Brain Lipids in Neurotransmission and Neuroinflammation
National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area
POST: Postdoctoral Fellow
A postdoctoral fellowship position is available in the Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section of the National Institute on Aging on the NIH Bethesda campus, to examine brain lipid metabolism in health and disease. Certain brain post-synaptic neuroreceptors and glial cytokine receptors are coupled to activation of phospholipases A2 enzymes, leading to release of the lipid second messengers, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid, from membrane phospholipid. In our laboratory, we use different techniques to quantify and modify these brain signaling processes in unanesthetized rodent models: quantitative autoradiography to image lipid signaling following injection of a radiolabeled fatty acid, molecular and activity analyses of relevant brain enzymes and synaptic and neuroinflammatory markers, immunocytohistochemistry, behavioral testing, lipid analytical methods (GC, HPLC), and kinetic modeling. We study rodent models of aging, of human neuropsychiatric disease (HIV-1 transgenic rat, neurotransmitter reuptake transporter, neuroreceptor and enzyme knockouts, APOE transgenic mice, behavioral models of depression and mania) and of neuroinflammation and neuroexcitotoxicity. In these models, we also quantify effects of relevant drugs (mood stabilizers including lithium, antidepressants, antipsychotics, aspirin and other antiinflammatory agents), changes in dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition and in liver PUFA metabolism. We try to choose our animal studies for later translation into relevant human subject protocols.
REQUIREMENTS:
The successful candidate will focus his/her efforts on these studies. A background in lipid metabolism and/or neuropharmacology would be appropriate. Requirements include a Ph.D. and/or M.D. with less than 5 years of postdoctoral experience. Fellows are paid according to the NIH Intramural Research and Training Award Schedule for their level of experience.
TO APPLY:
Applications should include a cover letter describing research experience and research interests, Curriculum Vitae, bibliography and three letters of reference including present or past supervisor(s) and sent by E-mail or surface mail to:
Stanley I. Rapoport, M.D. Chief, Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section
National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health
Building 9, Room 1S-128, 9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
Email: sir@helix.nih.gov
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