Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

I propose to use powerful brain imaging tools in mouse models of depression to better understand the brain changes that accompany depression, and how to reverse them. These tools involve using next-generation sensors that allow us to move from the large scale of MRI to a magnified and several hundred times faster resolution of regional brain activity. With greater understanding of how the connectivity and function of brain regions is altered in depression, I will proceed to studying how our medicines change this, and then use novel genetic and light-based approaches to stimulate the brain to test new ways of treating depression. These, in turn, can be translated to human depression and inform the development of new medicines, or to brain stimulation treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation. Indeed, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are major sources of Canadian and global disability. They are common, chronic, recurring, and result in severe functional impairment that can persist even after symptoms improve. The toll on both Canadian families and society is tremendous, but dwarfed by the tragic loss of life to suicide and long-term effects on loved ones. Though we have effective medicines and psychotherapy, many patients do not benefit and continue to suffer despite these interventions. Our understanding of depression has benefited greatly from the development of neuroimaging tools, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that have allowed us to study the structure and function of the brain. Yet, the spatial and temporal resolutions of these tools mean that what is studied is far removed from the brain cells that we seek to understand. The strategy I propose of identifying and testing new treatments and approaches in animal models of depression may ultimately provide novel alternative or complimentary treatments in humans for this common and disabling condition.