Mentor/s:
Jennifer L. Barreto Estrada, Ph.D.
Project Title:
ERK expression in the BDNF signaling pathway in the extinction of morphine place preference
Project Description:
Opioid addiction has led to a significant rise in overdose deaths, highlighting the need for effective treatments and behavioral therapies. In past studies, forced-extinction of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) led to increased expression of the growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in the hippocampus (HPC) and ventral striatum/nucleus accumbens (VS/MAc) in female rats. This project examines the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the mesolimbic reward system after extinction training in female rats. ERK is involved in neuronal development and can be activated by BDNF in the intracellular signaling pathway. We aim to examine ERK and pERK expression across regions, including the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus.
Mentor/s:
Monica Santisteban, PhD
Project Title:
Impact of Angiotensin II on Tau Phosphorylation in vitro and Cognitive Function in vivo
Project Description:
Develop independent project testing whether Angiotensin II promotes Tau phosphorylation in vitro and cognitive decline in vivo.
