Neuroendocrinology and Neuroimmunology Program
Overview
The Neuroendocrinology Program supports basic neuroscience research to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms whereby hormones and hormone receptors modulate signaling within brain circuits relevant to mood, cognition, and motivation. This includes studies of hypothalamic hormones, neurosteroids, corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, and gonadal steroids acting through nuclear and membrane receptors in brain and the role of nuclear accessory proteins as mediators of these responses in the intact central nervous system and in models of brain hormone action. The Neuroimmunology Program supports research aimed at identifying mechanisms whereby immune cells, cytokines, and chemokines affect basic neurobiological processes as well as behaviors related to cognition and mood. This includes studies of molecular and cellular neural signaling, glial-neural interactions, neurodevelopment, and behavioral endpoints relevant to mood, cognition, and motivation.
Areas of Emphasis
- Developing novel approaches to elucidate the neurobiological and behavioral consequences of hormonal shifts during life transitions - including adolescence, pregnancy, and postpartum.
- Developing novel tools for neuroendocrine studies including gene trapping, receptor ligands, conditional mutagenesis, and improved cellular and molecular markers.
- Identifying the genetic and cellular mechanisms by which nuclear hormone receptors and accessory proteins regulate signaling in the intact CNS and in cellular models of brain hormone action.
- Understanding mechanisms by which brain and peripheral immune mediators affect brain signaling, synaptic plasticity, cognition, and mood across the lifespan.
- Developing neuroimaging and other research tools for studying cytokine effects within brain regions implicated in mood and cognition.
Contact
Nancy L Desmond, Ph.D.
Program Chief
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7197, MSC 9645
301-443-3107, ndesmond@nih.gov
