Jason O'Connor, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Currently seeking Ph.D. students
My laboratory is interested in understanding the complex interactions between the immune system and the brain, with an emphasis on inflammation-induced neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases. We have identified the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism as an important mediator of the effects of proinflammatory factors in the brain, including microglial activity, neuronal architecture, behavior and cognition. Currently, projects in the lab are exploring the (1) effects of neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites on depressive behaviors and cognitive function (2) the neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal inflammation (3) and the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in regulating neuroinflammation.
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Professional Background
Education
- 2007 - Postdoctoral Fellowship - Nutritional Sciences - Ruth L. Kirchstein NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship
- 2005 - PhD - Animal Sciences - University of Illinois
- 1999 - BS - Agriculture - Animal Science (High Honors) - University of Illinois
Appointments
- 9/2017 - Associate Professor - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, School of Medicine, Pharmacology, San Antonio
- 2/2014 - Research Health Specialist - South Texas Veteran's Health Care System - Audie L. Murphy VA HospitalSan Antonio
- 6/2010 - Assistant Professor - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, School of Medicine, Pharmacology, San Antonio
- 6/2010 - Member - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, San Antonio
- 6/2010 - Faculty Member - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Mood Disorders Translational Core Center, Mood Disorders Translational Core Center, San Antonio
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- Instruction & Training
- Research & Grants
- Publications