Current projects receiving NIH funding (but not limited):
| The impact of trauma on spatiotemporal genomics of single cells, and their behavioral implications (cognition, motor behavior) as shown in Nature communications https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30254269/ . Our main goal is to understand pathways and genes governing healing that can be targeted pharmacologically to promote cures for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other neurological and metabolic disorders. |
| Use of exercise pharmacology for the repair of damaged neural circuits important for learning and memory, and the use of resting state functional MRI to monitor changes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28315455/. In collaboration with Dr. Neil Harris, we are using novel in vivo imaging procedures to study the possibility that the action of exercise can be boosted to reduce TBI pathogenesis. These studies are using BDNF analogs that have strong therapeutic potential. |
| Interaction between brain and body on the control of TBI pathogenesis and higher order function (learning and memory, and emotions), and the modulatory action of diet and exercise. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31102601/ . The interaction between brain and body is the gate for numerous neurological diseases. The lack of information of the role played by systemic physiology in the TBI pathology and other neurological disorders has limited the understanding of the dimensionality of the pathogenesis and the efficacy of treatments. |