CAREER: Neurosteriod Effects on Behavior

[9514463] Frye类固醇激素的经典作用机制是，激素通过质膜扩散，与胞质受体结合，并将其转运到细胞核，在细胞核中，受体/配体复合物诱导基因转录的变化，随后产生蛋白质。然而，已经观察到，与改变细胞中蛋白质合成所需的几个小时相比，这些激素的一些行为影响发生得相当快。因此，目前关于类固醇作用的理论包括这些激素发挥快速、非基因组效应的能力，可能涉及嵌入质膜的受体。弗莱博士的研究重点是类固醇激素对非基因组行为的影响。类固醇激素调节经典γ -氨基丁酸受体和生殖行为的能力的研究是这个项目的一个组成部分。此外，还将研究大脑产生的类固醇激素对行为的影响。类固醇的非基因组效应补充了这些激素启动和终止生殖行为的基因组效应，这一观点是独特的，将为大脑通讯机制的研究提供重要的新信息。此外，支持类固醇激素新颖的、非经典的作用的证据，对于生物学家研究这类生物在许多方面使用的基本分子的神经生物学和生理学将是重要的。除了在研究期间进行的新颖研究外，Frye博士还将参与对康涅狄格学院新项目发展至关重要的新颖教育活动。Frye博士活动的核心是开发神经科学和生物心理学的新课程，为本科生提供新颖的研究经验，以及开发新的外展活动。从教育和研究的角度来看，对这项研究和教育计划的支持将对未来几代神经内分泌学家和神经科学家的发展具有重要意义。

9514463 Frye The classical mechanism of action of steroid hormones is for the hormone to diffuse through the plasma membrane, bind to a cytosolic receptor which is translocated to the nucleus of the cell, where the receptor/ligand complex induces changes in gene transcription, and subsequently protein production. However, it has been observed that some behavioral effects of these hormones take place quite rapidly when compared to the hours required to change protein synthesis in a cell. As a result, the current theory of steroid action includes the ability of these hormones to exert rapid, non-genomic effects, possibly involving receptors imbedded in the plasma membrane. The investigations of Dr. Frye focus on the non-genomic behavioral effects of steroid hormones. A study of the ability of steroid hormones to modulate classical gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors and reproductive behavior is an integral part of this project. In addition, the behavioral effects of steroid hormones produced by the brain, will be undertaken. The notion that non-genomic effects of steroids complement genomic effects of these hormones to initiate and terminate reproductive behavior is unique and will provide essential new information in the study of the brain communication mechanisms. Additionally, the evidence supporting novel, non-classical effects of steroid hormones will be important for biologists investigating the neurobiology and physiology of this essential class of molecules that are used by organisms in many ways. In addition to the novel research to be undertaken during this research, Dr. Frye will also engage in novel educational activities crucial to the development of new programs at Connecticut College. The development of a new curriculum in neuroscience and biopsychology incorporating novel research experiences for undergraduate students is a centerpiece of Dr. Frye's activities, as well as developing new outreach activities. Support for this research an d education program will have great importance on the development of future generations of neuroendocrinologists and neuroscientists from both an educational and research perspective.