EITAN Research Lab
EITAN Research Lab
Embedded Files
Dr. Eitan's lab broadly investigates the roles of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and the Orphan Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4A (NR4A) in psychiatric disorders (Major Depressive Disorder), neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease), and cognition (memory and learning) in preclinical models.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)
The AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that functions as a sensor for dietary metabolites and environmental toxins that is capable of modulating the immune response, metabolism, cell survival, and more! Our research implicates AhR modulation in Major Depressive Disorder, memory and learning, and synucleinopathies.
Orphan Nuclear Receptor 4A1 (NR4A1; Nur77)
Orphan Nuclear Receptor 4A1 (NR4A1; Nur77)
NR4A1 is an orphan nuclear receptor and immediate-early response gene that regulates mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular survival. This receptor is essential for midbrain dopaminergic neurons and the molecular mechanisms of memory encoding. Our research evaluates the role of NR4A1 in cognition and neurodegenerative disease.
🦠Postbiotic (DHNA) Modulation of Nuclear Receptors in Parkinson's Disease
🦠Postbiotic (DHNA) Modulation of Nuclear Receptors in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease involves the abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein and the subsequent induction of neuroinflammation. DHNA is a postbiotic ligand that targets the nuclear receptors AhR and NR4A1 to manage inflammation. This study explores the potential for postbiotics to provide neuroprotection during the critical prodromal phase of the disease.
🧠Role of AhR in Cognition
🧠Role of AhR in Cognition
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) operates as an intracellular sensor that responds to environmental and dietary metabolites. Molecular pathways within the hippocampus link these environmental stimuli to various cognitive functions. This research examines how hippocampal AhR expression facilitates the learning and retention of spatial information.
☕Caffeic Acid as a Moderator of Learning
☕Caffeic Acid as a Moderator of Learning
Brewed coffee contains numerous polyphenolic compounds that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Caffeic acid acts as a primary ligand for the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1), which regulates cellular stress responses. The project evaluates how this dietary component modulates hippocampal-dependent plasticity to support cognitive health.
😁C-DIMs as Novel Antidepressants
😁C-DIMs as Novel Antidepressants
Selective aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulators (SAhRMs) and orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) ligands offer a novel pharmacological approach for the management of Major Depressive Disorder. Research utilizing a stress-induced model (unpredictable chronic mild stress [UCMS]) and an inflammatory-depression model (LPS-induced) both demonstrated that compounds such as DIM-3,5-Cl2 and 1,4-DHNA effectively prevent and reverse anhedonia, despair-like states, and motivational deficits in female mice. Our studies highlight the potential for these dietary- and microbial-derived compounds to be anti-inflammatory to provide neuroprotection and mood regulation through specific nuclear receptor pathways. A U.S. provisional application for these compounds as novel antidepressants was filed on April 28, 2025.
Page updated
Report abuse