Jessica C. Page
Training Group:
Integrative Neuroscience
Mentor / Lab:
Riyi Shi, M.D., Ph.D.
Specific Research Area / Project:
Translational Neuroscience: Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury
Undergraduate Institution:
University at Buffalo (SUNY)
Research Profile:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are characterized by severe motor functional deficits in the nervous system attributed to axonal demyelination. When myelin disruption and retraction occur, underlying potassium (K+) channels are exposed, which leads to increased outward current and disruption of propagating action potentials. K+ channel blockers have been utilized as a therapeutic strategy to reinstate salutatory conduction and restore motor function. Thus far, the Shi Laboratory has identified FDA approved 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) as a significant but marginally effective blocker. My project focuses on 4-aminopyridine-3 methanol (4-Ap-3-MeOH), a 4-AP derivative shown to rescue conductance and seeks to span the “bench to bedside” methodology. Further elucidation and validation of 4-AP-3-MeOH function will potentially demonstrate its enhanced ability to increase efficacy, minimize adverse side effects and provide additional benefits in reducing post-SCI neuropathic pain.
About Me:
Past research experiences at the University at Buffalo and Case Western Reserve University have not only prepared me for graduate research but have also provided me with the ability to acknowledge and appreciate what Purdue has to offer. My decision to join the Purdue University Life Science (PULSe) graduate program was contingent upon its interdisciplinary approach and exemplary reputation for collaboration. Over the past year, I had the opportunity to work on a broad spectrum of projects ranging from basic science to translational research regarding the mesolimbic system, axonal growth, spinal cord injury (SCI), and Chlamydia. I was also able to get involved in PULSe programs, like the Graduate Student Organization (GSO) and Science in Schools (SiS), that help to facilitate my career development and promote public outreach on a local level. Now a member of the Shi Laboratory, I am excited to begin research pertaining to SCI and MS. In fact, one of the highest prevalent rates of MS is observed in my hometown, Buffalo, NY. As I transition into my second year, I am enthusiastic about my future here, and thankful to be a part of PULSe.
Presentations:
- Page J.C., Yan R., Park J., Sun W., and Shi R.4-AP-3-MeOH Potassium Channel Blocker Restores Conduction in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Poster presented at: Purdue University Life Sciences’ (PULSe) Spring Reception; 2013 Apr 1; West Lafayette, IN.
- Murthy S., Page J.C., and Popescu G. K. Mechanistic study of the effect of lurcher residues on NMDA receptor gating. Poster presented at: Society for Neuroscience Conference; 2011 Nov 16; Washington, DC.
- Page J.C., Lopin K.V., and Jones S. W. CaV3.1 (a1G) T-type Calcium Channels: Cadmium Pore Blockage and Permeation. Poster presented at: University at Buffalo Neuroscience Research Day; 2011 Sep 24; Buffalo, NY.
- Page J.C., Lopin K.V., and Jones S. W.Cd2+ Block and Permeation in CaV3.1 (a1G) T-type Calcium Channels. Oral presentation at: Case Western Reserve University Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Research Symposium; 2011 Aug 5; Cleveland, OH.
- Page J.C., Murthy S.E., and Popescu G. K. Role of Lurcher Motif on NMDA Receptor Gating. Poster presented at: University at Buffalo Biochemistry Research Day; 2011 May 9; Buffalo, NY.
Publications:
- Murthy SE, Shogan T, Page JC, Kasperek EM, Popescu GK. "Probing the activation sequence of NMDA receptors with lurcher mutations." J Gen Physiol. 2012 Sep;140(3):267-77. doi: 10.1085/jgp.201210786. Epub 2012 Aug 13.
- Lopin KV, Thévenod F, Page JC, Jones SW. "Cd²? block and permeation of CaV3.1 (a1G) T-type calcium channels: candidate mechanism for Cd²? influx." MolPharmacol. 2012 Dec;82(6):1183-93. doi: 10.1124/mol.112.080176. Epub 2012 Sep 12
Awards:
- 2013 PULSe Outstanding First-Year Poster Award, Purdue University
- 2010-2012 Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activites (CURCA) Grants, University at Buffalo
- 2011 Certificate of Excellence in Research, University at Buffalo
Leadership:
- 2013-2014 PULSe Graduate Student Organization (GSO), Activities Coordinator (Joint Position)
- 2013-2014 Science in Schools (SiS) co-chair
- 2012-2013 SiS Participant
- Alumni
- Aktan Alpsoy
- Andrew Asberry
- Carlos A. Brito-Sierra
- Clairissa Corpstein
- Hao Chen
- Rachel Foguth
- Kourtney Fultz
- Amy Funk
- Logan Ganzen
- Shana Hardy
- Veronica Heintz
- Ethan Hillman
- Kathryn Jacobson
- Mariya Krisenko
- Vinay Menon
- Adriano Mendes
- Paola Cristina Montenegro Larrea
- Jessica C. Page
- Alexandr Pak
- Brittany Peterson
- Raquel Peron
- Runrun Wu
- Bikash Shakya
- Sudhanshu Shekhar
- Janiel Ahkin Chin Tai
- Chelsea Theisen
- Matthew Therkelsen
- Samantha Tinsley
- Sasha M. Vega Alvarez
- Nicole Vike
- Renee Wenig
- Liang Xue
- Ravi Yadav
- Yi Yang