SNRP Program at UCC

UCC的SNRP-1项目主要围绕三个研究主题：去甲肾上腺素对可卡因致敏的调节，尼古丁和烟草类膜的神经保护作用，以及类膜对尼古丁受体的作用机制。天然产品核心提供烟草和海洋类膜，已知的和新的。每个项目都与来自研究密集型机构的合作者合作完成：加州大学洛杉矶分校，康奈尔大学（伊萨卡）和Vollum研究所（OHSU）。SNRP-1从1999年10月开始得到资助。在第三年向NIH提交了四份RO1提案，其中三份目前正在重新提交过程中。39篇论文在同行评议期刊上发表。在报告的科学发现中，我们想提到以下几点：

The SNRP-1 Program at UCC is centered around three research topics: norepinephrine modulation of sensitization to cocaine, neuroprotection by nicotine and tobacco cembranoids, and cembranoid mechanism of action on nicotinic receptors. A Natural Products Core provides tobacco and marine cembranoids, both known and new. Each project is performed in collaboration with a collaborator from a research-intensive institution: UCLA, Cornell U. (Ithaca) and Vollum Institute (OHSU). SNRP-1 was funded since October 1999. Four RO1 proposals were presented to the NIH during the third year, three of which are now in the process of re-submission. Thirty nine manuscripts were published in 3eer-reviewed journals. Among the scientific discoveries reported, we would like to mention the following: ¿ Noradrenergic transmission through alpha-2 receptors mediates some of the inhibitory effects of cocaine in the prefrontal cortex. ¿ Both nicotine and tobacco cembranoids protect the hippocampal slice from NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, but the signal transduction pathways are different. ¿ Cembranoids are nicotinic antagonists whose inhibitoryaction can be released by certain cocaine derivatives. We now propose to continue this successful program for a second cycle of five years. Three new scientists will address the issues of oxidative damage in Huntigton disease, direct effects of thyroid hormones on the nAChR and on synapse remodelling, and modulation of potassium channels by spermine. Collaborators are from Washington University and UCLA. Program activities include seminars, courses, travel, etc. A transition plan from SNRP-1 to RO1 funding, is proposed for the present investigators. A plan to attract Puerto Rican Ph.D.'s to postdoctoral positions with SNRP scientists at UCC is also presented.