Undergraduate Institution and Major/Degree:

• University of Minnesota, BS, Neuroscience, 2003

Major Advisor(s):

• Paul Mermelstein, Ph.D.
• Lance Zirpel, Ph.D.

Research Description:

The Zirpel lab aims to describe what characteristics define neurons that are within a critical period versus beyond a critical period of development.  Specifically, auditory neurons depend on activity for survival during a critical period early in their development.  Our goal is to determine what is unique about neurons during the critical period that allow for their susceptibility to death upon removal of afferent activity or deafferentation.  The first aim of my thesis is to describe how the transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells) plays a role in deafferentation-induced death of auditory neurons during this critical period.

In the Mermelstein lab I am interested in plasma membrane localized estrogen receptors.  Specifically, what are the mechanisms responsible for membrane localization of estrogen receptors?  Currently, I am studying a palmitoylation-dependent mechanism that affects the interaction between estrogen receptors and caveolin proteins. 

Lab Rotations:

• Paul Mermelstein
• Lorene Lanier
• Lance Zirpel

Courses Taken Beyond the Core Courses:

• Neural Substrates of Mental Processes PSY 8060
• Stat Analysis STAT 5021
• Molecular Genetics GCD 4034
• Advanced Human Genetics GCD 8073

Conferences Attended:

• Society for Neuroscience presentations (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)

Publications:

Abstracts:

• J.I.Luoma, M.I.Boulware.  PALMITOYLATION DEPENDENCE IN ESTROGEN RECEPTOR ALPHA FUNCTION AND MEMBRANE LOCALIZATION  Key Largo, FL: Steroid Hormones and Brain Function, 2008.

• J.I.Luoma and L. Zirpel.  DEAFFERENTATION INDUCED DEATH OF COCHLEAR NUCLEUS NEURONS VIA NFATC4 MEDIATED REGULATION OF FASL EXPRESSION Program No.133.13. 2007 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2007. Online
  

• J.I.Luoma, B.L. Conway, L. Zirpel. NFAT ACTIVATION IN AVCN NEURONS DURING A DEVELOPMENTAL CRITICAL PERIOD Program No.520.9. 2006 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2006. Online.

• J.I. Luoma, L. Zirpel. EXPRESSION OF BDNF AND TRKB FOLLOWING DEAFFERENTATION OF COCHLEAR NUCLEUS NEURONS DURING A DEVELOPMENTAL CRITICAL PERIOD Program No. 604.12.  2005 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2005. Online.

• J.I. Luoma, L. Zirpel. CREB-MEDIATED EXPRESSION OF BCL-2 IN ACTIVITY-DEPRIVED AVCN NEURONS Program No. 947.9. 2004 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.

Professional Memberships:

• Society for Neuroscience

Home Town:

• Eagan, MN