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Research Group | Research Interests | Research Funding

The Research Crew

Just an hours work for the crew......

The Individuals

 

J. Travis Parsons, Ph.D.
Research Associate

Neurology

 Jonathan Kurz
M.D., Ph.D. Candidate

Anh Lee,
Laboratory Specialist

Neurology

Matt Ryan, Laboratory Specialist

Neurology

Amanda Winebrenner

Labortory Specialist

Bill Holbert, Graduate Student

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Mike Singleton, Graduate Student

Anatomy and Neurobiology

Annu Rana,

MS 2002, Physiology

 
Kate Fancher
A.D., Williams Scholar, Medical Student

Jasmine Awad

Student Worker/Surgeon

Research Projects

 

 

Research Funding

Ongoing Grants:

Molecular Mechanisms of Receptor Function in SE.

Principal Investigator: Severn B. Churn, Ph.D.
Agency: National Institutes of Health/NINDS
Type: RO1 (NS39970-01), Project Dates 12-01-2001 to 12-31-2007.

The long term objective of this research project is to understand the regulation of neuronal receptors and to understand the long-lasting alteration of receptor regulation following Status Epilepticus. Recent studies have focuses on the NMDA receptor-dependent influx of Ca2+ and alteration of Ca2+ regulated phosphorylation and systems.

SE Duration-dependent Modulation of GABAAR Receptor Function.

Project 4, Medical College of Virginia Epilepsy Research Center. Robert J. DeLorenzo, MD, PhD, MPH. Program Director.
Principal Investigator: Severn B. Churn, Ph.D.
Agency: National Institutes of Health/NINDS
Type: PO1 (NS25630, Years 11-15) Period: 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2004.

The long term objective of this research project is to investigate the mechanisms for the development of drug resistance in Status Epilepticus. Recent studies indicate that specific neurotransmitter receptors are down-regulated or inhibited by continued Status Epilepticus in the acute phase during the seizures and acutely following the seizures. This project will investigate the molecular mechanism underlying these acute changes due to Status Epilepticus.

 

Pathological Up-regulation of Neuronal Calcineurin in SE.

Principal Investigator: Severn B. Churn, Ph.D.
Agency: Jeffries Memorial Trust
Type: Agency Grant-in-Aid.

The overall goal of this research project is to characterize the increase in calcium-dependent and calcium-independent calcineurin activity following SE.
Status Epiepticus-Induced Alteration of Basal Calcium Homeostatic Mechanisms.
Principal Investigators: Severn B. Churn, Ph.D./ J. Travis Parsons, Ph.D.
Agency: Epilepsy Foundation of America
Type: Mentored Grant-in-Aid

The overall objective of this project is to characterized the mechanisms, including intracellular sequestration, whereby prolonged Status Epilepticus results in altered intracellular, baseline calcium levels.

Bilirubin Toxicity in the Auditory System.

Principal Investigator: Steven M. Shapiro, MD.
Role on Project: Co-Investigator
Agency: NIH/NIDCD
Type: RO1 (DC000369, Years 1-5) Period: 09/01/98 to 08/31/02

The long-term objective of this project is to take the molecular approach in understanding the mechanisms mediating bilirubin toxicity in brain. The project investigates the effect of bilirubin on second messenger systems and ion channels in isolated hippocampal neurons. Sophisticated electrophysiological and molecular biological techniques are used to probe the molecular mechanisms involved in this important brain injury mechanism.

Traumatic Brain Injury and GABA Receptor Function.

Principal Investigator: Robert J. Hamm, Ph.D.
Role on Project: Co-Investigator
Agency: National Institutes of Health/NINDS
Type: RO1

The long-range objectives of this project are to expand our understanding of ionic dysfunction that follows brain injury by examining the vital role of inhibitory processes in the injury pathology. In addition, this research project will provide important new information for the potential clinical application of innovative pharmacological therapies for human head injury.

Molecular Mechanisms of Neuronal Excitability and Epilepsy

Principal Investigator: Robert J. DeLorenzo, MD, PhD, MPH.
Role on Project: Co-Investigator
Agency: National Institutes of Health/NINDS
Type: RO1 (NS23350, Years 14-19)

Studies in three models of epileptogenesis are focused on evaluating the effects of NMDA receptor-activated calcium entry on long-term changes in transcription factor expression and their relationship to decreased GABAAR gene expression and function. This research project was awarded a Jacob Javits Scholar award. RO1- NS 23350.

Completed Studies:

Markel Alzheimer's Research Award

Principal Investigator: Robert J. DeLorenzo, MD, PhD, MPH.
Role on Project: Co-Investigator, 1/1/98 to 2002.

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms which underlie the accelerated neuronal loss observed in Alzheimer's Disease.
Medical College of Virginia Epilepsy Research Program Project.
Robert J. DeLorenzo, MD, PhD, MPH. Program Director.
Principal Investigator: Robert J. DeLorenzo, MD, PhD, MPH.
Role on Project: Co-Investigator, Core D, Clinical Research Section
Medical College of Virginia Epilepsy Research Center, 1/1/94 to 12/31/98.
Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotrauma.
Principal Investigators: Severn B. Churn, Ph.D.
Agency: A.D. Williams Internal Research Grant
1996 - 1997

 

Topiramate restores drug efficacy in refractory status epilepticus.

Principal Investigator: Severn B. Churn, Ph.D.
Agency: R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute
Type: Extramural Private Funding.

This project grew from the clinical observation that Topomax may restore the ability to terminate seizure activity in otherwise refractory patients. The aim of this project is the characterize the mechanisms whereby Topomax works to restore drug efficacy in refractory SE and to establish a new indication for Topomax in treating refractory SE. 2001-2003.

 

Effects of tobacco extracts on mononamine oxidase activity.

 

Principal Investigator: Severn B. Churn, Ph.D. 1/1/98 to 12/31/98.