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RESEARCH INTERESTS
Our laboratory conducts two types of research: fundamental and translational.
Our research activities focus mainly on a single brain structure:
the thalamus.
 Thalamus
sits at the center of the brain. Almost all the sensory and motor
signals in the CNS must first arrive in the thalamus; from there,
they are dispatched onto a large number of brain regions such as
the cerebral cortex, striatum and amygdala. The figure shows the
thalamus is connected to other brain regions by a massive fiber
system (also known as the radiations).
Because thalamic neurons decide who gets what and when, they exert
tremendous influences on how we perceive, memorize and react to
outside world. For example, part of the thalamus has the capability
to learn and "interpret" sensory cues derived from a particular
behavioral context whereas other parts transfer signals with great
fidelity and speed.
As a hospital and medical school based research laboratory, we concentrate
our efforts on solving large scientific issues that are fundamental
to understanding thalamus-related neurological diseases and their
treatments. The discovery of context-sensitive thalamus is an example
where basic science may start to transform our thinking on why thalamus
is frequently affected in Parkinson's disease and a host of other
neurological and mental problems (e.g. tremors, epilepsy and deficits
in cognition, attention and language). Indeed, PD patients showed
severe deficits in their internal cuing system, but when aided with
external cues, their motor performance is vastly improved.
Our goal is to utilize modern molecular, physiological and imaging
tools to gain novel insights into the function of individual thalamic
neurons, its neural networks and underlying mechanism of disease.
We also work closely with our clinical teams to develop novel treatment
strategies, e.g. therapeutic brain stimulation (TBS), to facilitate
functional recovery, and slow disease progression. Trainees in our
laboratory gain broad exposure to advanced biomedical research.
They also have the opportunities to directly or indirectly participate
in translational research projects that are integrated with and
designed for patient care delivery. Here are some of our current
research projects: a) thalamic matrix system and context-sensitive
neural networks. b) Thalamic mechanisms of movement disorders. c)
Novel strategy and technology for therapeutic brain stimulation.
SIGNIFICANT
RESEARCH
Mooney D.M,
Zhang L., Basile C.,Senatorov V.V.,Ngsee J., Omar A. and Hu* B.
. Distinct Forms of Cholinergic Modulation in Parallel Thalamic
Sensory Pathways. Proceedings of National Academy of Science PNAS
101 (1) 320-4, 2004
D.V. Senatorov,
P. K. Stys and B. Hu. Regulation of Na+, K+-ATPase by Persistent
Sodium Accumulation In Adult Rat Thalamic Neurons. The Journal of
Physiology (Lond) 525:343-353 2000
V.V. Senatorov,
D. Mooney, Hu, B. The Electrogenic Effects of Na,K ATPase in Rat
Auditory Thalamus. The Journal of Physiology (Lond), 502:375 385
1997
V.V. Senatorov
and Hu, B. Differential Na,K ATPase Activity In Rat Lemniscal and
Non Lemniscal Auditory Thalami. The Journal of Physiology (Lond),
502: 387 395 1997
Hu. B. Cellular
Basis of Temporal Synaptic Signaling: An In Vitro Electrophysiological
Study in Rat Auditory Thalamus. The Journal of Physiology (Lond),
483:167 182 1995
CURRENT
RESEARCH SUPPORT
Canadian Institutes
of Health Research
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT
Brenda Boake
Tel: (403) 220-8831
Email: boake@ucalgary.ca
GRADUATE
STUDENTS
Mr. Steven Peters,
B. Sc
Mr. Adrien Tennet, B. Sc.
Mrs. Cristina Basile, B. Sc.
Mrs. Caroline Cedrone, B.Sc
Mr. Taylor Chomiak, B.Sc.
Mr. Karl Iremonger, B. Sc.
POSTDOCTORAL
FELLOWS
Dr. Joy Antony
MD
Dr. Trent Anderson Ph.D. (co-supervisor with Dr. Kiss)
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