RESEARCH PROJECTS

Pyter on NIH Reporter: https://projectreporter.nih.gov/Reporter_Viewsh.cfm?sl=15EBCD0D4F8DC7D17598B8961CAA4A01A2FFCEB861BF

image created by Dr. Pyter’s son

Inflammatory mechanisms of gut microbiota effects on chemotherapy behavioral side effects (2022-2026; American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant)
Gut microbiome dysbiosis has been reported in non-oncological patients with neuroinflammatory and psychiatric disease. Here, we propose to determine the underlying mechanisms by which gut microbiota cause brain and behavioral changes with chemotherapy using translational fecal microbiota transplantation. 

“Microbiome” by Sally Cochrane, former research assistant

Chemotherapy-induced circadian master clock disruptions and fatigue (Primary Collaborator: Karl Obrietan)

Circadian rhythm disruptions are prevalent in cancer patients and are associated with reduced quality of life and survival. This project seeks to test the hypothesis that chemotherapy-induced inflammation inhibits the function of the master clock (suprachiasmatic nuclei) leading to fatigue.

Social determinants of chemotherapy side effects (Primary Collaborator: Erica Glasper)

Social support is a consistent and robust predictor of behavioral side effects of chemotherapy (e.g., cognitive impairment, fatigue) in cancer patients. This project seeks to determine the biological mechanisms by which social support attenuates fatigue after chemotherapy in a mouse model.

Tumor effects on brain microglia

Tumors outside of the brain can cause neuroinflammation within the brain, independent of cancer treatments, which has consequences for brain health and behavior. This project seeks to identify the role of microglia in this phenomenon.

DG courtesy of K. Sullivan

Count what is countable, measure what is measurable, and what is not measurable, make measurable.

-Galileo Galilei