Learn about Laurel Seemiller's research on the dysregulation of somatostatin neurons and its relationship to sex-specific behaviors following adolescent alcohol consumption.
Understanding the Effects of Adolescent Alcohol Use on Brain Health and Behavior
( Credit to: Psu )
Adolescent alcohol use has become a significant public health concern, with various negative outcomes, including psychiatric disorders. Laurel Seemiller, a postdoctoral scholar in biology at Penn State, aims to shed light on the effects of adolescent alcohol use and its long-term consequences.
Seemiller's research focuses on understanding the dysregulation of somatostatin neurons and its relationship to sex-specific behaviors following adolescent alcohol consumption. By investigating the mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of these neurons, she aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the long-term consequences of alcohol use during adolescence.
With her background in molecular cellular and integrative biosciences, Seemiller is well-prepared for this research endeavor. The prestigious Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the U.S. National Institutes of Health further supports her research training and development as an independent investigator in the field of health-related research.
Investigating the Regulation of Somatostatin Neurons
One of the key objectives of Seemiller's research is to determine how alcohol exposure during adolescence affects the regulation of somatostatin neurons. These neurons, which express the neuropeptide somatostatin, play a role in neuronal signaling.
By understanding the dysregulation of these somatostatin neurons, Seemiller aims to unravel the relationship between alcohol use during adolescence and the sex-specific behaviors observed in adult mice. This investigation will provide valuable insights into the changes in cortical circuits involved in brain health and psychiatric conditions.
Unraveling the Mechanisms Behind Sex Differences
Seemiller's research specifically focuses on the regulation of somatostatin neurons in the prelimbic region of the brain, which is involved in behavior regulation. By studying the effects of adolescent binge drinking on these neurons, she aims to understand the mechanisms behind the observed sex differences.
Through her investigations, Seemiller aims to uncover how adolescent alcohol use leads to dysregulation of somatostatin neurons in a sex-specific manner. This research will contribute to our understanding of the effects of alcohol on brain health and behavior, potentially leading to the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
The Impact of Laurel Seemiller's Research
Laurel Seemiller's research has the potential to make significant contributions to addressing the national health problem of adolescent alcohol use and its associated consequences. By investigating the dysregulation of somatostatin neurons and its relationship to sex-specific behaviors, her work aims to provide valuable insights that can inform future prevention and intervention strategies.
With her expertise in neuroscience and dedication to her research, Seemiller is well-positioned to advance our understanding of the effects of adolescent alcohol use on brain health and behavior. Her findings may pave the way for targeted interventions and therapies to mitigate the long-term consequences of alcohol use during adolescence.