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Current Postdoctoral Trainees

Dawn Belt Davis (Faculty Mentor - Alan Attie, Biochemsitry)
“Investigating genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in mouse models”
Dr. Davis is conducting research with the belief that efforts to target the expansion of beta cells could be effective therapeutic interventions for type 2 diabeters. Specifically, I will be studying the role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in beta cell proliferation. We have shown that adenovirus-mediated expression of CCK in isolated pancreatic islets from both human and mouse leads to a strong induction of beta cell proliferation. This is a novel action for this hormone, which was classically described to play a role in pancreatic exocrine function and gall bladder contraction, as well as promoting satiety through its hypothalamic expression. We have shown that CCK mRNA is highly upregulated in the beta cells of obese mice, at a time when these cells are known to be proliferating in response to the increased insulin resistance of obesity. Our ongoing work aims to elucidate the exact mechanism by which CCK induces proliferation. We have already demonstrated that this effect occurs independently of the two known CCK receptors, and therefore we will work to determine whether there is a novel receptor involved or the action is occurring intracellularly via a receptor-independent mechanism. We have also designed experiments to identify the specific portion of the pro-CCK peptide that is responsible for this action. Ultimately, this could lead to a novel therapy whereby administration of a CCK peptide would stimulate beta cell proliferation in vivo.

Emily Theil Farrell (Faculty Mentor - Richard Eisenstein, Nutritional Sciences)
“Structure/Function of Iron Responsive Elements in the Regulation of mRNA translation”
Dr. Farrell is working on optimizing a cell culture system in order to test the structure-function relationship of iron responsive elements (IREs). IREs are RNA stem-loop structures located in either the 3’ or 5’ untranslated regions (UTRs) of some mRNA sequences, those whose encoded proteins are involved in iron metabolism and regulation. Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) are cytosolic proteins that bind to IREs in an iron-dependent manner. Binding of IRP to IRE either decreases translation of the IRE-containing protein (5’ IRE) or increases the stability of the mRNA (3’ IRE). In this way, translation/stability of proteins involved in iron metabolism is regulated by the current iron status of the cell. Minor changes in the sequence or structure of an IRE can drastically alter its ability to bind IRP, causing deregulation of iron-dependent mRNA translation/stability and possibly disregulation of iron metabolism.

Scott Gehler (Faculty Mentor - Patricia Keely, Pharmacology)
“Neurotrophin signaling in breast cancer”
Dr. Gehler is studying age-associated changes in gene expression and cell signaling and its correlation with an increased risk of breast cancer. The focus of his research is to provide insight into how breast cancer cells switch to an invasive carcinoma resulting in enhanced cell migration and invasion.  Using three-dimensional collagen gels as a model system, his lab hopes to determine if NGF is an important regulator for ductal morphogenesis of breast epithelial cells.

Thomas Tubon (Faculty Mentor - Jerry C.P. Yin, Genetics and Psychiatry)
“CREB-dependent gene expression and signaling in aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction”
Dr. Tubon is investigating the role of Cyclic AMP-Response Element Binding Protein (CREB) in the mitochondrial dysfunctions related to neurological diseases and aging.  Currently he is determining the effect of modulating the steady-state levels of CREB proteins on cellular functioning.  This research may advance our understanding of molecular and organismal aging processes and the pathogenesis of mitochondria-associated neurological disorders.

Current Predoctoral Trainees

Jamie Elliott (Faculty Mentor - Jerry C.P. Yin, Genetics)
“Deletion of Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding Protein (CREB) Results in an Age-Associated Decrease in Mitochondrial Function”
Jamie Elliott is investigating the role of Cyclic AMP-Response Element Binding Protein (CREB) in the mitochondrial dysfunctions related to neurological diseases and aging. Currently he is determining the effect of modulating the steady-state levels of CREB proteins on cellular functioning. This research may advance our understanding of molecular and organismal aging processes and the pathogenesis of mitochondria-associated neurological disorders. She also plans to investigate the relationship between sleep disturbance and mitochondrial function decline.

Antonio Hernandez (Faculty Mentor - Darryl Thelen, Mechanical Engineering)
“Mechatronic therapy for stroke patients”
Antonio Hernández is employing electrical stimulation to alter the patterns of muscle activity during walking with the purpose of applying this information to the study of hemiparetic gait following stroke.  In the first phase of his research, Antonio implemented an electrical stimulation protocol in healthy patients and used it to validate the muscle-induced motion predictions of a dynamic model of the lower extremity.

Donald McLaren (Faculty Menton - Sterling Johnson, Medicine)
"Emotional Contributions to Cognitive Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease"
Donald McLaren is applying advanced multi-modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to develop an informed view of how neurodegeneration gives rise to the symptom picture of AD. Using functional MRI, Donald plans to investigate the role the amygdala plays in appraisal and how it modulates memory in individuals with risk-factors for AD. Using advanced methods in structural imaging, Donald also plans to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal anatomical changes in individuals with different combinations of risk factors for AD.