Research in the Schrader lab is focused on cell signaling mechanisms involved in stress and learning and memory. Our lab uses electrophysiological, molecular, biochemical and behavioral techniques to understand molecular and neural correlates involved in behaviors. The ultimate goal is to determine molecular dysfunction that can occur in pathological conditions, such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease. The research in our lab is focused on two main topics.
- The first focus investigates regulation of signaling cascades in the hippocampus and other areas of the brain in response to chronic and acute stress. In addition, since males and females react differently to stressors, we are beginning to determine sex-specific differences in the behavioral and molecular response to stress. We are currently investigating epigenetic mechanisms that are differentially regulated by chronic and acute stress. The goal of this research is to understand signaling pathways that lead to the transcriptional control of specific genes that are aberrantly regulated in chronic stress and positively regulated in acute stress in a brain region-specific manner. This approach may lead to improved interventions to enhance positive (protective) pathways and/or decrease activity of pathways with negative effects in various neuropathological conditions such as: depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- The second focus investigates the role of potassium (K+) channels and interacting proteins in the homeostatic regulation of synaptic plasticity by postsynaptic mechanisms. This includes investigation of kinase cascades that may regulate K+ channel interactions, gene transcription and ultimately neuronal excitability. The goal of this research is to understand changes in intrinsic excitability that occur during synaptic plasticity and contribute to the strengthening or weakening of synapses and learning and memory.
