Project Summary

Dominique Toran-Allerand, M.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2006) of Columbia University, states that she has recently identified in the postnatal and adult rodent brain a novel, developmentally regulated estrogen receptor that she has named ER-X. Based on her studies, she believes that a specific ligand (17a-E2) of ER-X is synthesized locally in the brain, and hypothesizes that 17a-E2 is the more important estrogen for the formation of new neurons (neurogenesis) and the mood-related behavioral responses attributed to estrogen in the brain. She also hypothesizes that the elevated brain levels of 17a-E2 may act as an endogenous antidepressant and are responsible for the lack of anxiety observed in her mouse model and the inability of antidepressants to elicit additional levels of neurogenesis in the brain. She will test whether 17a-E2 is comparable to, but more rapid in its action than, the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac). Dr. Toran-Allerand hopes this project will lead to the development of novel, cell-based therapies for a broad range of cognitive and mood-related disorders.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS

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