Assessing the Effects of Acute Pharmacological Modulation of SERCA on Mouse Behavior

Assessing the Effects of Acute Pharmacological Modulation of SERCA on Mouse Behavior

Presenter(s)

Aikaterini Britzolaki, Claire C. Cronin, Nikolas A. Destephano, Patrick Robert Flaherty, Lesli Elizabeth Freetage, Charles Edward Hauff, Ben Klocke, Riely Legiralde Rufo

Comments

This project reflects research conducted as part of a course project designed to give students experience in the research process. Course: BIO 415L

Description

Calcium (Ca2+) ions are potent regulators of cell fate, as they carry essential information for survival and function. Neuronal cells are no exception to this; Ca2+ is critical for neuronal cell function and survival and intrinsic Ca2+-cycling aberrations have a detrimental effect on cell fate, long-term potentiation (LTP), learning and memory. Subsequently, Ca2+-signaling dysregulation is associated with a wide range of debilitating neurological disorders, of which the underlying mechanisms are yet unclear. It is well established that Ca2+-distribution in the cell is regulated by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and that the major regulator of Ca2+ influx into the ER is the sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA). Indeed, comprehensive studies have associated SERCA dysregulation with severe brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and cerebral ischemia. Interestingly, SERCA activation has recently been proposed as potential therapeutic target to treat some of these debilitating disorders. Hence, in the current preliminary study, conducted in the context of the "Neurobiology Laboratory" course (BIO415L; Fall 2019), we assessed the acute pharmacological effects of a SERCA-modulating agent on mouse behavior by using well-established mouse paradigms.

Publication Date

4-22-2020

Project Designation

Course Project

Primary Advisor

Pothitos Pitychoutis

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium project, College of Arts and Sciences

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being

Assessing the Effects of Acute Pharmacological Modulation of SERCA on Mouse Behavior

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