RUI: Non-Genomic Metabotropic Effects of Thyroid Hormone in Adult Rat Brain

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Thyroid hormones have profound effects on growth and development of many cell types (including brain cells) and also regulate the basal metabolic rate and other functions of adult tissues. The actions of thyroid hormones in brain were believed to be limited to effects on gene expression during the early developmental period, but new evidence has shown that the hormones can influence the adult brain. Biochemical and molecular approaches are used to study the mechanism of actions of thyroid hormone in adult central nervous system. Using a synaptosomal preparation of brain tissue without cell nuclei, the details of regulation of protein phosphorylation by thyroid hormones will be examined. The research will increase the understanding of a novel mechanism of action of thyroid hormones in adult brain. The significance of the findings will extend beyond the field of neuroendocrinology to add to the general comprehension of cell signaling pathways in cell biology. The project also offers undergraduates opportunities for neuroendocrinology research training in a laboratory that has an excellent history of such education.