The overall goal of this research proposal is to understand the mechanism(s) by which estrogen affords neuroprotection within the hippocampus. The specific goal of this proposal focuses on the signaling intermediate Akt kinase, as Akt activation participates in neuronal survival and regulates other downstream neuronal survival markers such as CREB and Bcl-2. Preliminary data for this proposal indicates that estrogen can induce Akt activation and Bcl-2 mRNA production in a model of hippocampal neurons in vitro. Briefly, the Specific Aims of this Proposal are: (1) fully characterize this observed estrogen-mediated Akt activation in the hippocampus, (2) determine if estrogen activation of Akt precedes and potentially modulates an observed CREB activation, (c) determine if observed estrogen-stimulated Bcl-2 gene expression is associated with Akt activation in the hippocampus, and (4) determine if estrogen-enhanced neuronal survival to NMDA challenge is mediated by Akt.
These Aims will characterize estrogen-initiated events which participate and potentially activate neuronal survival, form a molecular level to the hippocampus in vivo. This Proposal, therefore, is the logical extension from my prior graduate training to my current postdoctoral research position at Rockefeller University, where resident neuroanatomic expertise and animal facilities can provide for the investigations of complex, structural and functional analyses of the hippocampus in animal models.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32MH012977-01
Application #
6294589
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-1 (02))
Program Officer
Goldschmidts, Walter L
Project Start
2001-09-30
Project End
Budget Start
2001-09-30
Budget End
2002-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$34,832
Indirect Cost
Name
Rockefeller University
Department
Neurology
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
071037113
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10065