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Korol, Donna
Associate Professor, Psychology
Affiliations: Institute for Genomic Biology, UIUC College of Medicine
B.S., University of Wisconsin
Ph.D., University of Virginia
Research Areas
Neural plasticity: Memory, hormones, and aging
Our lab focuses on modulation of neural mechanisms involved in learning and memory under various hormonal states and across the lifespan. One goal is to understand the molecular and cellular processes that contribute to cognitive aging. Recent work emphasizes regulation of learning and memory by ovarian hormones in attempt to model neural changes accompanying menopause in women. We have also initiated a new set of studies examining how exercise alters neural plasticity in both males and females to promote healthy brain and cognitive aging.
In rodents, we have found that estrogens act at different brain sites to enhance some cognitive functions but to impair others. Moreover, rats select different strategies for solving some tasks depending on circulating estrogen levels even during the natural estrous cycle. Because some brain targets of estrogen lack classic estrogen receptors, one current project examines the roles of estrogen activation at traditional and novel estrogen receptor subtypes in modulating the participation of different memory systems in learning and memory.
A related line of research examines synaptic models of memory and forgetting across the lifespan, using neurophysiological models including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic strength. Our lab tests the possibility that forgetting reflects an active mechanism involving synaptic plasticity. These experiments include studies of hormonal, pharmacological, and molecular regulation of LTP and LTD induction and maintenance.
The techniques we use span many levels of analysis including tests of learning and memory, neuropharmacology, in vivo electrophysiology, light microscopy, and several biochemical techniques (quantitative Westerns, immunocytochemistry, ELISAs, RIAs, HPLC) for signal transduction molecules such as CREB and pCREB, immediate early genes, trophic factors, and neurotransmitters such as cFos, BDNF, acetylcholine.
Representative Publications
Korol DL, and Gold PE. 2008. Epinephrine converts LTP from transient to durable form in awake rats. Hippocampus 18: 81-91.
Korol DL, and Gold PE. 2007. Hormones and Behavior, In: R.P. Kesner and J.L. Martinez (eds), Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 2nd Edition, Elsevier, New York, NY, 243-268.
Erickson KI, Colcombe SJ, Elavsky S, McAuley E, Korol DL, Scalf P, and Kramer AF. 2007. Interactive effects of fitness and hormone treatment on brain health in post-menopausal women. Neurobiology of Aging 28:175-189.
Zurkovsky L, Brown SL, Boyd SE, Fell JA, and Korol DL. 2007. Estrogen modulates learning in female rats by acting directly at distinct memory systems. Neuroscience 144:26-37.
Zurkovsky L, Brown SL, and Korol DL. 2006. Estrogen enhances place learning through estrogen receptors in the hippocampus. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 86:336-343.
McElroy, M.W. and Korol, D.L. (2005). Intrahippocampal administration of muscimol shifts learning strategy in gonadally intact young adult female rats. Learning and Memory, 12, 150-158.
Korol DL. 2004. Role of estrogen in balancing contributions from multiple memory systems. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 82:309-323. Evaluated by Faculty of 1000: http://www.f1000biology.com/article/15464412/evaluation
Additional Information
Collaborative Projects:
Out lab actively collaborates with Paul Gold, Susan Schantz, and Arthur Kramer at UIUC and Cheryl Conrad at Arizona State University.
Related Research (By Area):
Aging
Cell Signaling and Communication
Learning, Memory, and Plasticity
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions
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