Rammohan Shukla, a faculty member at the University of Wyoming, has been awarded a two-year grant worth $70,000 to advance his research in psychiatric neuroscience. This funding comes from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) through their Young Investigator Grant program.
Research Focus
Shukla’s project, titled “Translating Human Gene-Family Molecular Signatures of Suicidality into Behavior Models,” aims to investigate the impact of ribosomal protein gene changes identified in the brain tissues of individuals suffering from depression and suicidal tendencies. The research will focus on whether these genetic alterations contribute to behavioral traits associated with suicide risk.
“The central aim of this study is to determine if downregulating selected ribosomal protein genes in the prefrontal cortex influences stress-related impulsivity and response inhibition in mice,” explains Shukla, who serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology.
BBRF’s Mission
The BBRF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the understanding, prevention, and treatment of mental illnesses. By providing substantial funding through grants, the foundation aims to facilitate breakthroughs in scientific research. Each Young Investigator Grant offers up to $35,000 per year for two years, empowering emerging researchers to continue their training or launch independent research careers.
The objective of the Young Investigator Grant program is to foster growth in the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry by helping researchers gather preliminary data, which can then be leveraged to apply for larger federal or institutional grants. Since its inception in 1987, the BBRF has allocated over $348 million in support of Young Investigator Grants globally.
Project Details
Over the next two years, Shukla’s lab will utilize the grant to cover various research-related expenses, including summer salary support, animal studies, and the procurement of viral and molecular reagents. Additionally, funds will facilitate behavioral testing and other necessary supplies to evaluate the role of ribosomal protein gene alterations in impulsive behavior linked to stress.
As part of the research effort, the grant also supports two doctoral students from the UW Neuroscience Program: Anuj Choudhary from Delhi, India, and Mrunali Dinesh Dhokne from Nagpur, India.
Mentorship and Support
Qian-Quan Sun, a professor in the UW Neuroscience Program and the Sensory Biology Center, will mentor Shukla throughout this grant period. Shukla acknowledges that the resources provided by the Sensory Biology Center, including the Research Project Leader award, were crucial in establishing the groundwork for this successful grant application.
In 2023, Shukla joined UW as an assistant professor, bringing a robust academic background to the role.
Academic Background
Shukla earned his Ph.D. in biology from the National Institute for Basic Biology in Okazaki, Japan. His dissertation focused on the anatomy of serotonergic structures, including receptors and transporters across various species’ brains, including humans, macaques, marmosets, and mice.
His curiosity about serotonin and other critical monoaminergic systems in psychiatry led him to transition from basic science to translational psychiatric research during his postdoctoral studies at the University of Toronto. This shift expanded his research scope to encompass behavioral, experimental, and computational domains, enabling him to explore the similarities and differences among psychiatric disorders and their underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Significance of the Grant
“This award holds significant personal meaning for me as it acknowledges a research direction I have been pursuing for several years,” says Shukla. “It connects findings from human postmortem studies with mechanistic investigations in animal models. Professionally, it enhances the visibility and support for my research program and our broader psychiatric neuroscience initiatives at UW. Given the competitive nature of this international award, it also elevates the University of Wyoming’s profile and underscores the advancing strength of neuroscience research on our campus.”
Conclusion
Shukla’s research initiative represents a vital step toward understanding the complex interplay between genetics and behavior in psychiatric conditions. The support from the BBRF not only propels Shukla’s career but also contributes to the broader scientific community’s efforts to address mental health issues effectively. Such grants signify an essential investment in the future of neuroscience research and its potential to improve lives.
- Key Takeaways:
- Shukla received a $70,000 grant for psychiatric neuroscience research.
- The project examines ribosomal protein gene changes related to suicidality.
- Funding supports research expenses and two doctoral students.
- The BBRF aims to advance understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.
- The award enhances UW’s visibility in the field of neuroscience.
Read more → www.uwyo.edu