Major Advisor(s):

Research Description:

In addition to mediating sexual maturation and reproduction through stimulation of classical intracellular receptors that bind DNA and regulate gene expression, estradiol is also thought to influence various brain functions by acting upon receptors localized to the neuronal membrane surface. Many intracellular signaling pathways and modulatory proteins are affected by estradiol via this unconventional route, including regulation of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB).
However, the mechanisms by which estradiol acts at the membrane surface are poorly understood. Because both estradiol and CREB have been implicated in regulating learning and memory, my dissertation research is aimed to characterize the effects of estradiol upon this transcription factor in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

The three main objectives of this thesis proposal are:

1. To characterize the effects of estradiol upon CREB phosphorylation

2. To better define the signaling pathway by which estradiol regulates CREB

3. To determine the mechanism by which estradiol mediates these responses

To date, we have found that estradiol both increases and decreases CREB activation, with directional changes dependent upon the absence or presence of additional neuronal stimuli. Furthermore, estradiol influences CREB through activation of two distinct signaling pathways, triggered by stimulation of group I and II metabotropic glutamate receptors. For the remainder of this project, we will focus on determining the mechanism by which estradiol activates metabotropic glutamate receptors.

Lab Rotations:

Courses Taken Beyond the Core Courses:

Conferences Attended and Presentations:

Conferences Attended:

Committee Members:

Selected Publications and Presentations:

Publications:

Home Town: