CRH dysregulation of brainstem autonomic circuits increases SUDEP risk

Tufts University Boston, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY This Diversity Supplement will support Emanuel Coleman to further his technical and career development training to prepare to apply for a Ph.D. program in Neuroscience. Building on his previous research experience investigating the behavioral sequelae of early life stress and his interest in neurological disorders, he will conduct research related, but not overlapping with the parent grant which seeks to investigate the impact of chronic stress on epilepsy outcomes. Manny’s project will investigate the impact of early life stress on epilepsy outcomes, strengthening the overall goals of the parent application while providing Manny with an independent research experience and career development training. This project will also examine whether early life stress alters the frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures in the intrahippocampal kainate model of chronic epilepsy. He will evaluate whether early life stress increases vulnerability to psychiatric comorbities in epilepsy and/or SUDEP risk. He will gain training in in vivo electrophysiological methods, surgical techniques, and behavioral assessments. In addition, he will participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, Departmental seminars, and participate in career development training alongside the Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences program. In addition, the parent grant involves a collaboration with Dr. Carie Boychuk’s lab at UTHSA. Under this Diversity Supplement, Manny will have the opportunity to visit Dr. Boychuk’s lab and gain knowledge regarding the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and the impact of stress on this system (see letter attached). This is a technically feasible and conceptually innovative project which will expand Manny’s technical skills and prepare him for the next steps in his graduate career.