# Glucocorticoids in short- and long-term critical illness outcomes

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $390,000

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
 Because of the high mortality, morbidity, and health care costs associated with critical illness, identifying
biological mechanisms that can be targeted to improve critical illness outcomes is an important public health
priority. Glucocorticoid treatment has been frequently studied in critically ill populations and can improve short-
term survival as well as long-term mental health outcomes. Full realization of the therapeutic potential of
glucocorticoids in critical illness is hampered by gaps in our understanding of its mechanisms of action and by
glucocorticoid resistance, which limits its efficacy. Our future research program will focus on the theme of
glucocorticoid mechanisms relevant to critical illness, with three main objectives. First, our prior work led us to
hypothesize that glucocorticoids improve mental health outcomes by enhancing factual memories from the ICU.
We will test this hypothesis in a population of sepsis survivors from our hospital. Second, we propose a novel
hypothesis about the importance of brainstem glucocorticoid signaling in the maintenance of cardiovascular and
immune homeostasis. We will test the role of glucocorticoid receptors in this specific brainstem area in the
response to acute hypotensive and inflammatory challenges using the tools and skills that we have acquired for
neural circuit interrogation. Finally, we propose to test a novel strategy to improve peripheral and central
glucocorticoid sensitivity in collaboration with a new industry partner.
 Over the past five years I have positioned myself as a multidisciplinary leader across critical care,
endocrinology, and neuroscience. My laboratory’s experience in running a translational research program at this
interface will lead to the identification of specific, targetable mechanisms to improve critical illness outcomes.
Alongside these research goals, I will continue my work as a mentor for the next generation of scientists and
physician-scientists. Because of the translational importance of our work and the inclusivity of our environment,
my lab has become a sought-after environment for scientific trainees. During this funding period I will continue
to grow as a mentor and leader, cultivating a collaborative and diverse group that reflects and prepares the next
generation of scientists.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10932595
- **Project number:** 1R35GM154671-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Joanna Louise Spencer-Segal
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $390,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10932595

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10932595, Glucocorticoids in short- and long-term critical illness outcomes (1R35GM154671-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10932595. Licensed CC0.

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