Van A. Doze - US grants

The research supported by this CAREER award examines the role of the naturally occurring neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) in the brain and its effects on the physiological functions of interneurons. The excitatory networks of higher brain structures, such as the hippocampus, consist primarily of relay neurons. The activity of these cells is controlled by local inhibitory synaptic interactions, mediated by a small number of specialized cells called interneurons. These interneurons are a diverse group of cells, each presumably responsible for a distinct form of synaptic inhibition. The hippocampus receives a large input of NE-containing fibers, many of which appear to form contacts with interneurons, suggesting that the noradrenergic system may regulate synaptic inhibition through direct actions on interneurons. NE has been implicated in the regulation of sleep, arousal, learning and memory, but our understanding of how different subsets of NE-responsive interneurons modulate these neural processes is incomplete.

Evidence suggests that NE differentially regulates at least two discrete, functionally defined, subpopulations of inhibitory hippocampal interneurons. To test this hypothesis, this CAREER project will use an interdisciplinary approach combining electrophysiological, molecular-biological and neuroimaging techniques in the in-vitro rat hippocampus to (i) characterize the effects of NE on different populations of interneurons, (ii) identify the receptors mediating these NE responses, and (iii) determine the morphological profile of interneurons affected by NE. In addition to extending our basic understanding of how NE modulates interneuron function, the information derived from this project may yield important insights into the mechanisms underlying certain cognitive and behavioral states.

This investigator will integrate education with his research efforts by developing and teaching in undergraduate- and graduate-level neuroscience courses, and participating in outreach programs to encourage more high-school and undergraduate students (especially women and minorities) to consider and pursue careers in science. As part of the continued mentoring, a team of students will be trained to conduct the proposed research. In addition, benefiting both students and other faculty, the investigator will help establish and direct an electrophysiology core facility. Thus, this CAREER award will not only advance our understanding of how NE affects hippocampal network function, but also allow for high-quality training and research facilities, providing stimulating educational experiences for both present and future generations of neuroscientists.

A grant has been awarded to the University of North Dakota under the direction of Dr. Van Doze to acquire a stereology microscope system for quantitative microscopic analysis of nerve cells. The instrument will allow researchers to make detailed observations of cell structure to study nerve cell development, plasticity, and cellular interactions in the nervous system. Using fluorescent probes and imaging montage software, the investigators will be able to construct three-dimensional images on computers at several workstations. The equipment will be used in courses and in student research, including several programs aimed at rural students and students from Native American tribes.

This REU Site, a partnership of the North Dakota Association of Tribal Colleges and the University of North Dakota, will provide hands-on research experience in neuroscience for 9 students each summer (8 the 1st year). Students from Tribal and rural colleges will be recruited to participate in the program. All students, including those with scholarships provided through the North Dakota Association of Tribal Colleges, will be paired with faculty mentors and perform their research at the University of North Dakota. The primary objectives of the program are to (1) foster academic and social independence, (2) promote an interest in research and science careers, and (3) encourage professional development for student participants. Students will initially receive one week of training in cell, molecular and imaging techniques and then develop their own research projects under the mentorship of faculty. Students will attend weekly professional development sessions that will include instruction in oral and written presentations, data analysis and proper research conduct. Students will be expected to present their findings at an end of session symposium, which will prepare them for professional scientific presentations at a regional or national meeting. Salary and room and board will be provided for all students. The hope is that participating American Indian and rural students will choose to pursue graduate degrees in the sciences and return to their communities to help strengthen science education, research and literacy. Applications and other relevant information are available at http://www.und.nodak.edu/instruct/spyle, or from Drs. Bennett (bbennett@ndatc.org), Van Doze (vdoze @medicine.nodak.edu) and Sally Pyle (sally.pyle@und.nodak.edu). Students may call or write Linda Harmon, (701-777-2621, PO Box 9019, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9019) for mailed application materials.

