Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine
89 Beaumont Ave., Given D403A
Burlington, VT 05405
United States
- 1989-1993 Université Laval, QC, Canada, Ph.D. (Neurobiology)
- 1987-1989 Université Laval, QC, Canada, Master of Science (Neurobiology)
- 1984-1987 Université Laval, QC, Canada, Bachelor of Science (Biology)
BIO
My interest in serotonin (5-HT) began during my PhD when I studied the chemo-anatomical organization of the projections of various tegmental nuclei including the projection of the 5-HT neurons of the raphe nuclei. During the last 2 decades my studies focused of the role of 5-HT signaling in the gastrointestinal tract functions as well as gallbladder smooth muscle in gallstone disease. Through the years I acknowledged the value of combining animal models in basic research and the benefits of collaborating with physiologists, pharmacologists, and molecular biologists to gain a detailed picture of complex systems.
Following my PhD in neuroscience, I explored the world of cell and molecular biology with great mentors, spending four years in the lab of Robert Singer and Steve Hyman who were at forefront of their respective field. In addition to learning new tools to study RNA and protein expression, I discovered the art of live cell imaging and image analysis. After these years, my family relocated to Vermont where I joined the laboratory of Dr. Gary Mawe. Through the years, my collaboration with Dr. Mawe has evolved into a successful partnership between two investigators with complementary talents and skills. At first, I used my background in live cell imaging and microscopy to study gallbladder smooth muscle activity in a mouse model of gallstone disease.
My research interests expanded to other mouse models related to gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunctions including colitis and multiple sclerosis. With 5-HT being a key signaling molecule in GI functions. it has occupied a central place into my most recent work. Tryptophan (TRP), the precursor of 5-HT, has been presented as a critical link between the host and intestinal microorganisms and a study by Dr. Theresa Legan, a graduate student in our lab, has demonstrated that treatment with a TRP-synthesizing bacteria increases 5-HT signaling and enhances colonic motility in normal and constipated mice. Recent studies have highlighted a role for gut microbiota-derived metabolites far beyond the enteric mucosa and TRP and 5-HT can be key players along this path as they are both involved in numerous functions in the GI tract and in the brain. Therefore, I believe that my knowledge of 5-HT signaling and the technical expertise I acquired over the years are placing me in a perfect position to investigate whether TRP-produced bacteria can alter 5-HT-related function in the GI tract and the brain.
Publications
Awards and Achievements
- 2010 Young Investigator Travel Award, Neurogastroenterology and Motility Joint International Meeting
- 2009 Best Basic Science Poster Award, Neurogastroenterology and Motility Joint International Meeting
- 2001-2003 NINDS Competitive Fellowship Award
- 1993-1996 Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada Fellowship
- 1992 Awardee, Laval University Alumni Women Association and School of Medicine
- 1991-1993 Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada Scholarship
- 1989-1991 FRSQ Scholarship
- 1989 FCAR Scholarship
Bio
My interest in serotonin (5-HT) began during my PhD when I studied the chemo-anatomical organization of the projections of various tegmental nuclei including the projection of the 5-HT neurons of the raphe nuclei. During the last 2 decades my studies focused of the role of 5-HT signaling in the gastrointestinal tract functions as well as gallbladder smooth muscle in gallstone disease. Through the years I acknowledged the value of combining animal models in basic research and the benefits of collaborating with physiologists, pharmacologists, and molecular biologists to gain a detailed picture of complex systems.
Following my PhD in neuroscience, I explored the world of cell and molecular biology with great mentors, spending four years in the lab of Robert Singer and Steve Hyman who were at forefront of their respective field. In addition to learning new tools to study RNA and protein expression, I discovered the art of live cell imaging and image analysis. After these years, my family relocated to Vermont where I joined the laboratory of Dr. Gary Mawe. Through the years, my collaboration with Dr. Mawe has evolved into a successful partnership between two investigators with complementary talents and skills. At first, I used my background in live cell imaging and microscopy to study gallbladder smooth muscle activity in a mouse model of gallstone disease.
My research interests expanded to other mouse models related to gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunctions including colitis and multiple sclerosis. With 5-HT being a key signaling molecule in GI functions. it has occupied a central place into my most recent work. Tryptophan (TRP), the precursor of 5-HT, has been presented as a critical link between the host and intestinal microorganisms and a study by Dr. Theresa Legan, a graduate student in our lab, has demonstrated that treatment with a TRP-synthesizing bacteria increases 5-HT signaling and enhances colonic motility in normal and constipated mice. Recent studies have highlighted a role for gut microbiota-derived metabolites far beyond the enteric mucosa and TRP and 5-HT can be key players along this path as they are both involved in numerous functions in the GI tract and in the brain. Therefore, I believe that my knowledge of 5-HT signaling and the technical expertise I acquired over the years are placing me in a perfect position to investigate whether TRP-produced bacteria can alter 5-HT-related function in the GI tract and the brain.
Publications
Awards and Achievements
- 2010 Young Investigator Travel Award, Neurogastroenterology and Motility Joint International Meeting
- 2009 Best Basic Science Poster Award, Neurogastroenterology and Motility Joint International Meeting
- 2001-2003 NINDS Competitive Fellowship Award
- 1993-1996 Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada Fellowship
- 1992 Awardee, Laval University Alumni Women Association and School of Medicine
- 1991-1993 Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada Scholarship
- 1989-1991 FRSQ Scholarship
- 1989 FCAR Scholarship