SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE
Grant: $463,779 - National Institutes of Health - Jun. 8, 2009
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Award Description: Neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) is an important aspect of CNS injury, disease and neurodegeneratlon. The CNS production of proinflammatory cytokines and other neuroimmune molecules is thought to playa role in cognitive, behavior and psychiatric changes that are associated with these conditions. The mechanisms through which neuroimmune factors affect CNS function are largely unexplored. Our studies provide insight into the actions of one neuroimmune factor that is a critical component of neuroinflammation in the CNS, the cytokine inter1eukin-6 (IL-6). Our studies identify the effects of IL-6 on hippocampal physiology under conditions that simulate chronic neuroinflammation such as occurs during persistent CNS infection and neurodegenerative disorders. We anticipate that IL-6 will alter the functional properties of hippocampal circuits and hippocampal synaptic plasticity, a cellular mechanism essential for memory and learning. Our studies will increase the understanding of the role of neuroimmune factors in CNS disease and injury and identify potential pathways for therapeutic intervention.
Project Description: As defined in Award Description field.
Infrastructure Description: NONE
Jobs Summary: The Recovery Act funded work enabled the PI, Dr. Donna Gruol, and Staff Scientist Dr. Tom Nelson to retain their jobs at the Scripps Research Institute. In addition, the Recovery Act funded work provided full time employment for recent collage graduate Alana Puro as a full time technician in the PI's lab and part-time employment for college student Christine Hao in the PI's lab. (Total jobs reported: 3)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Jun. 8, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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