Summary of Current Research

My lab is interested in understanding the changes that occur in the cardiac innervation following ischemia reperfusion (a heart attack). Alterations in the sympathetic innervation of the heart after myocardial infarction can trigger arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. These neuronal changes are not well understood, but blocking cardiac receptors for the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) can help prevent arrhythmias. We are trying to understand the molecular basis for these changes in noradrenergic function, investigating the regulation of neuronal proteins that synthesize, store, and remove NE, and the genes that encode them. We are also examining the induction of neuropeptides in the cardiac innervation following infarction, and how those peptides alter neurotransmission and cardiac function. Finally, we are examining the role of neurotrophins in post-infarct denervation and nerve sprouting. Cardiac nerve sprouting in humans has been directly linked to cardiac pathology and sudden cardiac death. We use a variety of molecular, biochemical, and histological techniques to investigate the regulation of these proteins and genes, using cell lines, primary neuronal cultures, and whole animal studies.

Recent Publications

Parrish, D.C., Gritman, K., Van Winkle, D.M., Woodward, W. R., Bader, M., and Habecker, B.A. (2008) Post-infarct sympathetic hyperactivity differentially stimulates expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and norepinephrine transporter. AJP: Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 294:H99-H106. 

Ewert, T.J., Gritman, K.R., Bader, M., and Habecker, B.A. (2008) Post-infarct cardiac sympathetic hyperactivity regulates galanin expression. Neuroscience Letters, 436:163-166.

Habecker, B. A., Bilimoria, P., Linick, C., Gritman, K., Lorentz, C.U., Woodward, W.R., and Birren, S. (2008) Regulation of cardiac innervation and function via the p75 neurotrophin receptor. Autonomic Neuroscience, 140: 40-48. 

Wehrwein, E.A., Parker, L.M., Wright, A.A., Spitsbergen, J.M., Novotny, M., Babankova, D., Swain, G.M., Habecker, B. A., and Kreulen, D.L. (2008) Cardiac norepinephrine transporter (NET) protein expression is inversely correlated to chamber norepinephrine content. AJP: Regulatory, Integrative, and Comparative Physiology, 295(3):R857-63.

Habecker, B. A., Sachs, H.H., Rohrer, H., and Zigmond R.E. (2009) The Dependence on gp130 Cytokines of Axotomy Induced Neuropeptide Expression in Adult Sympathetic Neurons. Developmental Neurobiology, 69(6):392-400.

Education
Ph.D. 1992, University of Washington
B.A. 1987, Spring Arbor College

Preceptor Rotations

Dr. Habecker has not indicated availability for preceptor rotations at this time.

Faculty Mentorship

Dr. Habecker is available as a mentor for 2009-2010.