The regulation of cell metabolism is a complex process, occurring at different levels during development. Important metabolic enzymes, such as ketone bodies enzymes, are differentially expressed in other cells from brain. During development, ketone bodies are an important source of energy for metabolism and serve as precursors for lipid synthesis in brain. The Principal investigator is interested in how glucocorticoids, steroid hormones, stimulate the activity of a ketone body metabolizing enzyme, 3-ketoacid CoA transferase. This research project will investigate how glucocorticoid hormones influence the metabolic activity of oligodentrocytes, specialized glial cells which form myelin sheaths, the insulating layer surrounding axons. Experiments using cultures of oligodentrocytes will be used to study the various steps in the synthesis of coenzyme A transferase. Studies will be performed to determine the effect of glucocorticoids on the transcription of gene coding for this enzyme. As the myelin sheath assures integrity of transmission in the nervous system, this research has far reaching implications for neurobiology.
