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Our lab unravels immune-brain crosstalk, spotlighting how inflammation drives neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases. We focus on the kynurenine pathway as a key player shaping microglial activity, neuronal structure, behavior, and cognition. Pardon our dust we are building this website.

Exploring the Kynurenine Pathway in Neuro-inflammation

We explore the biological basis of inflammation-related depressive disorders using clinically relevant mouse models. We’ve identified altered tryptophan metabolism as a key mediator of depressive-like behaviors triggered by peripheral immune activation. During inflammation, tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, is diverted to the kynurenine pathway, producing neuroactive metabolites in macrophages and microglia. These metabolites can cause oxidative damage and disrupt neurotransmitter systems.

Our work aims to uncover:

  • How this metabolic network is regulated between the brain and periphery.
  • Which kynurenine metabolites drive behavioral changes.
  • Their impact on neural circuits relevant to behavior.
  • How these pathways contribute to diminished quality of life in chronic inflammatory diseases.

Our goal is to advance understanding of neuroimmune interactions to inform effective therapies for comorbid depression.

Meet the Team

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Dr. Jason O'Connor, PhD
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor