Professor, Department of Neuroscience
Faculty Director, Chronic Brain Injury Program
Co-Director, Neuroscience Graduate Program
Assistant Director of Basic Research, Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research
Co-Director, NNDS T32 Training Program in Neuroimmunology
231 Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research Building
460 Medical Center Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
614-293-3456
Jonathan.Godbout@osumc.edu
Research Focus
Dr. Godbout’s background is in biochemistry, immunology, and behavior with specific expertise in aging, neuroimmunology (e.g., microglia, astrocytes, and cytokines) and affective behavior (anxiety, sickness, depression). As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Godbout’s research has been concentrated in the areas of aging, neuroimmunology, and neurotrauma. Overall, his primary research aim is to determine the degree to which the bi-directional communication between the immune system and the brain is affected by age, psychological stress, and traumatic CNS injury. In addition, Dr. Godbout aims to delineate the mechanism by which inflammatory cytokine signaling causes long-lasting complications (e.g., anxiety, cognitive decline and depression).
Approaches
The Godbout lab uses rodent models of brain Injury (fluid percussion Injury), aging and social stress (repeated social defeat). Many approaches relevant to behavioral and cognition are used. In addition, the Godbout lab has have developed several novel approaches and techniques to determine the profile and dynamic properties of monocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These approaches include Flow cytometric evaluations, FAC sorting procedures, histological assessments, viral mediated gene delivery, and RNA analysis (nanostring, RNA seq, and scRNA seg)
Education and Training
BS: Cell and Structural Biology (With Distinction, 1996), University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
PhD: Biochemistry (1996-2001), University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
Post-Doctoral Training, Neuroimmunology (2001-2005), University of Illinois, Urbana, IL