Extracellular Potassium and Astrocytic Kir4.1 Modulate Interneuron Activity in the Cerebral Cortex

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PROJECT SUMMARY This application is for a diversity supplement to the R01 NS127819-01 “EXTRACELLULAR POTASSIUM AND ASTROCYTIC KIR4.1 MODULATE INTERNEURON ACTIVTY IN THE CEREBRAL CORTEX” of Dr. Moritz Armbruster at Tufts University. The candidate is Reyna Gariepy, a pre-doctoral student in the lab of Dr. Armbruster. Reyna will take tools currently in use in the lab and use them to pursue her interests to investigate how GABA dynamics are shaped by astrocytes. Reyna qualifies as a diversity candidate as a Latina, first generation college student, and her economically disadvantaged background. Therefore, she is a member of multiple underrepresented groups. This supplement will fund Reyna for 3 years of her graduate thesis work. Funding for Y3 will be contingent on submission of an NRSA application during Y2. During this time Reyna will receive training in cellular neuroscience, glial biology, epilepsy and more. She will gain expertise in biochemical assays, astrocytes and neuronal electrophysiology, iGABASnFR imaging, and data and statistical analysis. This training will guide her towards an NRSA application and future as a leader in neuroscience research. Ms. Gariepy is devoted to academic research with a focus on epileptogenesis. Dr. Armbruster, is a junior research faculty in the Neuroscience Department at Tufts University who has extensive experience in astrocyte-neuron interactions and utilizing live-cell imaging approaches. To increase Reyna’s opportunities for development, we have included Dr. Chris Dulla as a senior mentor. Dr. Dulla has a great track record of mentorship, including the 2018 Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship. The project laid out here will give Ms. Gariepy excellent and rigorous training in GABA neurotransmission, neuron/glial interactions, and cutting- edge imaging modalities. Dr. Armbruster, and Ms. Gariepy have developed a structured, rigorous, and customized mentorship and training plan. The funding offered through this supplement will give Reyna a clear path toward an exciting future as an up and coming researcher in the field of epilepsy and GABA neurotransmission. The activities laid out and the enrichment opportunities will be critical to Ms. Gariepy’s development and future as a successful independent investigator.