Research Interest

The endocrine system exerts profound and significant regulatory effects upon the nervous system in humans and other species. The Brann Lab focuses on understanding the actions and mechanisms of a key endocrine regulatory molecule, 17-beta-estradiol (E2), in the central nervous system. A significant difference in male and female physiology is the ability of females to secrete large amounts of  E2 into the bloodstream in a cyclic pattern. Intriguingly, at menopause in females, there is a precipitous drop in E2 secretion, which coincides with an increase of neurological diseases (e.g., stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease). These observations have led to the suggestion that E2 may exert neuroprotection and/or neural repair, which could delay onset and/or lessen the severity of neurological diseases. E2 also maintains a normal functioning reproductive system and has been reported to enhance working memory.

Currently, work in the Brann Lab focuses on studying the potential neuroprotective effects of E2 and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, after stroke/brain injury and the related underlying mechanisms. The role of E2 in effecting neural repair through enhancing neurogenesis following stroke/brain injury is also under investigation. Collaborative studies are also ongoing on the role of MNAR/PELP1 in mediating estrogen signaling and neural effects.  We are also studying how post conditioning 2 days after stroke can protect the brain.

Announcements.

• Limor Raz, neuroscience graduate student, received a travel award to the American Physiological Society Sex Steroids and Gender meeting and won first place Research Recongniton Award in Broomfield, CO (article)

• Dr. Brann appointed Associate Director for Academic Affairs, IMMAG, 1-2009
  
  
• Dr. Zhang published 2 papers in Brain Research and 1 in Neuroscience Research, 1-27-2009