Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The research programs of both applicants aim to explore the role of neuroinflammation in higher-order cognitive processes. Galea's research program studies how estrogens influence cognitive processes. As anyone how has gone through puberty, pregnancy or menopause can attest, these hormones can exert powerful effects on the mind and body. Galea investigates the effects of estrogens on learning tasks that rely on different brain regions and also identifies what types of brain changes occur with exposure to estrogens. Estrogens modulate learning and brain plasticity in the female, depending on the brain regions. In the short-term, Galea wants to evaluate the mechanisms by which estrogens modulate memory and the brain by examining estrogens modulation of specific molecules such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory markers. Estrogens can be anti-inflammatory and we can measure inflammation by quantifying the types and relative amounts of immune by-products called cytokines. Winstanley's research program aims to understand the mechanisms underlying complex cognitive processes, such as decision making and the regulation of impulse control. They have developed a novel decision-making paradigm which requires a choice between two options that differ in the degree of effort required to attain success. Winstanley has recently identified a novel role for cytokines within a specific region of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, in mediating impulsivity. Now they want to examine the influence of different drugs to modify both cognitive effort and cytokines. However to get precise quantification of these molecules we need specialised equipment that is not readily available to us called a multiplex reader. To progress with this program, we need equipment that is either not available (touchscreen chambers) or is in limited availability (multiplex reader) for cytokine and other protein measurement) at UBC. Touch screens are needed as both programs to allow us to tap into sophisticated touch screen cognitive training in preclinical models. These equipment purchases will allow our NSERC trainees to be well versed not only in several paradigms using state-of-art touchscreen system for cognitive testing but also a multiplex reader for precise quantitation of cytokines, and other proteins. This equipment will be vital to two NSERC-related research programs, both of which aim to establish whether neuroinflammation contributes to cognitive function.