Tran Lab

• Specializing in imaging neuronal, glial and vascular activity in the brains of awake, behaving animals.
• Employing advanced technologies and transgenic mouse models that allow us to selectively visualize cell-specific activity and manipulate cell-specific signaling pathway.
• Using an integrative approach to investigate the physiological and mechanistic basis of neurovascular coupling in both health and disease.
• Current focus on understanding the role of neuromodulators such as serotonin and norepinephrine in neurovascular coupling.

Cam Ha Tran, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Institute of Neuroscience with extensive knowledge of the neurovascular unit's impact on health and disease. Using an integrative approach, the Tran Lab examines the cellular communication between different members of the neurovascular unit and the role it plays in regulating blood flow control and the functionality of neural cells in the brain. Through their research, the lab aims to uncover potential targets for diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as stroke and dementia.

• Cam Ha Tran, Ph.D.: Principal Investigator
• Minkyung Kim, Ph.D.: Research Technician
• Nancy Horowitz: Research Assistant Professor

• Findings indicate that neurovascular coupling is behavior dependent, as the states of wakefulness, engagement and vigilance significantly alter neurovascular coupling.
• Demonstrated that sensory-induced astrocyte calcium ions (Ca²⁺⁾ elevations and functional hyperemia are strongly affected when serotonergic or noradrenergic signaling pathways are altered.

• Two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and intrinsic optical imaging
• Pressure myography

1. Integrated Cerebral Blood Flow Regulation.
   • Award: 1R01NS121543
   • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH) - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)