Postdoctoral Program in Functional Neurogenomics

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The goal of this fourth renewal of our multidisciplinary postdoctoral Training Program in Functional Neurogenomics is to continue equipping new investigators with state-of-the-art skills required to link genetic or genomic alterations to normal behavior and/or its dysregulation in brain diseases. Behavior depends on appropriate expression and activity of numerous genes and proteins in the brain. Dysfunction of these processes due to inheritance of specific risk alleles or epigenetic alterations often causes brain disorders. Despite the efforts of numerous scientists, links between (epi)genetic variations, molecular and synaptic defects, and brain circuit abnormalities that underly most behavioral disorders remain poorly understood. To address these gaps in knowledge, neuroscientists need to be facile in both modern molecular genetic approaches using different model systems and cutting-edge molecular bioinformatics analyses. We propose to continue recruiting 2-3 postdoctoral fellows each year to 2-year appointments, building on our substantial success training 70 fellows during prior grant cycles, with almost all alumni in independent faculty positions or other successful research-related careers. Future trainees are anticipated to follow similar career paths, bolstered by a slightly larger pool of training preceptors offering an expanded range of state-of-the-art interdisciplinary technologies to our trainees. Our efforts continue to be supported by substantial institutional investments in the Vanderbilt Brain Institute and training faculty, advanced research core facilities with essential technological support, and innovative educational programs. As a result, trainees will enjoy an academically rich and rigorous environment, in which to gain expertise in a broad range of genetic model systems, translating human genetic findings into construct-valid models, in vivo manipulations of molecules, cells and circuits using advanced molecular genetic approaches, and in the epigenetic, physiological, and behavioral analysis of genetic manipulations. The Program Director, Roger J. Colbran, Ph.D., Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, has a long-standing research program investigating molecular mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity and behavior using multi-disciplinary approaches from biochemical structure-function studies to mouse genetics and behavior. The Associate Director, Lisa M. Monteggia, Ph.D., is a Professor of Pharmacology and the Director of the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, and has served on the Board of Scientific Councilors of the NIMH intramural program. Dr. Monteggia has made numerous contributions to understanding the role of BDNF and epigenetic regulation in normal brain function and Rett Syndrome, and continues to pioneer studies investigating the pathophysiology of depression and mechanisms of antidepressant action. The program leadership and the pool of training preceptors have a strong track record of mentoring the next generation of neuroscientists, thereby facilitating the establishment of enduring and productive research careers for their trainees.