Estrogenic modulation of neural circuits that control temperature

项目总结

PROJECT SUMMARY The Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research to “Estrogenic Modulation of Neural Circuits that Control Temperature” will support the doctoral research training and career development of the candidate in the laboratory of Dr. Stephanie Correa. Estrogen withdrawal at menopause is associated with a suite of metabolic, vascular, and neuroendocrine changes that impact health and quality of life. The most specific symptoms associated with menopause are vasomotor symptoms, which include hot flashes and night sweats. It is thought that vasomotor symptoms are caused by fluctuating estrogen levels at the time of the menopausal transition. However, it is unclear how these changes affect temperature regulation in the brain. Our published findings identify a thermoregulatory role for neurons that express estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) in the medial preoptic area (MPO) of the hypothalamus. We hypothesize that ERa signaling in the MPO modulates the activity of thermoregulatory neural circuits. The candidate’s dissertation research will determine the dynamics of estrogen responses and the transcriptional effects of estrogen signaling in thermoregulatory ERa+ neurons. The complementary training plan restructures the sequence of training activities required by the doctoral program and supplements these activities with formal coursework to suit the career objectives of the candidate. These tailored interventions will position the candidate to compete at the highest level and ultimately establish a career as an aging researcher at a top research institution.