# Precision Medicine Approach:  Using genomic information to guide TBI treatment

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2021 · $106,214

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Concussive injury or mild/moderate TBI (mTBI) accounts for a large majority of the brain injuries in USA and
compromises neuronal function and cognitive abilities. The main premise of the parent grant is that gene
regulatory programs determine cellular functions such that scrutiny of large-scale genomic changes can reveal
clues to the molecular determinants of mTBI pathogenesis, including disease predisposition. Studies outlined in
the award are directed to use genomic analysis in cells as a tool to provide leads to the TBI pathology and guide
the discovery of therapeutic targets. We found that the receptor for thyroid hormone transporter in the brain is a
potential target for therapeutic interventions. Therefore, an important goal of the project is to investigate the
potential of thyroid hormone to be used as a therapeutic agent. We posit to examine the possibility that thyroid
hormone T4 treatment can activate gene regulatory mechanisms that control functionality of circuits in brain
regions important for processing of higher order information. Studies involved in the supplement (not included
in the parent grant) are directed to complement information about the action of T4 treatment to reduce the
pathology of TBI. Since a large aspect of T4 metabolism occurs in the body, we will determine how the action
of thyroid hormone in the periphery can modulate central mechanisms in areas associated with processing of
cognitive function such as the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Indeed, T4 is metabolized in the liver before
reaching the brain and the peripheral pathology of TBI can contribute to modulate the brain pathology. Dr.
Mercado will conduct research directed to determine how the metabolism of T4 in the periphery influences the
TBI pathogenesis in the brain, according to the scope of the parent grant. Given that a large portion of brain
lipids are metabolized in liver, we will assess the possibility that liver lipids can be a vehicle for the periphery to
influence TBI on brain function and behavior. Dr. Mercado will be trained in a myriad of new concepts and
techniques in the field of TBI. In addition, Dr. Mercado will be exposed to the elite neuroscience community at
UCLA and will participate in organized training programs for young investigators on the path to an independent
academic career.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10303991
- **Project number:** 3R01NS111378-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** Fernando Gomez-Pinilla
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $106,214
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-01-01 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10303991

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10303991, Precision Medicine Approach:  Using genomic information to guide TBI treatment (3R01NS111378-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10303991. Licensed CC0.

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