b'EARLY CAREER RESEARCHER GRANTNThe Neurobiology of Suicide: Blood-Brain BarrierBreakdown as a Novel Suicide-Risk BiomarkerAlessia Mastrodonato, Ph.D.Columbia UniversityMentor: Mark Underwood, Ph.D.Columbia University$140,000Elevated levels of inflammatory molecules are found in the brains of suicide decedents, even though the brain is typically protected from such agents by a blood-brain barrier (BBB). Using a translational approach, researchers will investigate the BBB breakdown as a biomarker for suicide. By identifying the BBB genes in the brains of people who died by suicide and using a mouse stress model to examine cause and effect, theres an opportunity for exploring novel therapeutics to aid individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.33'