T32 Feature: Integrated Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience
Integrated Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience
Principle Investigator: Dr. David Morilak
Funding Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The GSBS would like to acknowledge and celebrate the students who were appointed to the Integrated Graduate Training Program In Neuroscience T32 Grant for the 2024-2025 Academic year. This achievement is a testament to their dedication, hardwork, and commitment to neuroscience research.
The Integrated Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio provides training in many areas of expertise from molecular to behavioral neuroscience, in a biomedical research environment that fosters a unique exposure to clinical and translational neuroscience. This is an early-stage predoctoral training program that funds students in their second year of study. During that time, and continuing throughout their doctoral training, we provide a program of coursework, mentored laboratory research, and professional enrichment activities tailored to the individual interests and needs of our students, with a history of successful outcomes, with particular success training motivated and talented students from under-represented populations, and sustaining our programs competitiveness on a national scale. Now entering its 12th year, the continued funding of this training grant will enhance the growth and development of our program moving forward, and amplify our ability to prepare our students for meaningful, impactful and gratifying careers as neuroscientists, ready to meet the most complex challenges and opportunities in our field.
2024-2025 Predoctoral Graduate Trainees
Teniade Adetona
Mentor: Dr. Kevin Bieniek
Program: IBMS, Neuroscience Discipline
Research Topic: Microglia, the brain’s primary immune cells, play a crucial role in maintaining overall brain health, particularly in response to neuronal injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Interestingly, microglia exhibit different functions depending on the disease context. Since TBI is a major risk factor for the development of neurodegeneration, our research investigates the connection between TBI and microglial dysfunction, as well as whether modulating microglial activity can help prevent long-term brain damage.
Karina Cantu
Mentor: Dr. Georgianna Gould
Program: IBMS, Physiology and Pharmacology Discipline
Research Topic: Autism spectrum disorder affects over 75 million people worldwide, yet there are no therapeutics available to address one of its core symptoms—social interaction deficits. My lab is dedicated to identifying novel therapeutics or nutraceuticals that could alleviate these deficits, particularly in mouse models with impaired social behavior. Our research focuses on understanding the role of serotonin and other excitatory biogenic amines in the development and regulation of social behaviors, with a special emphasis on exploring autism’s underlying causes and potential treatments.
Kayla Lilly
Mentor: Dr. Daniel Lodge
Program: IBMS, Neuroscience Discipline
Research Topic: Perimenopause, the transitional period leading to menopause, is a period of increased risk for developing a psychiatric disorder or experiencing exacerbated symptoms of a pre-existing disorder. My research focuses on understanding the neurocircuitry contributing to these conditions with a particular focus on the dopamine system, which is important for mood regulation, cognitive performance, motivation, and reward. We have previously demonstrated hippocampal hyperactivity and secondary aberrant dopamine system function in the 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) rat model of perimenopause. This model induces progressive loss of ovarian follicles and corresponding hormonal changes that resemble the hallmarks of perimenopause in women. Utilizing this translationally relevant model, we aim to explore hippocampal regulation of dopamine system function to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms during perimenopause.
Nicole Marion
Mentor: Dr. Naomi Sayre
Program: IBMS, Neuroscience Discipline
Research Topic: Adult neurogenesis involves the generation of newborn neurons during adulthood. Within the hippocampus, the adult neurogenesis is integral for learning, memory, and mood regulation. However, the mechanisms connecting defects in adult neurogenesis to disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain poorly understood. Our laboratory has identified low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) as a novel modulator of adult neurogenesis. Our current objective is to investigate whether LRP1 in adult neural stem cells contributes to the development of psychiatric disorders by examining depressive-like, PTSD-like, and other psychiatric symptoms in our mouse models, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms.
Bria Moore
Mentor: Dr. Jason O’Connor
Program: IBMS, Neuroscience Discipline
Research Topic: My research is centered around understanding how the kynurenine metabolic network is regulated between the brain and periphery. Specifically, I focus on the intricate mechanisms that govern the communication and coordination of metabolic processes between these two crucial compartments. Additionally, my focus extends to identifying which kynurenine metabolites affect behavioral changes. I aim to explore how specific metabolites impact behavior and cognitive function.
Gorana Puzovic
Mentor: Dr. Greg Collins
Program: IBMS, Neuroscience Discipline
Research Topic: Fentanyl adulterated with xylazine has recently emerged as a serious threat to public health as their co-use is associated with necrotic skin lesions, poorer treatment outcomes, and high rates of overdose. My project has four main goals: 1) characterize the receptors mediating the cardiovascular (heart rate, blood pressure) and respiratory (breath rate, blood oxygenation) effects of fentanyl and xylazine when administered individually; 2) determine the nature of the interactions (e.g., synergism) between fentanyl and xylazine when they are administered in combination; 3) assess the effectiveness of naloxone and atipamezole, administered alone and in combination, at reversing the cardiorespiratory effects of fentanyl+xylazine; and 4) compare the withdrawal syndromes that emerge following extended access self-administration of fentanyl and mixtures of fentanyl+xylazine. This research will provide critical insights into the pharmacological mechanisms underlying fentanyl-xylazine co-use and inform therapeutic strategies for addressing overdose and withdrawal in individuals suffering from polysubstance use.