Jonathan Godbout, PhD
Professor
Neuroscience
Academic information
- Department: Neuroscience
Research interests
- Neuroimmunology
- Microglia
- Macrophages
- Aging
- TBI
- Stress
About
Biography
My 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, my research has been concentrated in the areas of aging, neuroimmunology, and neurotrauma. Overall, my 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, I aim to delineate the mechanism by which inflammatory cytokine signaling causes long-lasting complications (e.g., anxiety, cognitive decline and depression).
Credentials
Education
- Postdoctoral
- University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
- PhD - Biochemistry
- University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
- BS - Cell and Structural Biology
- University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
Research
Research interests
- Neuroimmunology
- Microglia
- Macrophages
- Aging
- TBI
- Stress
Research 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)