Wyoming Sensory Biology COBRE

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Abstract The primary mission of the Sensory Biology COBRE (SBC) is to foster and conduct high-quality scientific research that advances our understanding of human sensory systems and disorders related to them. A major role of the Center is to support and mentor the development of junior investigators to pursue research in sensory system function and dysfunction. During Phase I, the SBC spearheaded transformative changes in the landscape of Sensory Biology Research. In addition to basic research related to the fundamental mechanisms of sensory processing and the role of the sensory system in social and cognitive behaviors, SBC labs also focused on translational research in mental health and psychiatric disorders. For the Phase II period, the SBC will continue to tackle the most critical public health issues relevant to the State of Wyoming for the 21st century, including aging and chronic diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/RD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), developmental disorders that affect communication and behavior in children (autism spectrum disorders, ASD), and recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI). The Phase II Center will support four initial project leaders who will study the key roles of novel circuits in neurological disorders: the role of the lateral parabrachial nucleus in sundowning associated with AD/RD; the role of the medial prefrontal cortex in ALS and AD/RD; the role of oxytocin neurons in the parvocellular nucleus in pro-social behavior and disruptions of social behavior in ASD; and the role of electrical signaling that drives inflammation and glia bridging in the recovery from SCI. SBC will enhance the research quality and output of the junior investigators by providing mentoring, collaboration, and training and by sharing resources and animal models. The successful execution of SBC’s Phase II goal will help propel the SBC into Phase III where SBC will become an independent, thriving, and sustainable Center of Excellence, comprised of over fifteen independently funded labs and a multi-disciplinary biomedical research program. To achieve this goal, we propose the following four specific aims for the Phase II period: Aim 1. Expand the research scope to tackle important health issues relevant to the State of Wyoming. Aim 2. Advance the Phase II center by providing more effective administrative oversight of the research, finance, mentoring, and evaluation activities. Aim 3. Enhance the operational efficiency and the long-term self-sustainability of the Core. Aim 4. Bolster the growth achieved during Phase I by leveraging Phase II financial resources to recruit new junior investigators and increase their integration into thematic programs. Support of Phase II is crucial to our efforts in building a sustainable research center in the State of Wyoming. The support of Phase II will garner the institutional support needed for the long-term self-sustainability of the Center post-IDeA funding.