1,2-Benzenediol, 4-(2-amino-1-hydroxyethyl)-, (R)-; Adrenergic Receptor; Adrenoceptors; Age; Ammon Horn; Animals; Area; Brain; CRISP; Cells; Cognitive; Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects Database; Connector Neuron; Cornu Ammonis; Cues; Encephalon; Encephalons; Epilepsy; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe; Epileptic Seizures; Epileptics; Funding; Generalized Growth; Genetically Engineered Mouse; Goals; Grant; Growth; Hippocampus; Hippocampus (Brain); Institution; Intercalary Neuron; Intercalated Neurons; Interneuron function; Interneurons; Internuncial Cell; Internuncial Neuron; Investigators; Learning; Levarterenol; Levonorepinephrine; Link; Mammals, Mice; Mediating; Memory; Mice; Molecular; Murine; Mus; NIH; National Institutes of Health; National Institutes of Health (U.S.); Nerve Transmitter Substances; Nervous System, Brain; Neural Growth; Neuronal Growth; Neurotransmitters; Noradrenaline; Norepinephrine; Overexpression; Population; Process; Production; Protein Overexpression; Range; Receptor Activation; Receptors, Epinephrine; Regulation; Research; Research Personnel; Research Resources; Researchers; Resources; Role; Seizure Disorder; Seizures; Source; Temporal Lobe Epilepsy; Testing; Tissue Growth; United States National Institutes of Health; adenoreceptor; aged; base; cognitive function; epilepsia; epileptiform; epileptogenic; hippocampal; improved; memory process; neurogenesis; ontogeny; overexpress; social role

The University of North Dakota REU Site, a partnership of the North Dakota Association of Tribal Colleges (NDATC) and the University of North Dakota (UND), will provide a research program for undergraduates during the summers of 2009 through 2013. Ten students will be selected each summer to work on neuroscience projects under the mentorship of UND faculty. Students from Tribal and rural colleges will be recruited to participate in the program. All students will be paired with faculty mentors and will conduct their research at the University of North Dakota. The primary objectives of the program are to (1) foster academic and social independence, (2) promote an interest in research and science careers, and (3) encourage professional development for student participants. Students will initially receive one week of training in cell, molecular and imaging techniques, and then develop their own research project under the mentorship of faculty. Students will attend weekly professional development sessions that will include instructions in oral and written presentations, data analysis, and proper research conduct. Students will be expected to present their findings at an end-of-session Symposium, which will prepare them for professional scientific presentations at a regional or national meeting. Salary, travel, room and board will be provided for all students. Childcare funding is available from UND, if needed. The hope is that participating American Indian and rural students will choose to pursue graduate degrees in the sciences and return to their communities to help strengthen science education, research and literacy. Applications and other relevant information are available at http://www.und.nodak.edu/instruct/spyle, or from Drs. Bennett (bbennett@ndatc.org), Van Doze (vdoze@medicine.nodak.edu) and Sally Pyle (sally.pyle@und.nodak.edu).

This REU Site award to the University of North Dakota (UND), located in Grand Forks, ND, will support the training of 10 students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2014-18. The scientific focus of the REU program is on environmental influences on gene expression. Research will be conducted under the mentorship of faculty at UND, Cankdeska Cikana Community College (Fort Totten, ND) and Turtle Mountain Community College (Belcourt, ND). Mentors will work closely with students to develop an independent research project. Some example projects include investigation into how environmentally determined changes in gene expression influence learning in fish, sex-determination in turtles, stress tolerance in nematodes, and wing patterning in butterflies and moths. Students will receive training in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and others. In addition to the hands-on research experience, students will attend weekly seminars and workshops in which they will learn about science writing, ethical and responsible research conduct, and the graduate school application process. One of the goals of the program is to foster a sense of community amongst student participants and UND faculty. Therefore, although each student will be matched with a specific mentor, they will also have the opportunity to work and socialize with the other students and UND faculty. At the end of the program, students will present their findings at a symposium that is open to the public. The program will be assessed using pre- and post-surveys, as well as the REU common assessment tool. Students are provided a stipend, housing, meal allowance, and funds for travel to and from UND. Subsidized child care and family living accommodations are provided to students with dependents, using other funding sources. The program seeks students with a genuine interest in pursuing a career in science research and/or teaching. Students from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences, such as those from rural and tribal colleges with limited research opportunities, are especially encouraged to apply. Selection criteria include academic performance, as well as educational and career goals.

The primary mission of the program is to encourage students, particularly those from historically under-represented groups, to pursue graduate degrees in the sciences and enter careers that help strengthen science education, research, and literacy.

Students are required to be tracked after the program and must respond to an automatic email sent via the NSF reporting system. More information can be found by visiting http://www.dozelab.com/reu, or by contacting the PI (Dr. Van Doze at van.doze@med.und.edu) or the tribal college program coordinator (Dr. Lane Azure at lane.azure@littlehoop.edu).