hui, Chung-Yuen; Jagota, Anand et al. (2012) Adhesion energy can regulate vesicle fusion and stabilize partially fused states. J R Soc Interface 9:1555-67

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