University of California, Los Angeles
Grant: $31,576 - National Institutes of Health - Jul. 24, 2009
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Award Description: Studies of Neurogenesis and Progenitor Responses During Neural Repair after Stroke
Project Description: Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. One potential mechanism of neural repair is post-stroke neurogenesis. In this process, newly born cells migrate from their germinal matrix, the subventricular zone, to areas of injury near the stroke center, termed the peri-infarct cortex. Studies on the parent RO1 for this supplement have identified a unique cellular environment in the peri-infarct cortex that supports post-stroke neurogenesis. In this environment newly born, immature neurons localize to angiogenic blood vessels, termed a neurovascular niche. The neurovascular niche in the brain in general, and after stroke, is highly sensitive to behavioral activity levels. Exercise, behavioral stimulation, and learning and memory functions stimulate angiogenesis and neurogenesis in normal animals and after stroke. This data suggests that treatments that specifically induce patterned behavioral or neuronal activity after stroke may stimulate the neurovascular niche to promote neurogenesis and recovery. We have explored the link between learning and memory systems and behavioral recovery after stroke and found that two drugs that promote learning and memory improve motor recovery in stroke. These drugs are part of an emerging class of pharmacological compounds termed 'cognitive enhancers . These two drugs act by reducing tonic GABAergic tone on pyramidal neurons, or by enhancing glutamatergic signaling. Because the central action of both of these drugs is to boost normal neuronal activity patterns within the brain, we hypothesize that these drugs are increasing the survival of newly born immature neurons after stroke, possibly through an angiogenic effect within the neurovascular niche. The studies in this supplement will fund a high school student and college undergraduate in summer fellowships to determine if these two drugs promote neurogenesis and angiogenesis in peri-infarct cortex after stroke. These studies will meet the goals of the RFA 'Recovery Act Funds.
Infrastructure Description: N/A.
Jobs Summary: UCLA is a world-class educational institution in the midst of an unprecedented financial crisis that threatens our mission to provide education, research and public service benefiting millions of people. ARRA funding to the University has enabled the creation and retention of jobs to support vital scientific research and training activities that would otherwise be severely constrained or eliminated through budget cuts. The type(s) of jobs created and retained by this ARRA-fund award includes: Scientific/Technical Professionals and Staff positions, such as Researchers, Post-Docs, Graduate Student Researchers, Project Managers and Statisticians. (Total jobs reported: 1)
Project Status: More than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Jul. 24, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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