Mentor/s:
Jorge D. Miranda, PhD
Co-Mentor:
N/A
Project Title:
Project Description:
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition resulting in systemic detrimental effects beyond the central nervous system (CNS). One critical consequence is the loss of gastrointestinal epithelial integrity, which causes disruption of the gut microbiome composition, resulting in a pro-inflammatory environment. To date, SCI remains without viable treatment for its patients. Following the injury, a cascade of complex molecular events occurs at the lesion site, creating a hostile environment that inhibits regeneration and cell survival. This non-permissive and complex environment warrants a multifaceted approach for the development of effective treatments. Tamoxifen (TAM), a selective estrogen modulator (SERM), has demonstrated neuroprotective and regenerative effects after SCI. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this role remain unclear. Given the systemic impact of SCI, we hypothesize that TAM exerts part of its neuroprotective effects via the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication pathway between the CNS and gastrointestinal system. We propose that TAM preserves gut barrier function and epithelium integrity, contributing to its improved outcomes after SCI. To investigate this, we will assess colon epithelial integrity using immunohistochemistry and H&E staining analysis in TAM and placebo treated rats. Through this analysis, we aim to find significant differences in the colon epithelium integrity of TAM-treated rats compared to placebo animals. Through these efforts, we aim to advance our understanding of TAM’s role in SCI recovery.